Nutritional , physiological and menstrual status of athletic amenorrheic gymnasts

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 1998;2(2):59-70.

Abstract

This study was conducted with 12 athletic amenorrheic gymnasts to examine the body composition, diet, menstrual function. They had stature with 154.1㎝, weight with 46.6㎏ and the percent body fat with 16.1%. Energy intake(including snacks) was 948㎉ and energy expenditure was 2280㎉ showing negative energy balance(-1,331㎉). The average intakes of calcium, iron, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin did not met the Recommended Dietary Allowances for their age groups. Mean age at menarche in gymnasts is 15.8±1.2 years. The profile of estradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone was lower than age-matched controls. Athletic amenarrheic gymnasts(N=12) have the menstrual irregularity (N=10) and amenorrhea(N=2). A number of variables as such nutritional deficiency in diet, negative energy balance and hypogonadotropic hormonal status were included