Menstrual Cycle Data Sheet

MENSTRUAL CYCLE DATA
Most girls and women derive significant health benefits from regular physical activity and can achieve
the same training effects as men which include decrease blood pressure, lower heart rate, improved
aerobic capacity and decreased body fat. These changes protect against heart disease. In addition,
weight bearing exercise promotes strong and healthy bones.
From 1972 to 2000 there has been an 800% INCREASE in the number of women of all ages
participating in sports, both at recreational and competitive levels.
Athletes, parents, coaches and physicians should be aware
that girls and women who exercise regularly and don’t
eat properly have the potential for menstrual cycle
dysfunction.
Sports that emphasize leanness, endurance sports,
and appearance sports have a higher percentage of
athletes with menstrual disorders.
Normal Menstrual Function
Onset of first menstrual cycle (menarche) is generally from age 11.5 to 12.5
Development of secondary sex characteristics usually occurs one or two years earlier
(pubic hair and breast development)
Normal cycles are between 21-35 days, average 28days.
Menstrual flow lasts 3-5 days
Primary Amenorrhea
NO period by age 16 or later
No development of secondary sex
characteristics by age 14
Secondary Amenorrhea
NO period for 3 Months IN A ROW after
menstrual periods have started
Oligomenorrhea
3-6 menstrual cycles per year
Interval between cycles greater than 35 days
Dysmenorrhea is the term used for a menstrual cycle with heavy flow and painful
cramps. Scientists believe that regular exercise may be beneficial in reducing these
symptoms.

How common is amenorrhea?
General population/Non-Athletes: 2-5%%
Athletic women: 1-44%
Consequences of Athletic Associated Amenorrhea
Osteoporosis
Premature vascular dysfunction
Infertility
Amenorrhea is associated with a deficiency of estrogen (similar to women in menopause)
Estrogen is needed to absorb calcium and deposit it into bone. Lack of estrogen can cause bone
demineralization leading to an increased risk of stress and other fractures. Athletic women may
have other menstrual dysfunctions such as infertility that only become evident with difficulty
becoming pregnant.
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Amenorrhea
59%
26%
12%
Ballet Run Swim
EXERCISE-ASSOCIATED AMENORRHEA IS DIAGNOSED WHEN OTHER MEDICAL
CONDITIONS ARE RULED OUT.
Major Causes
Energy Deficit (Calories OUT > Calories IN)
Disordered eating Restrictive eating
Emotional Stress
Low Fat/ Low Carb intake
Diagnostic Plan may include:
Laboratory Analysis
Dietitian Consultation with
3-Day food record
Resting Energy Expenditure
Meal Planning
Bone Densitometry
Psychological and emotional factors as well as stress can have an effect on menstrual function
In some sports, coaches and judges in addition to parents, place an overemphasis on body
composition and percent body fat creating an unhealthy preoccupation with body image.
Dr. Anne Z. Hoch
Director
Women’s Sports Medicine Program
(414) 805-7461