Bone mineral content and menstrual regularity in female runners

The relationship between bone mineral content and menstrual regularity in 10 amenorrheic runners (0-3 menses during the past year), 12 runners with regular menstrual cycles (10-12 menses during the past year), and 15 non-athletic women with regular menstrual cycles was investigated. Comparisons of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medicine and science in sports and exercise 1984-08, Vol.16 (4), p.343-348
Main Authors: Linnell, S L, Stager, J M, Blue, P W, Oyster, N, Robertshaw, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adipose Tissue - anatomy & histology
Adolescent
Adult
Amenorrhea - etiology
Body Weight
Bone and Bones - analysis
Calcium, Dietary - administration & dosage
Female
Humans
Menstruation
Minerals - analysis
Osteoporosis - etiology
Phosphorus - administration & dosage
Risk
Running
Space life sciences
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Summary:The relationship between bone mineral content and menstrual regularity in 10 amenorrheic runners (0-3 menses during the past year), 12 runners with regular menstrual cycles (10-12 menses during the past year), and 15 non-athletic women with regular menstrual cycles was investigated. Comparisons of the two groups of runners indicated no significant differences in body fatness, average weekly running distance, or average daily intake of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and Ca/P ratios. Mean bone mineral content for the three groups, measured by photon absorptiometry, was 0.508, 0.529, and 0.544 g X cm-2, respectively, at 3 cm distal radius, and 0.707, 0.700, and 0.707 g X cm-2, respectively, at one-third distal radius, indicating no significant differences among the groups (P less than 0.05). However, a significant relationship (r = 0.77) was noted between bone mineral content and body fatness only in the amenorrheic runners. Within the amenorrheic population, the five thinnest runners had significantly lower mean bone mineral content values at 3 cm distal radius (0.457 g X cm-2) than the five runners with higher relative body fatness (0.559 g X cm-2). We conclude, therefore, that amenorrhea, independent of body composition, was not related to reduced bone mineral content in female runners. However, the combination of excessive thinness and amenorrhea may, in fact, predispose female athletes to reduced bone mass.
ISSN:0195-9131
DOI:10.1249/00005768-198408000-00004