How common is Athletic Amenorrhea?
The incidence of amenorrhea is higher in some activities than others. For example, the occurrence of irregular menses is father high in distance running and ballet dancing, while much lower incidences are reported in swimming and cycling. Usually, the more intense the exercise program the more severe the menstrual irregularity studies show that the amenorrhea among the general population is 3% while amenorrhea among distance runners is 24%. A woman athlete should consult her doctor about menstrual irregularities, especially if she misses three or more periods in a row. The doctor will perform a physical exam in order to determine the cause of the menstrual irregularity. Diagnosis may require seeing a specialist who is more familiar with amenorrhea and its causes. Although this information may seem alarming, you should note that amenorrhea is reversible, and you do not have to give up your sport to reverse it. Treatment may be as simple as cutting back on the training program and gainin
