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Contents
  • Exercise: Friend or Foe?
  • The Female Athlete Triad

Exercise, But Make It Balanced: Avoiding FHA

Exercise, But Make It Balanced: Avoiding FHA

The Big Picture

Exercise is great for health, but too much or too little can disrupt your menstrual cycle. Discover how to find the right balance to prevent functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA).
Contents
  • Exercise: Friend or Foe?
  • The Female Athlete Triad

Exercise: Friend or Foe?

While exercise has numerous health benefits, excessive training without adequate nutrition can be a risk factor for FHA. Female athletes, especially those in endurance sports, are at higher risk when energy expenditure outpaces intake. Balancing exercise with nutrition is key to maintaining menstrual health.

The Female Athlete Triad

The 'female athlete triad' is a condition that includes low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased bone density. Athletes with FHA often fall into this triad, showing how interconnected exercise, diet, and reproductive health are. Addressing these areas can help prevent long-term health issues.
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition where excessive exercise or inadequate nutrition disrupts menstrual cycles, often affecting female athletes.

FAQs

What is the female athlete triad?

It's a combination of low energy, menstrual issues, and low bone density.

Can too much exercise cause FHA?

Yes, especially if not balanced with proper nutrition.

How can athletes prevent FHA?

Ensure adequate caloric intake to match exercise levels.

What sports are most at risk?

Endurance sports like running and swimming.

Is FHA reversible?

Yes, by balancing energy intake and expenditure.

Wrapping Up

Striking the right exercise-nutrition balance is crucial for menstrual health.
Need help balancing exercise and nutrition? Consult Doctronic for expert advice!
Additional References
  1. Otis CL, Drinkwater B, Johnson M, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. The Female Athlete Triad. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1997; 29:i.
  2. Nattiv A, Loucks AB, Manore MM, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. The female athlete triad. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2007; 39:1867.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.