OVULATORY DYSFUNCTION IN HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: The practice of regular physical exercises brings numerous benefits in addition to when combined with adequate nutrition, which has been increasingly stimulated as a way of preventing chronic diseases, improving bone mass, acquiring adequate body mass index, in addition to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, more rigorous training regimens adopted by athletes in the reproductive period can cause hormonal changes, even stopping menstruation. By combining ovulatory dysfunction, low bone mineral density and an energy deficit, we have the female athlete triad. Objective: objective of the present study is to verify the prevalence of these physiological alterations in elite athletes in response to exercise. Methodology: To obtain a current analysis, a bibliographic review of the published works was carried out and inserted in the PUBMED, LILACS and SCIELO databases, crossing the keywords “amenorrhea”, “athlete” and “menstrual disorders”. As a result, articles were obtained that provide an overview of the latest updates on the topic. Results and discussions: Hypothalamic amenorrhea is one of the most common causes of secondary amenorrhea, and its occurrence is due to a defect in the release of the GnRH hormone, which leads to a decrease in the release of gonadotropins (FSH and LH). The final consequences of this process are important hormonal changes, which are manifested through severe hypoestrogenism. Menstrual dysfunctions, when associated with low body mass, low fat percentage and premature osteoporosis, can be indicators of the Female Athlete Triad (TMA). It can have short- and long-term consequences. In the short term, oligomenorrheic athletes have been victims of high injury rates, particularly stress fractures, and in the long term, those that become osteoporotic are at increased risk of fractures with their resulting morbidity, albeit at a young age. Conclusion: With the increase in the discussion about the benefits of sport, new conditions related to it have been increasingly studied. It is important to emphasize that the athlete’s training load should not exceed the normal functioning condition of the organism. According to the studies analyzed, information on the occurrence of amenorrhea and other menstrual disorders, accompanied by adjuvant conditions should gain more attention among health professionals in the sport and its practitioners. health consequences, and developing educational actions for target groups, such as coaches, coaches, parents, athletes, sports administrators and institutional authorities.