Amenorrhea in Athletes

Amenorrhea is the absence or cessation of the menstrual cycle in a woman of reproductive age. The disorder is further subdivided into primary and secondary types. Primary amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual cycle by the age of 15. If the menstrual cycle appears at puberty but subsequently ceases for more than 3 months, the diagnosis is called secondary amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea has several different etiologies. A hormonal interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries controls the onset of menstruation and the monthly cycle. ...