Menstrual dysfunction in athletes: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Menstrual dysfunction (MD) is typically presented as one or more of abnormalities associated with the cycle regularity, duration, flow and pain1 MD in athletes is largely a physiological manifestation of low energy availability, often associated with stress, weight loss and/or excessive exercise2 All forms of MD can have adverse implications on athletes’ health, injury risk and performance3 However, there is currently no published systematic review that provides a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to MD in female athletes