An investigation of the relationship between body fat and secondary amenorrhea in collegiate atheletes

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between percentage of body fat and secondary amenorrhea in collegiate athletes. One hundred and five female athletes from five East Tennessee colleges and universities served as subjects for this investigation.

The subjects completed a questionnaire eliciting information on age, menstrual history, characteristics of the menstrual cycle, contraception and training schedule. Height, weight, and three skinfold measurements (triceps, suprailiac, and subscapular) were taken on each subject. Body density was estimated from the triceps and suprailiac skinfolds using the equation developed by Sloan et al. (1962). The percentage of body fat was then estimated from body density using the equation developed by Brozek et al. (1963).

No significant differences were found among the categories of menstrual functioning for either percentage of body fat or body weight (p > 0.05) . There were significant differences among categories of menstrual functioning for the work index variable (indicating the subject's total work), when percentage of body fat was controlled (p < .05).

This investigation does not support the theory that secondary amenorrhea in collegiate athletes is caused by their low levels of body fat. However, the results point out a need for further research into the relationship between the work index variable and menstrual dysfunction in collegiate athletes.