[A contemporary view of athletic amenorrhea and its correction methods. (Literature review)].

Abstract

Amenorrhea of female athletes is a part of complex multifactorial syndrome - triad of sportswoman, components of which are eating disorders, menstrual disorders and low bone density, which are one of the manifestations of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) syndrome. There is a lack of studies on this pathology In Russian literature, that suggests a low level of awareness among female athletes and coaches about the importance of correcting this pathology and its possible complications.

Objective: To analyze the studies on the RED-S problem in sportswomen.

Material and methods: A review of studies in the Pubmed and RSCI databases on the problem of triad of female athletes and athletic amenorrhea was carried out. We analyzed 52 sources of literature devoted to own studies and consensus agreements on the RED-S problem.

Results: Correction of the sportswomen triad in its different manifestations should be performed by a multidisciplinary team, including gynecologist, endocrinologist, coach, dietician or nutritionist. The essential components of RED-S treatment are nutrition transition towards increased caloric value, correction of eating disorders, reduction of physical exertion, development of individual training programs, selection of certain exercises to increase muscle and bone mass and, in some cases, drug therapy strictly if medically required and with mandatory consideration of current standards of the anti-doping regulations.

Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and willingness of female athlete and coach to comply with all medical recommendations lead to a favorable prognosis: it is possible to normalize mental health, improve endocrine profile and metabolism. Prevention of the pathology involves in-depth medical examination, as well as regular medical check-up of female athletes.