Exercise-associated amenorrhea: are altered leptin levels an early warning sign?
Although the exact cause of the female athlete triad (amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis) is unknown, recent research implicates leptin, a hormone that is secreted by adipocytes. Leptin may be an important indicator of nutritional status and may also play a role in reproductive function. Physicians who develop a plan for early recognition and treatment of exercise-induced amenorrhea now may prevent the more serious consequences of osteopenia and osteoporosis later.
Warren
Michelle P
MP
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA. mpw1@columbia.edu.
Ramos
Russalind H
RH
Bronson
Emily M
EM