Body composition, hemodynamic, and biochemical parameters of young female normal-weight oligo-amenorrheic and eumenorrheic athletes and nonathletes.
OBJECTIVE
Low-weight hypogonadal conditions such as anorexia nervosa are associated with marked changes in body composition, hemodynamic and hematological parameters, and liver enzymes. The impact of athletic activity in normal-weight adolescents with/without amenorrhea on these parameters has not been assessed. Our aim was to examine these parameters in normal-weight athletes and nonathletes and determine any associations with body composition, oligo-amenorrhea, and exercise intensity.


METHODS
We assessed vital signs, complete blood counts, liver enzymes, and regional body composition in 43 oligo-amenorrheic athletes (OAA), 24 eumenorrheic athletes (EA), and 23 nonathletes aged 14-21 years.


RESULTS
The BMI was lower in OAA than in EA. Systolic and pulse pressure and temperature were lowest in OAA. Blood counts did not differ among groups. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was higher in both groups of athletes, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was higher in OAA than in EA and nonathletes. Total and regional fat were lower in OAA than in other groups, and these factors were associated positively with heart rate and inversely with liver enzymes.


CONCLUSIONS
Athletic activity is associated with higher AST levels, whereas menstrual dysfunction is associated with lower total and regional fat and higher ALT levels. Higher liver enzymes are associated with reductions in total and regional fat.
Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass., USA.
Vibha
V
Singhal
Maria
M
de Lourdes Eguiguren
Lindsey
L
Eisenbach
Hannah
H
Clarke
Meghan
M
Slattery
Kamryn
K
Eddy
Kathryn E
KE
Ackerman
Madhusmita
M
Misra
D000293:Adolescent; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000150:complications*; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000886:Anthropometry; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D056352:Athletes; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult
D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase