Research shows that many women strive to exercise for competitive and health-related reasons but may not be getting enough calories to support their exercise. Says a study published in the ‘Journal of the Endocrine Society’, exercising women, who struggle to consume enough calories and have menstrual disorders, can simply increase their food intake to recover their menstrual cycle.
The study, carried out by researchers of Penn State University, have found that exercising women with menstrual disorders can start menstruating again by consuming an additional 300-400 calories a day. By consuming enough calories, they can avoid complications associated with a condition known as the Female Athlete Triad. This is a medical condition that starts with inadequate food intake that fails to meet the body’s needs. It leads to menstrual disorders and poor bone health and is associated with a high incidence of stress fractures. Consult a nutritionist and speak with your trainer. The findings of this study will encourage healthcare providers to help exercising women with menstrual disorders, having too few calories, to eat more. This will help the women to be healthier athletes and avoid bone complications.