BSC2086 Anatomy and
Physiology 2
What does amenorrhea in female athletes suggest about the relationship between body fat and
menstruation?
The presence of exercise-induced amenorrhea suggests that an s certain amount of body fat is
necessary for menstrual cycles. If body fat levels fall below some set point, it will throw the body out
of homeostasis and cause menstruation to cease in a woman.
High might exercise-induced amenorrhea affect pregnancy?
Because a woman lacking adequate body fat might not have the energy reserves needed to have a
successful pregnancy, the body counteracts this by turning of the ovarian cycle to prevent pregnancy,
which affects the menstrual cycle. When the body accumulates enough energy from the fat reserves,
the cycle will resume once again.
What are some health-related consequences of estrogen deficiency?
Estrogen deficiency can lead to infertility, vaginal atrophy and dryness, and as well as osteoporosis.
The lack of estrogen production can lead her to risk a heart attack later in her life.