Women who exercise and struggle to consume enough calories and who have menstrual disorders can simply increase their food intake to restore their menstrual cycles, according to a new study. The study showed that sporty women with menstrual disorders can start menstruating again by consuming 300-400 calories daily.
“These findings may affect all women who exercise, as many women aspire to exercise for competitive and health-related reasons, but may not be getting enough calories to support their exercise,” said lead researcher Mary Jane De Souza, Ph.D. ., from Penn State University.
By consuming enough calories, exercising women with menstrual disorders can avoid complications related to a condition known as the Female Athlete Triad, De Souza said. This is a medical condition that starts with inadequate food intake that does not meet the body's needs. It leads to menstrual disorders and poor bone health. It is associated with a high incidence of stress fractures.
The study included 62 young women who exercised with irregular periods. Thirty-two women increased their calorie intake by an average of 300-400 calories per day, and 30 maintained their exercise and eating habits for the 12-month study. Women who consumed the extra calories were twice as likely to have their period during the study compared to the women who maintained their regular exercise and diet.
“This strategy is easy to implement with the help of a nutritionist. It does not require a prescription and avoids complications from drug treatment,” says De Souza.
