Menstrual Health in Female Bodybuilders During Competition Preparation

Introduction: Bodybuilding is a sport of self-discipline and pushing the human body to the extreme limits, often accomplished with drastic training methods and supplement usage, which have the potential to be associated with severe health consequences. Various aspects of bodybuilding competition preparation, such as nutrition, exercise, and drug/supplement utilization, contribute to changes in female athletes' menstrual health. Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted in women of reproductive age who were 18 and older assessing various techniques used during competition preparation and their menstrual cycles. Results: Seven athletes completed the survey with the average weight loss during competition preparation being 6.4 kg. 42.9% of respondents reported using weight-cutting supplements and 28.6% reported using anabolic steroids. 85.7% of competitors had regular periods before competition and 57.1% experienced amenorrhea for at least one menstrual cycle during competition preparation. Discussion: These competitors had low caloric intake for a prolonged period prior to competition, had high energy output, used exogenous supplements for cutting weight/augment training, and often experience amenorrhea for at least one menstrual cycle following competition. Conclusion: While the sample size is limited, this study provides initial insight about an understudied population utilizing behaviors that have potential negative health outcomes when not conducted under the supervision of a healthcare professional.