Abstract des Autors

There is no evidence that exercise causes amenorrhea. Women athletes should bereassured that a menstrual interval between 25 and 32 days probably reflects normal function. A menstrual interval between 20 and 60 days probably needs noattention in the absence of infertility. An infertile couple should consult a specialist. A woman should consult her gynecologist if her menstrual interval is less than 20 days or more than 60 days or if she has galactorrhea or intermenstrual bleeding. Medical attention is also warranted if menstrual irregularity developed in association with increased training. There is no evidence that any exercise-related menstrual problems are irreversible. Athletes menstrual dysfunction should be as comprehensively evaluated as nonathletes. It is dangerous to assume that a problem is caused by strenuous exercise. It is as inappropriate for a physician to casually advise a woman to abstain fromsports as it is to impose any other philosophical, moral, or judgmental attitude on her. Verf.-Referat