Abstract

Recently the problem of menstrual irregularities due to intensive exercise (A.M.I.) has received much attention. The striking low body weight which appears to accompany these phenomena made some authors develop a hypothesis that supports a critical percent of body fat or body weight to act as a trigger for normal menstruation. In our opinion these women athletes appear to differ in many ways from anorexia nervosa patients. Though the cause and meaning of these hypo-estrogenic hypothalamic conditions are not quite clear to date, yet no indications are available that these phenomena should be regarded as pathologic. A principal role of endogenous opioid peptides has been suggested. At present it is however far too early to formulate any conclusive answer to these questions. Verf.-Referat