Abstract des Autors

We measured bone mineral density (BMD) in 25 premenopausal ultramarathon (56 km) runners aged 29-39 yr and related risk factors for decreased BMD with actual BMD. Fifteen runners who had never had oligo/amenorrhea (R) were compared with 10 runners (OA): 4 oligomenorrheic, 2 amenorrheic, and 4 with prior oligo/amenorrhea. Menstrual, dietary and training data were obtained. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS) and proximal femur (F) were measured by dual energy x-ray densitometry. Both groups had similar body mass, running and dietary histories. F BMD was not different and correlated only with BMI. LS BMD was lower in OA than R. Menstrual History Index (MHI), (estimated period/yr since age 13), was higher in R (11.6+/-0.6) than OA (9.4+/-2.1; P<0.01). LS BMD correlated with MHI and years oligomenorrheic but not years amenorrheic, parity, breastfeeding, diet, or training. In conclusion, in mature women distance runners low LS BMD is related to a history of oligo/amenorrhea regardless of resumption of regular menstrual cycles in some subjects. Not only amenorrhea, but also prolonged oligomenorrhea may negatively influence peak adult bone mass. Verf.-Referat