Amenorrhea is the loss of regular menstrual periods. It is a health problem among many active women athletes, who under-eat (either by choice or unknowingly) and have too little energy to support normal bodily functions like menstruation.

HOW TO RESOLVE AMENORRHEA
• Throw the scale away!
Don’t force your body to a weight that is too thin for your genetics.

• Stop eating when you are content.
Don’t stop eating just because you “think you should.” Eat at least every four hours, so you are well-fueled during the active part of your day.

• Eat adequate protein and calcium.
Include protein-rich and calcium-foods at each meal and snack. Dairy (or soy) milk and yogurt are excellent sources of both.

• Include fat in every sports meal.
Your body requires fat, as part of a balanced diet. “Good fats” include peanut butter, nuts, salmon, cheese and olive oil. They help absorb certain vitamins, reduce inflammation and provide fuel for endurance exercise.

DOES AMENORRHEA CAUSE LONG TERM BONE DAMAGE?
Yes! Amenorrhea will result in bone loss. Teens who resume menses can restore some, if not most, of the bone density lost during their months of amenorrhea.