Hormonal
In female athletes engaged in sports emphasizing strength over leanness (e.g., swimming, rowing), reproductive dysfunction is characterized by hyperandrogenism (elevated DHEA-S) rather than hypoestrogenism, potentially due to adrenal axis activation or self-selection of high androgens for performance.
If you are a strength-focused athlete (swimmer, rower) experiencing menstrual irregularities, your hormonal profile may be different from endurance athletes. You may have elevated androgens (like DHEA-S) rather than low estrogen. This may be due to training effects on the adrenal glands or natural selection. Medical evaluation should distinguish between hypoestrogenism and hyperandrogenism to guide treatment.
A distinct hormonal profile characterized by hyperandrogenism rather than hypoestrogenism is associated with athletes engaged in sports emphasizing strength over leanness.
Why this rating
The paper notes this syndrome is 'less common and has been less extensively studied' and that future research is necessary to ascertain if it is genetic or secondary to adrenal activation.
Source
The effects of intense exercise on the female reproductive system
M.P. Warren et al. · Journal of Endocrinology · 2001
DOI 10.1677/joe.0.1700003
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