Menstrual Dysfunction in Females Presenting to a Pediatric Sports Medicine Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the prevalence of menstrual dysfunction (MD) among injured female athletes presenting to a pediatric primary care sports medicine clinic and to examine the influence of type of injury (acute or overuse) and type of sports participation (i.e., lean build sports [LBS], non–lean build sports [NLBS], or combination [CBS]) on the likelihood of experiencing MD to recommend better screening practices for these athletes. Demographics and menstrual history were collected from females (10–18 yr) presenting with a new musculoskeletal injury, along with type of injury and participation in LBS (n = 156), NLBS (n = 243), or CBS (n = 92). Logistic regression models were used to determine the odds of MD, adjusting for age and body mass index. Of 491 females who met inclusion criteria for the study, 15.9% reported MD. Females experiencing MD were likely to be older at menarche (12.3 vs 11.9, P = 0.006), with a similar body mass index (P = 0.244). Female athletes experiencing an acute or overuse injury had a similar risk of experiencing MD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.40, 95% CI = 0.85–2.28). Females who participated in LBS were as likely as those who participated in NLBS to have MD (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.86–2.66). However, participation in NLBS or CBS tended to protect injured females from MD as compared with sole LBS participation (AOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.46–1.29), although the relationship was not statistically significant. MD is prevalent in adolescent female athletes presenting with musculoskeletal injuries; however, it is not associated with the type of injury or type of sport in which the athlete participates. All adolescent females presenting with musculoskeletal injury should be screened for MD.