Comparison of Menstrual Function Among Sprinters, Long Marathon Runners, and Non-Athletic Females

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to compare between sprinters and long marathon in menstrual characteristics and serum estradiol level.

Detailed Description
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Menstrual function and dysfunction conversations have long been stigmatized both in the general population and in sport settings (O'Flynn, 2006). However, Discussions of menstruation in the sport context often focuses on the impact of physical menstrual symptoms and dysfunction on activities such as training and sport performance (Bruinvels et al., 2016; Knowles et al., 2019). In addition, no study had been compare between sprinters and long-marathon runners in menstrual characteristics and estradiol level. Therefore, the purpose of this study to compare between sprinters and long marathon in menstrual characteristics and serum estradiol level.

Official Title
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Comparison of Menstrual Function Among Sprinters, Long Marathon Runners, and Non-athletic Females: An Observational Study

Conditions
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Menstruation Disturbances

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Evaluation of menstrual function


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Virginal females. Their age ranged from 16 to 19years. All females had the same socio-economic status. For athletic groups only: They have been starting the practice of sport at least one year before the onset of menarche. Exclusion Criteria: Females who had been used oral contraceptives or any hormonal treatment in the previous six months. Smoking. History of chronic disease. Having any psychiatric problems. For athletic groups only: injured females who were absent from training for at least three months.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 16 Years
Maximum Age: 19 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Sprinters<br>Sprinters | Other: Evaluation of menstrual function<br>* Evaluation of serum estradiol levels and menstrual history characteristics between sprinters, long marathon runners and non-athletes.<br>|
| Long marathon runners<br>Long marathon runners | Other: Evaluation of menstrual function<br>* Evaluation of serum estradiol levels and menstrual history characteristics between sprinters, long marathon runners and non-athletes.<br>|
| Non-athletic Females<br>Non-athletic Females | Other: Evaluation of menstrual function<br>* Evaluation of serum estradiol levels and menstrual history characteristics between sprinters, long marathon runners and non-athletes.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| serum estradiol level | Blood samples were obtained on the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle at 10.00 a.m. following overnight fasting and rest. The athletic females were instructed to refrain from performing strenuous exercise on the day of sampling. Blood samples were separated and stored at -80°C till analysis of serum estradiol levels. Serum estradiol levels were measured to evaluate the menstrual function. The manufacturer indicated the following reference intervals for healthy females: Estradiol 40-350 pg/ml. | 3 months | 
| Menstrual history characteristics | The age at menarche (in years), the number of menstrual cycles in the past year, and the length of menstrual cycles (in days) were collected through a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the menstrual status of each female participant. | 3 months | 
| Age of participation to sport | It was taken in years from each female athlete through a self-administered questionnaire. | 3 months | 
| Weekly training workload | It was taken in hours per week from each female athlete through a self-administered questionnaire. | 3 months | 
| Training experience | The training experience of the athlete was then calculated by subtracting her age of participation in sport from her chronological age. | 3 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Menstrual function, Serum estradiol levels, Sprinters, Long Marathon Runners, Non-Athletic Females