Symptoms of Menopause are Also Widespread Among Elite Endurance Athletes

A recent study reports that menopausal symptoms are widespread among female endurance athletes, and many of these women believe that the symptoms interfere with their training and performance. The study was published in the open-access journal PLOS One by Heather Hamilton of Old Dominion University, USA, together with her colleagues.

Exercise Can Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

Regular physical activity is often associated with a reduction in menopausal symptoms, especially those affecting muscles, joints, and overall quality of life. This has the following effects, among others:

• Hormonal regulation: Exercise can mitigate fluctuations in hormone balance, thereby reducing symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
• Mental well-being: Exercise has been shown to help combat mood swings, irritability, and depressive moods, which can occur more frequently during menopause.
• Weight and metabolism control: Regular activity helps maintain a healthy body weight and counteracts age-related decreases in metabolism.
• Bone health: Strength and weight-bearing training strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Cardiovascular health: Exercise reduces cardiovascular risks, which increase after menopause.

At the same time, the symptoms associated with menopause can be obstacles to an active life and make it difficult for some women to participate in sports and structured exercise programs.

Certain Symptoms Interfered with Training and Competition More Often than Others

The research team surveyed 187 female runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes between the ages of 40 and 60. All participants were very active and exercised at least three days a week for a total of at least three hours per week. The women completed the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), a validated instrument for assessing menopausal symptoms, and also described how these symptoms affected their exercise routines and athletic performance.

The survey results showed that menopausal symptoms were widespread in this group of athletes. 88% of participants reported sleep problems, followed by physical and mental fatigue at 83%. Other commonly reported symptoms included sexual problems (74%), anxiety (72%), irritability (68%), depressive moods (67%), weight gain (67%), hot flashes (65%), and joint and muscle discomfort (63%). Certain symptoms interfered with training and competition more often than others. Joint and muscle discomfort, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and physical and mental exhaustion were most commonly associated with negative effects on performance.

Of the women who suffered from joint or muscle discomfort, 97% said it had a negative impact on their training, and 91% reported a negative impact on their performance. Overall, female athletes with more severe symptoms reported greater challenges more often, with about one-third saying that menopause had a moderate or severe negative impact on their training, and about one-quarter reporting a negative impact on their performance.

Remaining Physically Active

The authors point out that the cross-sectional design of the study and the lack of detailed demographic information limit the applicability of the results to other populations. Nevertheless, they conclude that menopausal symptoms are very common among female endurance athletes and that the severity of symptoms is comparable to that in the general population. Despite high levels of physical activity, the researchers emphasize that healthcare providers should address menopausal symptoms to help women remain physically active. The authors add: “We hope that this work will draw attention to a growing but under-researched population that is eager for guidance on how to manage the transition to menopause while continuing to participate in sports and physical activity.”