Does Supplemental Estrogen Improve Bone-Related Symptoms of Female Athlete Triad in Female Athletes? A Critically Appraised Topic.

Abstract

Clinical Scenario: Due to the Female Athlete Triad (Triad) being a 3-pronged syndrome, treatments can vary depending on the symptoms that clinicians focus on. With reproductive and bone health compromised, assessment and recovery methods include monitoring menstrual regularity and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. Low levels of estrogen have demonstrated negative effects on bone mineral density (BMD). Clinical Question: Does supplemental estrogen improve BMD in athletes with Female Athlete Triad symptoms? Summary of Key Findings: Supplemental estrogen does improve BMD with estrogen patches demonstrating increased improvement compared with oral contraceptive pills. Clinical Bottom Line: Restoration of regular menstruation, improvement of BMD, and ensuring optimal energy levels is the best approach for treating Triad symptoms. Transdermal patches are a new treatment option that address both menstrual function and BMD but still require further research. Strength of Recommendation: Available studies demonstrated a level 2 evidence for supplemental estrogen (oral contraceptive pills and estrogen patches) providing improvements for bone health related to the Triad.

• Authors: Elizabeth Hollenczer, Angelica Esposito, Erin M Moore
• Journal: Journal of sport rehabilitation (J Sport Rehabil) Vol. 31 Issue 2 Pg. 230-234 (02 01 2022) ISSN: 1543-3072 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34438363 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Estrogens

Topics

• Absorptiometry, Photon
• Amenorrhea
• Athletes
• Bone Density
• Estrogens (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Female Athlete Triad Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Humans