Skip to main content
Log in

The psychological effects of secondary amenorrhea in women runners

  • Articles
  • Published:
Clinical Social Work Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological effect of secondary amenorrhea among women runners. Original data was gathered by conducting interviews—with amenorrheic and nonamenorrheic renners. All those interviewed reported that running improved their sense of selfesteem and feelings of adequacy. Some of the amenorrheic women indicated that the loss of mentruation was directly correlated to a loss of self-esteem, while others denied any adverse reaction. Brief social histories indicated a high degree of family psychopathology in the amenorrheic women runners. Those who sought psychotherapeutic help subsequently resumed menses.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Dale, E., Gerlach, D., & Wilhite, A. Menstrual dysfunction in distance runners.Obsterics and Gynecology, 1979,54:47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drew, F. The epidemiology of secondary amenorrhea.Journal of Chronic Disease, 1961,14:39–407b.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdelyi, G. Gynecological survey of female athletes.Journal of Sportsmedicine Physical Fitness, 1962,2:174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feicht, C.B., Johnson, T.S., & Martin, B.J. Secondary amenorrhea in athletes.Lancet, 1978,2:1145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V.,The doctor and the soul, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1955.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frisch, R. Harvard study probing causes of secondary amenorrhea in women athletes.Focus; Harvard Medical Area, Oct. 1979.

  • Purdy, J.G.Medical Science Sports, 1977,9:212.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shangold, M., Freeman, R., Thysen, B., & Gatz, M. The relationship between long distance running, plasma progesterone and luteal phase length.Fertility and Sterility, 1979,31:130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sours, J.Starving to death in a sea of objects. New York: Jason Aronson, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Comenitz, L. The psychological effects of secondary amenorrhea in women runners. Clin Soc Work J 11, 87–96 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755658

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00755658

Keywords

Navigation