In female athletes, the incidence of menstrual disorders is variable, and their impact on perceived stress and quality of life (QoL) is poorly known.The aim of the present study was to investigate the menstrual cycle characteristics and disorders in athletes performing different sports, also evaluating perceived stress and QoL according to their menstrual cycle features. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in nulliparous elite athletes of reproductive age, and the study population included 112 cases. Three questionnaires were administered on (1) gynecological health, (2) perceived stress scale (PSS), and (3) short form QoL (SF-12). A group of women not practising regular sport activities (n = 103) was used as control. Data obtained in elite athletes were also analyzed according to the static and dynamic component percentage of practised sports in 3 sub-groups. Athletes had a significantly higher incidence of irregular periods and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (p < 0.01) and a lower incidence of dysmenorrhea (p < 0.01) than controls. Furthermore, athletes had a better physical QoL (53.9 ± 5.9 vs 51.2 ± 6.0) (p < 0.05) but higher PPS level (17.3 ± 4.8 vs 13.8 ± 4.8) and a worse mental QoL (44.9 ± 9.9 vs 47.6 ± 9.0) (p < 0.05) than controls. HMB was associated with lower mental scores (39.7 ± .8.9 vs 45.6 ± 9.9) and higher PSS scores (19.8 ± .3.2 vs 17.0 ± .4.9) than those observed in athletes with normal bleeding. No difference was found in different sports regarding gynecological health, PSS level, and QoL. An increased incidence of HMB should be considered in elite athletes with increased PSS and impaired QoL.
Keywords: Dysmenorrhea; Female athletes; Heavy menstrual bleeding; Menstrual disorders; Perceived stress scale; Quality of life; Stress.