Effect of a Moderate Aerobic Exercise Training Program on Ovarian Function

摘要

There is substantial evidence to suggest that estrogens play a key role in the etiology of breast cancer. Both cross-sectional studies of highly trained athletes and prospective studies of high intensity exercise training programs have found a higher frequency of anovulation, lower levels of estradiol and in some cases a shortened luteal phase length with associated lower estradiol levels among these women. However, little is known about the effects of moderate intensity exercise on ovarian function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between a moderate intensity exercise training program and ovarian function. Specifically, we aimed: (1) to determine whether changes occurred in frequency of ovulation as a result of a 6 month exercise training program, (2) to determine whether changes occurred in serum E2 levels in ovulatory and anovulatocycles in these women, and (3) to determine the luteal phase menstrual cycle lengths of these women as a result of the training program. We have completed data collection on 58 women. The analysis of this study will be completed as soon as the hormone analyses are completed.