Project 175414

Amenorrhea in physically active women is linked to an energy deficit caused by an energy imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. Leptin has been identified as a peripheral signal of energy status that regulates the hypothalamic centers associated with reproductive function. Premenopausal women with amenorrhea due to an energy deficit have suppressed leptin levels. The proposed project will test the independent and combined effects of leptin administration with increased food intake in exercising women with amenorrhea. This project will evaluate a clinical intervention that could reverse exercise-associated amenorrhea while maintaining body weight i.e., not losing weight. The reversal of amenorrhea will increase previously suppressed estrogen levels, and suppressed estrogen levels have been associated with bone loss and an increased risk of stress fractures. To date no study has administered a combination of recombinant leptin while simultaneously increasing caloric intake to improve the menstrual cycle, energy status, and bone health while maintaining body weight. This project will assist health care professionals in their efforts to improve and optimize reproductive and bone health in premenopausal women with menstrual cycle disturbances caused by an energy deficiency.