Features of the development of reproductive function in girls-artists of rhythmic gymnastics in Saint Petersburg

Background. In the modern world, professional sports are becoming increasingly popular. In St. Petersburg alone, there are 412 masters of sports, and throughout Russia this number is 6,847 people. Among women's sports, one of the most common types is rhythmic gymnastics. The training of gymnasts is characterized by a special approach: daily training for 5-8 hours, low-calorie diet with restriction of carbohydrate and fat components, high requirements for appearance, for example, for successful performances high height, pathological thinness and long limbs are necessary. Because of psychological pressure and pathological weight control, girls and their parents are under chronic stress, mentors convince children to lose weight all the time. Many gymnasts live with eating disorders and low self-esteem, and these problems accompany them into adulthood.

The features of puberty and the state of the reproductive system in adolescent girls professionally engaged in rhythmic gymnastics were studied.

Results. A survey of 100 gymnasts aged 12-25 was conducted at sports schools for children and youth. The questionnaire review was carried out using a Google form, which contained 50 questions about the specifics of nutrition and physical activity, health status, and the onset of menarche. It has been found that professional rhythmic gymnasts are characterized by delayed sexual development and skeletal maturation, menstrual cycle disorders such as polymenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, as well as primary and secondary amenorrhea, luteal phase insufficiency, anovulation, dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and in rare cases, juvenile bleeding. In adulthood, gymnasts may face pregnancy complications.

Conclusion. Professional rhythmic gymnasts are characterized by delayed sexual development and skeletal maturation, menstrual cycle disorders such as polymenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, as well as primary and secondary amenorrhea, luteal phase insufficiency, anovulation, dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding and, in rare cases, juvenile bleeding. And in adulthood, gymnasts may face pregnancy complications. The occurrence of these deviations is associated with a pronounced energy deficit during puberty in girls, which is caused by excessive sports loads and improper nutrition, namely low calorie intake that does not cover energy costs, as well as restrictions on carbohydrate and especially fat components.

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