Title : Combined influence of nutrition and physical activity on reproductive health in adolescent and young adult women: Risks, benefits, and clinical implications
Abstract:
Proper nutrition during adolescence plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal somatic, hormonal, and reproductive development in girls. This period is characterized by intense biological changes that require increased energy intake and high-quality nutrients. Both deficiencies and excesses of these substances can lead to menstrual cycle disturbances, delayed menarche, and adverse effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. Low energy availability, resulting from insufficient food intake or excessive physical activity, may disrupt hypothalamic function and lead to menstrual dysfunction. Early identification of disordered eating behaviors and appropriate dietary counseling are essential for restoring menstrual cycles and improving gynecological outcomes.
In clinical practice focused on adolescent gynecology, increasing attention is being paid to improper eating habits, which may lead to both malnutrition and overweight or obesity. These conditions represent significant risk factors for endocrine and metabolic disorders that may impair reproductive function. A separate yet related issue involves eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Although primarily psychiatric in nature, these disorders have direct consequences for gynecological health in adolescent girls, leading to secondary amenorrhea, hormonal deficiencies, and long-term fertility issues.
Although excessive physical activity combined with energy deficiency may negatively affect reproductive health, regular and moderate physical activity has a beneficial impact on hormonal balance, ovulation, and pregnancy outcomes, including reduced risk of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. An integrated therapeutic approach that combines gynecological care with nutritional intervention and psychological support is essential for the effective prevention and treatment of developmental disorders in adolescent girls. Including both nutrition and physical activity in a holistic care model is key to promoting reproductive health from adolescence through early adulthood. Nutritional education aimed at young patients and their families plays a vital role in shaping healthy behaviors that support proper maturation and long-term reproductive well-being.
