Although estrogen is primarily produced by ovaries, it is also produced by the adrenal glands and in fat tissue. Young female athletes who train strenuously often find that their menstrual cycle shuts down. What would be a reasonable direct cause of this shutdown?
A) The increased need for ATP for the muscle cells deprives ATP for ovaries.
B) The increased use of ATP for muscles deprives ATP needed by the brain where the hypothalamus and pituitary control the menstrual cycle.
C) The cycle requires minimal threshold of estrogen and although the ovaries produce their regular levels, the loss of body fat would lower the estrogen level to below the threshold, thus shutting down the menstrual cycle.
D) Physical trauma to the ovaries themselves would shut down their estrogen production.
E) Less food would result in less hormone production.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The menstrual cycle requires a certain threshold of estrogen, and although the ovaries continue to produce their regular levels, the loss of body fat in young female athletes who train strenuously can lower the estrogen level to below the threshold, thus shutting down the menstrual cycle. This is known as exercise-induced amenorrhea. Options A, B, D, and E do not directly address the role of estrogen and its effect on the menstrual cycle.

Although Estrogen Is Primarily Produced by Ovaries, It Is Also