Association between prolactin and history of stress fracture in elite sprinters and jumpers

Abstract

Purpose Research related to stress fractures and the female athlete triad is abundant. However, since there is not enough evidence to support the risk factors for stress fractures is not sufficient. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factor for stress fractures and the characteristics of the laboratory data of them in eumenorrheic female track and field athletes competing at an elite levelMethods Eumenorrheic sprinters and jumpers competing at a national level were recruited. Bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, 25-OH Vitamin D, and hormones including prolactin and free testosterone were measured.Results A total of 84 high school and collegiate athletes were enrolled in the study, and among them, 33 athletes had a history of stress fracture after high school. Their personal background, bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, 25-OH Vitamin D, and free testosterone were not different between the group with a history of stress fracture and without a history of stress fracture. Prolactin was higher in those with stress fractures compared to those without stress fractures, and it was statistically different between the two groups (15.70 ± 10.59 ng/mL and 11.59 ± 5.06 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.019). Logistic regression analysis revealed that it was also a significant predictive factor for stress fractures (odds ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20; P = 0.023).Conclusion Prolactin may be linked to stress fractures in eumenorrheic sprinters and jumpers.