Factors Associated with the Development of Secondary Amenorrhea in Ballet Dancers between 16 and 28 Years of Age from the “Aleph Dance Institute” and the “Instituto de Danza Cubana” in Oaxaca, Mexico

Secondary amenorrhea is a disorder manifested by the absence of menstruation in women for three successive months, associated with a low body mass index, excessive training, and stress. This study aimed to identify the factors related to the development of secondary amenorrhea in ballet dancers between 16 and 28 years of age from the “Aleph Dance Institute” and the “Instituto de Danza Cubana” in Oaxaca, Mexico. The study design was descriptive and transversal. Thirty ballet dancers from the “Aleph Dance Institute” and the “Instituto de Danza Cubana” of Oaxaca City between 16 and 28 years of age were considered for the sample. The questionnaires “The LEAF-Q” and “Test of stress levels adapted from the CPP” were applied for information collection. 56.7% of the dancers were between 16 and 17 years old, while 43.3% were between 18 and 28. Only 5.9% presented severe stress levels. Forty percent practice ballet 10 or more hours per week, and 46% presented a low BMI. 52.9% presented symptoms associated with the appearance of secondary amenorrhea, with low BMI and excessive training standing out. Excessive exercise and poor eating habits are the main factors predisposing to the appearance of secondary amenorrhea since they lead to a low BMI and poor energy storage in ballet dancers.