ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the reproductive years; however, the physiology underpinning the other life stages. Breast-related issues such as exercise-induced breast pain and embarrassment can also affect a high number of female runners and represent a topical area of research in sports medicine. In the absence of hormonal contraception use, menstrual dysfunction and pregnancy, from menarche until perimenopause, release of LH and FSH is tightly controlled by the HPG axis, resulting in ovarian activity. Marked by significant changes to the hormonal profile, the female lifecycle can be broken down into infancy, puberty, the reproductive years, pregnancy, perimenopause, and post-menopause. Most women experience changes in the size and shape of their breasts at different stages of their life, affected by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, as well as the use of oral contraception or a hormone therapy.
