Osteoporosis

What is the connection between female athletes and osteoporosis?

Regular exercise is an important part of preventing osteoporosis and improving overall health.

However, some sports such as gymnastics, figure skating, ballet, and long distance running tend to overemphasize the importance of low body weight and involve excessive training to a degree that can be unhealthy.
These young female athletes with very low body weights may be at risk for eating disorders (such as anorexia and bulimia), which along with the stress of exercise can lead them to stop menstruating (i.e., stop having periods or amenorrhea).
Keep in mind though, that gymnasts who have normal periods (eumenorrhea) have much higher than normal bone mass. Only athletes who develop menstrual problems are at significant risk for bone disease.
Not having periods (amenorrhea) causes a decrease in the female hormone estrogen, putting these female atheletes at higher risk for osteoporosis.
Female athletes who are experiencing menstrual abnormalities, eating disorders, or amenorrhea should see a physician for testing/treatment.

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Last Reviewed: Apr 13, 2006