Osteoporosis in Female Athletes

Abstract

Osteoporosis afflicts millions of women worldwide, but is especially prevalent among female athletes. The stress of intense workouts places these female athletes at a greater risk than the general female population. Absence or suppression of menstruation in female athletes leads to a low peak bone mass and subsequently to the weakening of their bones. This domino effect, coupled with their participation in physical activities, greatly amplifies their susceptibility to stress fractures. Although intense workouts cannot be removed from the regimen of female athletes, increased awareness may prevent or lessen the effects of osteoporosis. Enlightening female athletes on the importance of screening and the methods of diagnosing and treating this condition is the focus of this review.