Bone disease in female athletes

Lebrun, Connie

doi:10.1383/wohm.2006.3.4.165

« Previous Next »Women's Health Medicine
Volume 3, Issue 4 , Pages 165-170, 1 July 2006

Bone disease in female athletes

Connie Lebrun MD CCFP MPE Dip Sports Med is Director of Primary Care Sport Medicine at the Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic at The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. She is associated with the departments of Family Medicine, Surgery (Orthopedics) and Kinesiology at the University. She received her medical degree from McGill University in 1981 and completed a clinical fellowship in Sport Medicine from the University of British Columbia as well as a Masters in Exercise Physiology. Her research is centred on the female athlete, dealing with issues and concerns for the recreational to elite female athlete. She was a team physician for the Canadian Olympic Team in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Sydney, Athens and for the Winter Olympics in Torino.

Abstract

Regular exercise and physical activity have many health benefits for both females and males. In particular, weight-bearing exercise has a protective effect on the skeleton, and can even be osteogenic (stimulating to bone formation). However, achievement of optimal bone mineral density and regulation of bone maintenance depend upon a combination of mechanical, hormonal and dietary factors. Adequate hormonal status (oestrogen and progesterone), and sufficient nutrition (calcium, protein, and other bone-building materials) are essential. For young women with components of the Female Athlete Triad (such as disordered eating, amenorrhea and other forms of menstrual dysfunction), one or more of these may be lacking, and decreased bone density can result. With an effort to maximize peak bone mineral density in the young athlete and to preserve or restore gonadal function during the reproductive years, the complications of altered bone mineral density and frank osteoporosis can be avoided.

Keywords: bone , female athlete triad , osteoporosis , DXA , athlete , bone homeostasis