Bone Density and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Bone disorders are greatly observed in female athletics. In female sports the prevalence of osteoporosis is significant and getting worse. Osteoporosis in the female athlete triad to be exact. Osteoporosis is a conditions that is caused and directly linked to decreased rate of bone accretion in youths, hormonal deficits, diatary restrictions and lastly excessive exercise. This a great problem in female athletes low bone mass causes a greater risk of stress-related bone injuries. Low bone mass also can increase the likelihood of Osteoporosis and insufficiency fractures with aging.


The consequences of lost bone mineral density

Preventing loss of bone minerals

  • Premature osteoporosis

  • Permanent loss to bone mineral density

  • 30%-50% increase BSIs

  • Increase risk for stress fractures

  • Dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry evaluations in adolescent years

  • Measures of bone Microarchitecture

  • Establish life long bone health for women

  • Proper intake of calcium and vitamin D

Pathophysiology of Bone Loss

Both Osteopenia and Osteoporosis arise from improper or insufficient bone growth, excessive bone breakdown or both. Lowering bone mass in female athletes today is impacted by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Although most women that are affected present relative estrogen deficiency in premenopause and/or postmenopause. Estrogen is a large component in skeletal health as it can impact the skeletal homeostasis and bone mass development (BMD) as it can alter both a persons osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This can also have effects on the balance of bone deposition and bone breakdown. Estrogen can have an indirect effect on many other bone reforming hormones. These include; calcitonin, Parathyroid hormone (PTH), cytokines and overall growth factors.

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References


Barrack, M. T., Gibbs, J. C., De Souza, M. J., Williams, N. I., Nichols, J. F., Rauh, M. J., & Nattiv, A. (2014). Higher incidence of bone stress injuries with increasing female athlete triad–related risk factors. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(4), 949–958. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546513520295

Hobart, J. A., & Smucker, D. R. (2000, June 1). The female athlete Triad. American Family Physician. Retrieved December 10, 2022, from https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0601/p3357.html

MacKnight, J. M. (n.d.). Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Female Athletes. Retrieved December 10, 2022.

Mehta, J., Thompson, B., & Kling, J. M. (2018, April 1). The female athlete triad: It takes a team. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Retrieved December 10, 2022, from https://www.ccjm.org/content/85/4/313