Last week we discussed the trials and tribulations of low bone density and how it can lead to osteoporosis which is a cause for concern of fracture risks. Unfortunately, females are at higher risk for developing this condition, especially once they reach menopause. There is a specific female population that is even at higher risk for developing this condition as well as others. Females with eating disorders or female athletes who must maintain a low body mass are at risk for what is known as the female triad. It is a condition in which the individual experiences disordered eating, amenorrhoea, and the aforementioned low bone density which may lead to osteopenia or even worse, osteoporosis.

You can consider the condition as a chain of events. An elite female athlete who has specifically intense demands often restricts the amount of calories she is taking in. This effectively ensures that she maintains the weight required for her sport of choice. However, it INNEFECTIVELY ensures that she is receiving the proper amount of macronutrients required for the gruelling training regimen that she is participating in.

This lack of nutrition eventually leads to a hormone imbalance and decreased level of estrogen. This may lead to an irregular or complete lack of menstrual cycle known as amenorrhea. Although such an irregularity can be common in the younger years, it can become so severe that a female never has her period again. Younger females who chronically over train may even experience the misfortune of never having their first period altogether.

Then comes the latter of this dreaded chain of events. As we learned last week, weight bearing exercise which many of these female athletes may be partaking in is absolutely crucial in maintaining a healthy bone mineral density. However, the lack of nutrition and decreased estrogen levels ultimately override these benefits and cause an actual decrease in bone mineral density. Since osteopenia and osteoporosis both fail to show any warning symptoms, a female athlete may find out by means of a career ending bone fracture.

For the most part, recreational and female athletes will simply reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. However, females who put themselves under extreme physical demands must consider the potential long term effects. It's crazy to think of the seemingly unlimited health risks and how much they can even differ by gender. To all the females at Fanshawe College, I have the utmost respect for the physical challenges you all must face throughout the course of your lives. I love you all, God bless, and may good health be with you all!