Low energy availability harms female athletes bones and hormones

Female athletes face a hidden danger when their energy intake does not match their activity. This imbalance, known as low energy availability, triggers profound disruptions in the body's hormone system. These changes are not just temporary; they can damage the very bones that support a runner or a swimmer. The review looked at 151 studies to understand this threat better. It found that menstrual dysfunction serves as a vital clinical barometer for these internal shifts. When estrogen drops, it disrupts the natural process of bone remodeling. This leaves the athlete vulnerable, especially in the lumbar spine. Site-specific skeletal vulnerability means bones can break more easily under stress. Body image overestimation was identified as a potent predictor of this energy deficiency. This mental struggle often leads to the physical cycle that harms health. Protecting the female athlete requires a proactive, multidisciplinary framework involving medical professionals, coaches, and families. Effective management must prioritize restoring energy balance to normalize menstrual function and safeguard long-term skeletal health. A significant correlation exists between disordered eating behaviors and the onset of low energy availability, creating a cycle that compromises hormonal integrity.