Osteoporosis is a silent, systemic disease of bone loss associated with an increased risk of fracture. Older, postmenopausal women are usually affected. However, it can also attack younger, seemingly healthy females involved in athletic competition. The latter are susceptible due to increased stress causing hormonal imbalance, poor nutritional habits, altered menstrual cycles, and over training.

The skeleton provides structural support for the body but also serves as the calcium bank. Bone tissue is dynamic, responsive to mechanical loading, hormonal fluctuations, and nutritional status. Bone is constantly being broken down and replacing/repairing itself, depending on stimuli/signals received. The amount of peak bone mass largely depends on its acquisition during the growing years (adolescence). After about age 25, bone mass begins to decline thus measures to build bone and prevent bone loss is of paramount to avoid the disabling consequence of stress or frank fracture.

Athletes are subjected to vigorous, intense training that provides the stimulus to build stronger bones. However, once a certain threshold is reached, the body's ability to make new bone lags behind the process of breaking down bone. After this occurs, bone mass declines and bone density thins out. This effect is accentuated if the diet is lacking in calcium and vitamin D, the main ingredient and its capacity to be absorbed into new building bone. Furthermore, the body will rob calcium from bone if not enough is detected in the bloodstream in order to regulate vital functions.

Female athletes who compete in sporting events requiring an aesthetic appearance or endurance athletes and those needing to be "thin" (for speed) are most at risk, especially if they also have an eating disorder. This, in turns can turn off the menstrual cycle and depletes the hormone estrogen, which is normally protective by inhibiting bone breakdown. The process of bone loss is then accelerated to the point similar to women going though menopause in midlife. The end result could be that a twenty year old female having bones as frail as a woman in her seventies!

Fortunately, osteoporosis is a preventable condition. Females in general and athletes in particular, should minimize risk factors contributing to bone loss. First and foremost, maximizing peak bone mass during the growth spurt is extremely important. This way, once bone loss begins, the relative depletion is not as marked since more bone still remains in the skeleton. Secondly, female athletes should consume an adequate/ appropriate amount/type of calories i.e. calcium and vitamin D (sources include milk and other dairy products) along with other nutrients. As a result, health is maintained and hormones are in balance. Additionally, they should also avoid over training to prevent excessive bone breakdown. Finally, these athletes should pay close attention to their body's menstrual cycle since this plays a big role in maintaining bone mass.