Edited by Dr. Giovanna Taranto
PEAK BONE MASS (BMD) ACHIEVEMENT
The peak of bone mass that a woman reaches during her lifetime occurs at the end of puberty up to the age of 30, after which it begins to decrease until the onset of menopause, at which time the decrease increases exponentially up to the age of 60. about, to then resume a slow but steady descent.
The higher the BMD peak, the longer it will take, with the onset of menopause, to become part of the high fracture risk group. Therefore it is important that during childhood and puberty the young woman maintains the conditions of health, nutrition etc. such as to reach the highest possible peak in bone density, also in relation to the genetic determinant.
In young athletes engaged in high-level sports, which require a great deal of physical and psychological effort to achieve the desired results, it is easy for the age of the menarche to move forward, and a delayed menarche can have negative effects on bone density. jeopardizing the achievement of peak bone mass. If, moreover, protracted imbalances of the reproductive axis are added, bone density decreases to pathological values and a high risk of stress fractures.
An inadequate turnover of bone tissue, also regulated by Estrogen, leads to a decrease in bone density (BMD: Bone Mineral Density) and, consequently, to disorders such as Osteopenia (Decrease in bone density compared to the norm with a T-score from -1DS to -2.5 SD) * and Osteporosis (more severe decrease in bone density with a T-score> -2.5 SD).
Fig. 3: the image shows a decrease in the trabeculae of the bone tissue between a normal subject and one with decreased BMD **
* T-Score: bone density index of the woman examined compared to the average of a reference population at a young age and not affected by pathologies.
SD = standard deviation
** Bone Mineral Density: bone density
HOW CAN YOU "INTERVENE?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms as early as possible is the key to minimizing damage.
The role of the people closest to the "athlete" in identifying the first symptoms and intervening with psychological support, perhaps on the advice of the family doctor, is fundamental.
In case of more advanced disorders, the ACSM (American College Of Sport Medicine) recommends the increase of the caloric intake and the reduction of energy expenditure under the supervision of a nutritionist assisted by psychotherapeutic support.
In severe cases, antidepressant drugs are also used, always under strict medical supervision.
Prevention by both the teacher / coach and the family remains essential to avoid stress so severe as to cause problems related to the Triad.
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Other articles on "Triad of" Female Athlete and Peak Bone Mass "
- Female Athlete Triad - Amenorrhea and Menstrual Disorders
- Triad of the female athlete
