How are my Bones Affected?

Low Bone Mass

• Bones are dynamic; they are continually broken down and rebuilt
• The suppression of estrogen (from menstrual disturbances) disrupts bone growth and strength
• Poor bone health leads to stress fractures and osteoporosis

Risk Factors for Low Bone Mass

• Low body weight
• Inadequate Calcium and vitamin D intake
• Primary or secondary amenorrhea
• Insufficient food intake to refuel energy expended during exercise

The Triad and Bone Health

• Low energy availability detrimentally impact bone health
• When a person does not eat enough food to supply her energy needs for a healthy body, the energy needed to keep bones healthy is suppressed
• Hormones responsible for stimulating bone growth inhibited
• A loss in bone mass can result from not having enough energy in the body
• Can lead to stress fractures and osteoporosis