Osteoporosis in active women: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Erickson, S M; Sevier, T L · Phys Sportsmed · 1997

review · Level V

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Abstract

Insufficient estrogen can cause osteoporosis in young female athletes, like the 17-year-old runner described here, as well as in postmenopausal women, whose management is also detailed. The most common technique for diagnosis is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Prevention and treatment depend on a woman's age but may include increased calcium intake, weight gain, weight-bearing and resistance exercise, and estrogen replacement therapy. Alendronate and/or calcitonin may be used as alternatives to estrogen therapy.