Athletic amenorrhea primarily increases the risk of which condition?

Athletic amenorrhea is a condition characterized by the absence of menstrual periods in women who are physically active, particularly athletes. This condition often leads to decreased estrogen levels due to energy deficits often associated with intense training and insufficient caloric intake. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels are low, bone resorption can exceed bone formation, leading to a decrease in bone density and, over time, an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis becomes a significant concern for athletes who experience amenorrhea, particularly because they may not realize the long-term consequences of reduced estrogen on their bone health. This potential for lower bone density can result in higher susceptibility to fractures and other bone-related issues, emphasizing the importance of monitoring menstrual health in physically active women.

While conditions such as anemia, infertility, and obesity can also be concerns associated with athletic amenorrhea, the direct link between the hormonal changes induced by amenorrhea and the impact on bone health makes osteoporosis the primary risk condition.