Bone health and the exercising female

Abstract

Optimising bone health throughout the lifespan is vital for the prevention of osteoporosis and fracture. Exercise is one of the most important, modifiable determinants of bone strength, although high levels of exercise, particularly if coupled with energy deficiency and menstrual dysfunction, can lead to bone decrements in the exercising female. In this chapter, an overview of bone physiology is given, with a focus on how bone responds to loading through exercise, and to hormone and endocrine activity. The current evidence is reviewed and recommendations provided.