Female Gymnasts

Even though not an injury, another and very common health problem with female gymnasts can face is amenorrhea, which is the lack of menstrual period. Primary and secondary are the two types of amenorrhea a women can experience. Both of these types, are sometimes referred as exercise-associated amenorrhea and occurs when a women doesn’t have a regular period because she exercises too much and/or eats too few calories. “In order to have regular periods women need to consume a certain number of calories and maintain around sixteen percent body fat or more. If a woman has too little body fat the ovaries stop producing estrogen and the woman stops menstruating” (About Health). Gymnasts may put too much stress on their body and have an increased risk of amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is a serious health condition and can result in bone loss and long-term health consequences. If a gymnast stops having regular periods, they should inform a doctor and not ignore it. When treating amenorrhea early, bone loss and serious fractures may be prevented when aging in the …show more content…
There are many different reasons gymnasts may develop an eating disorder. Whether it is in one’s genetics or they just want to be like others on their team. Many girls in gymnastics may become doubtful of their own body and compare it to others. It is when they start to feel they want to change their body and don’t become aware of the serious risks it has against their body. Many gymnasts are small and powerful, but there are others who are a little bigger than others and are well capable of being in gymnastics. “ A sport so inextricably linked to small, firm, lean bodies is contrary to a womanly form defined by developing breasts and rounded hips” (Eating Disorder Hope). In many cases it has to do with the psychological being of one’s mind and how it reacts to certain situations. According to research, some certified coaches agree with