Bone microarchitecture is impaired in adolescent amenorrheic athletes compared with eumenorrheic athletes and nonathletic controls.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Bone mineral density (BMD) is lower in young amenorrheic athletes (AA) compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA) and nonathletic controls and may contribute to fracture risk during a critical time of bone accrual. Abnormal bone microarchitecture is an independent determinant of fracture risk and has not been assessed in young athletes and nonathletes.

Objective

We hypothesized that bone microarchitecture is impaired in AA compared to EA and nonathletes despite weight-bearing exercise.

Design and setting

We conducted this cross-sectional study at the Clinical Research Center of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Subjects and outcome measures

We assessed BMD and bone microarchitecture in 50 subjects [16 AA, 18 EA, and 16 nonathletes (15-21 yr old)] using dual-e

SUBMITTER: Ackerman KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3200253 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature