Medical problems of adolescent female athletes.

Adolescent female athletes represent unique medical challenges. Although still limited, research and understanding of their particular problems has grown over the past 3 decades as female sports participation has increased dramatically. Despite concerns, however, exercise and athletic activity are safe and beneficial for girls and young women, and may help them develop positive attitudes toward self-image and body satisfaction. Several musculoskeletal injuries fairly common among female athletes may be related to structural development. Iron and calcium deficiencies are frequent nutritional concerns for these girls. Disordered eating, a phenomenon exhibited by many adolescent females, may not be more prevalent in athletes. Amenorrhea is a common problem for female athletes, and may contribute significantly to stress fractures and future osteoporosis. For these and other reasons, physicians must be aware of these issues to better help their female patients safely participate in athletics.