<p>I thnk the main issue/cause of missed periods in athletic girls is that they have a very low percentage of body fat. The cautions posted above are good (getting it checked ut by a doctor with experience in these issues), but this generally does resolve when the body fat goes up a bit.</p>
<p>and bone density is also an issue</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/site/free/hlsc0306.htm[/url]”>http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/site/free/hlsc0306.htm</a></p>
<p>With girls building most of their bone density in their teens, those who work with athletes are particularly concerned that the skeletons of some girls will never reach their full potential.</p>
<p>“Not being able to reach your peak bone mass can cause lifelong problems,” said Heidi Prather, DO, a physiatrist and associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis.</p>
<p>Agree with a lot of what has been said. CGM is entirely correct - it is good to be proactive about girl’s health. I can tell you from experience that some physicians will brush off “female” problems - and it is sometimes subtle. </p>
<p>I’m not trying to knock RedBallon’s parenting skills… just pointing out a facet of modern life. You can get enough calories these days, but not get proper nutrition. I’m a vegetarian but still want to make sure she’s getting enough meat. She should take a supplement, to be on the safe side. Her iron levels could be low (although I will leave this to the doctors to determine!). </p>
<p>As for being an athlete - there is a tendency of high school coaches to overtrain their athletes. While girls do develop faster than boys, their bodies can handle much more at age 20 (in college) than at age 16. I strongly suggest that you talk to her coach about reducing the intensity of her workouts. Her long-term health is far more important than athletic prowess.</p>
<p>Also, the days of three-sport athletes are, sadly, fading - there is a tendency to have year-round training. That’s too much for a high school student whose body is still developing. Consider having her take a season off or having a season doing a less intense sport, such as volleyball, sailing, the “field” part of track & field, or softball (please, guys, don’t attack me for this and say that the sports are intense - I’m sure they are, but not as much as some other sports).</p>
<p>Volleyball is the sport I’ve been involved with and it can lead to Female Athlete Triad. Year round, intense training. And eating disorders. sometimes coaches are too lowkey and hesitant to get involved unfortunately.</p>