Begin any new sport or exercise program gradually, and be sure to learn proper training methods. Women may begin sports and fitness training later in their lives than men. Bones and connective tissues need many years of training to be strong for vigorous activity. The risk for injury is high for female athletes who have not exercised consistently. They need to work themselves slowly into sports and fitness programs.
Overuse injuries are more common in females than males.
Stress fractures and disorders of the hip and knee are common. It is a shared relationship with eating disorders, menstrual problems, and stress fractures. It begins with severely restricted eating and intense workouts. Over time, a woman's body fat level may drop below the level necessary for the normal production of estrogen. Irregular periods or cessation of menses may occur.