Low total testosterone levels are considered a risk factor for sports injury in growing and adolescent female athletes

Abstract

(Objective) Low estradiol has been considered a risk factor for sports injuries, especially fatigue fractures, in female athletes, but in this study, we examined whether androgen deficiency is a risk factor.

(Methods) A study of 105 female athletes aged 8-19 years seen for sports injuries was performed to determine their endocrine status.

(Results) Fatigue fracture occurred in 36 patients and was not significantly different from the 69 patients with other sports disorders in terms of body composition, and endocrine status. In 68 patients (64.8%), the total testosterone was less than 0.19 ng/ml, the 25th percentile of that in healthy girls in the same age group who play sports regularly, but there were no significant differences in energy intake.

(Conclusion) It was thought that most of the growing and adolescent girls seen for sports injuries were with low estradiol, but there were many cases who were postmenarche, including those with fatigue fractures, and many cases with low total testosterone. However, since there were no differences in body composition or energy intake,it was speculated that the low total testosterone may be due to increased energy expenditure through sports.