Why Care?
According to a study called “Psychological Aspects of Return to Sport for the Female Athlete” in the National Library of Medicine in August 2023, it was determined that female athletes face distinct stressors when compared with male athletes.
The article goes on to say: “these include sport inequities, violence, abuse, body image concerns, disordered eating, relative energy deficiency, family planning challenges, hormonal challenges, and mental distress. When combined with sports injuries, these stressors can negatively impact the mental health of female athletes as well as their injury recovery and return to sports.” (See diagram from this report)
Participants in women’s sports must acknowledge these stressors, and take measures to address them in whatever way works best for them.
The report also goes on to state that these unique complexities must be taken into account by medical professionals (e.g., orthopedic surgeons) in order to better serve their patients.
This site brings together resources and a community to help accomplish this.
The Iron Butterfly 