As the twentieth century progressed, the female athlete became an accepted participant of sports at all levels. This article reviews various aspects of female sports participation. After an historical perspective, selected comments are provided on psychologic and physiologic aspects. Concepts of adolescent gynecology are reviewed, including breast and menstrual problems and pregnancy. Other areas reviewed include iron deficiency anemia, stress urinary incontinence, and sports injuries in female athletes. Content: • History • Psychology • Physiology • Children • Adolescents • The breast and sports • Exercise • Injuries • Breast pain • Breast asymmetry • Galactorrhea • Menstrual dilemmas • Menstrual physiology • Female athlete triad • Disordered eating • Osteoporosis and adolescence • Amenorrhea • Influence of menstrual cycles on athletic performance • Influence of oral contraceptives on athletic performance • Exercise and pregnancy • Iron deficiency anemia • Stress urinary incontinence • Injuries • Acknowledgements • References (Full text - if registered - under http://www.pediatric.theclinics.com/article/S0031-3955(02)00005-6/fulltext)
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