Female athletes face different health challenges than their male counterparts. This new program focuses on their needs

Young women are more active in sports than ever – and more visible. Think Naomi Osaka on the tennis court or Caitlin Clark playing hoops. Colorado’s first-ever women’s professional soccer team, Denver Summit FC, just played its inaugural match on Saturday. And overall, young women’s participation in sports continues to increase. But female athletes face different health challenges than their male counterparts. They may grapple with painful periods, and experience body image issues or eating disorders at a higher rate than male athletes.   A newly formed team of doctors at Children's Hospital Colorado hopes to change that. The hospital’s Female Athlete Program transforms the way middle and high school girls train, compete, and manage their physical and mental health. That often means talking honestly about hormones. Dr. Lauryn Roth, one of the program’s founding physicians, specializes in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. She works alongside sports medicine physician Dr. Aubrey Armento.  They joined Erin O’Toole last November to discuss how the program works – and how their own experience as teenage athletes shaped how they now treat young women. We’re listening back to that conversation today. * * * * *Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!  Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner  Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.