What Are the Dangers of Weight Lifting for Women?

• Weight lifting is beneficial as long as care is taken to avoid injury. Vicky Kasala Productions/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Weight training can be an effective way to tone and trim your body, as well as develop strength and muscular conditioning. It is also said to raise metabolism and mood. However, injuries are always a concern in weight lifting, some of which are associated specifically with women.

Menstruation

• According to The Pumping Station, some women who participate in heavy weight lifting combined with dieting and stress may experience what is called amenorrhea, or a failure to menstruate. This is not necessarily a sign of trouble, but women who suddenly fail to menstruate should see a doctor. Low body fat is also associated with amenorrhea.

Heart Problems

• The NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) reports that weight lifting has been known to cause a heart problem called aortic dissection in some people. This means that the aorta splits, and weight lifting can cause pressure inside the aorta's walls. If not treated, this condition could be deadly. According to NCBI, most people who experience this condition have a pre-existing heart issue called aortic dilation. The website suggests weight lifters have their hearts screened for this condition.

Injuries to Muscles and Joints

• Both men and women can experience injury when weight lifting, especially if they do not practice proper form. But these injuries can be avoided through education on how to properly perform the exercises, warming up, stretching before lifting and by not attempting to lift too much weight at one time. Knee and back injuries are the most common among weight lifters and care should be taken in these areas especially. The Pumping Station reports that women are at five to six times greater risk for tearing ligaments in knees. They also suggest that women do exercises specifically designed to help with posture.