FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD

 Basic information

description

• Female athlete triad is a result of three related conditions. It can occur in females of any age, or athletic skill level. An athlete may have one, two, or all three of these conditions that make up the triad:
  • Energy deficit/disordered eating (imbalance between energy consumed [nutrition] and the energy expended during exercise).
  • Menstrual disorders (e.g., amenorrhea—no menstrual period for 3 months or more).
  • Low bone mineral density (e.g., weakened bones and osteoporosis).

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Weight loss.
• Fatigue (sometimes).
• Not having monthly periods or irregular periods.
• Young females may not start their first period.
• Stress fractures (bones break for no apparent reason).
• Injuries to muscles.
• Eating only small amounts of food. May overeat (binge) and then throw up or use laxatives (purge).

causes

Not eating enough food for the energy being spent. Muscles and bones soon start wearing down. Estrogen hormone levels decrease, causing problems with menstrual periods and loss of bone density.

risk increases with

• Compulsive exercising. Workouts become the most important part of life.
• Overly concerned with reaching goals or extremely competitive.
• Pushed by coach(es) or parents to lose weight for improved performance.
• Stress (emotional as well as physical).
• Activities where low body weights and thin body shape seem to be important. These include track and field, swimming, rowing, cycling, basketball, bodybuilding, ballet, figure skating, and gymnastics.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Don't skip meals.
• Maintain a healthy body weight for your height.
• Keep track of your menstrual periods.
• Do not over exercise or over train.

expected outcomes

Outcome will vary for each individual. With prompt diagnosis and early treatment, menstrual periods can return to normal, and further bone loss can be halted.

possible complications

• A decrease in athletic performance.
• Permanent bone loss and risk of bone fractures.
• Serious medical problems (can be life-threatening).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam. It may include a pelvic exam. You will be asked about your diet and any weight changes, your exercise routine, and menstrual-cycle history. Blood and urine tests and a bone density test may be done.
• Any injuries (e.g., stress fractures) will be treated first.
• You, your health care provider, your parents (important with adolescents), dietitians, mental health provider, along with physical trainers and coaches may all be involved in treatment plans. Your health care provider will monitor your progress on a regular basis.
• Treatment steps will depend on each person's needs. They will focus on lifestyle changes. These can include healthy eating, counseling, and modifying physical activities. Small changes may be all that is needed.
• Some may benefit from seeing a mental health provider for any stress or emotional problems.
• The treatment steps are not always easy and will take time, but female athletes need to make the changes to improve their overall health now and in the future.

medications

• Hormones may be prescribed to stop bone loss and to help regulate menstrual periods.
• Calcium and vitamin D are often prescribed.

activity

Try for a balance in activity levels that will still allow you to train, compete, and achieve your goals while not harming your health. Your health care provider and coach/trainer can help you make specific plans.

diet

It is vital to get adequate calories, protein, and calcium and eat foods you enjoy. Proper nutrition can enhance athletic performance. Consult a dietitian for help.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of any of the conditions that make up the female athlete triad.
• Symptoms don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: