Female+Athlete+Triad

Female athlete triad by Siobhan Sze

Female athlete triad (“The Triad”) is a syndrome which normally happens on figure skater, diver, long distance runner etc. These potential sufferers are characterized by having a low body weight. The Triad mainly consists of 3 elements, namely, Low energy availability, Amenorrhea and Osteoporosis.

Low energy availability is referring that the energy intake of the patients is not enough for covering their energy expenditure. Having a reduced net energy intake coupled with excessive exercising will result in leaving little energy for the body to spend on proper functioning such as proceeding through a regular menstrual cycle or conducting bone maintenance.

Amenorrhea is meant as the stopping of a woman’s menstrual cycle for more than three months, caused by abnormal secretion of female sex hormones. Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture. Induced by sex hormones deficiency, the Triad patients absorb less calcium and vitamin D which weakened the bone density.

Symptoms of the Triad may include disordered eating, noticeable weight loss, hair loss, cold hands and feet, increased chance of bone fracture and cessation of menstrual cycle. There are two ways for treating the Triad such as Multidisciplinary Approach and Pharmacologic Treatment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_athlete_triad