Female athlete triad

Abstract

The female athlete triad (the Triad) is a syndrome describing the relationship between three components: energy availability, menstrual function, and bone health. The Triad can exist along a spectrum from healthy states to the severe diagnoses of eating disorder, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Short-term and long-term consequences of the Triad include stress fractures, infertility, and osteoporosis. These consequences can be prevented with early recognition and treatment by a multidisciplinary team. Screening for the components of the Triad is critical, and a series of questions about menstrual function, weight changes, eating behaviors, and bone injuries can help identify patients at risk. The Triad can be seen in any athlete but is more common in athletes participating in endurance, esthetic, and weight-class sports. The best treatment is prevention, but nutrition counseling and exercise modifications are the mainstays of treatment. A cumulative risk score can help guide clinicians on return to play and clearance of athletes with the Triad.