 | Refers to three distinct yet interrelated
disorders that are often seen in active women and girls |
| Prevention, early identification and
treatment are the keys to avoiding serious psychological and medical
problems |
| The whole team of health care
providers--physicians, athletic trainers, coaches and athletic
administrators need to be aware of the risk factors for and the signs and
symptoms of the triad |
| Amenorrhea is often associated with
decreased serum estrogen levels which leads to decreased bone mass and may
increase cardiac risk |
| Untreated, a woman in her 20s may end up
having the bone density of a woman in her 50s. Bone loss is presently
believed to be irreversible. |
| When the athlete is found to have triad
symptoms, care should involve a physician and a counselor. |
| Calcium is recommended at a level of at
least 1500mg/day when an athlete has amenorrhea |
| Hormone replacement therapy can be
prescribed to address the estrogen deficiency associated with the triad |
| The athlete must understand the necessity
of food for fuel. |
