What is Female Athlete Triad?
Female athletic triad is an umbrella term used for the simultaneous occurrence of mutually accelerating diseases like osteoporosis, amenorrhea and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa which constitute a triad.
Triad Factor 1- Disordered Eating
Disordered eating is one of the most prevalent constituent of female athlete triad. This may include anorexia nervosa or the fear of gaining weight and subsequent measures aimed at reducing weight like avoiding food, dieting, binging or purging. Bulimia nervosa is an inability to control appetite.
Triad Factor 2 – Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea refers to the irregular or absence of menstrual cycle. This results in a depletion of estrogen levels which adversely affect the bone mineral density in women. Usually athletes who undergo high intensity training are more vulnerable to amenorrhea. A low body mass index may also leave the athlete at the risk of amenorrhea.
Triad Factor 3 – Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease caused by a reduction in bone mineral density ,which leaves bones weak and thereby more prone to fractures. Depletion in estrogen levels and low calcium intake are the major causes of osteoporosis in women.
Risk Factors of Female Athletes Triad
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors include the pressure to perform well from teammates, family members and coaches. This may result in serious psychological problems like anxiety and depression. In aesthetic sports like skating and gymnastics the pressure to maintain low body weight is also a factor. In addition the athlete may be motivated by a desire to look good as well where low weight is a common, though misguided criterion.
Physiological Factors
Physiological factors contributing to female athlete triad include the high intensity training without adequate intervals of rest and lack of nutritious food. The decrease in calcium intake may be a precursor of osteoporosis. Similarly fluctuations in menstrual cycles which athletes often ignore result in depleted estrogen levels leading to a decrease in bone mineral density. It must be noted that athletes who have irregular periods are more at risk of the triad than others.
Symptoms of Female Athlete Triad
Some symptoms of Female Athletes Triad are:
- Weight loss
- No periods or irregular menstrual cycle
- Persistent fatigue
- Inability to focus on performance
- Recurring stress fractures
- Muscle injuries
- Preoccupation with dieting despite weight loss
- Inability to control appetite
- Using laxatives
- Brittle hair or nails
- Inability to cope with cold climate
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
- Heart rate irregularities and chest pain.
Prevention and Treatment of Female Athlete Triad
Prevention of female athlete triad involves a healthy approach to competition. Care should be taken to leave adequate recovery time. Self esteem is another area where the athlete should focus. She should realize that it has nothing to do with a low body weight. A healthy diet combined with a positive attitude to life and competition can ease the stress on the athlete. Seeking medical help in time is also a must.
Treatment of the triad involves the combined effort of the family, friends, nutritionist and a psychologist. Counseling can be done to restore the confidence of the athlete. Nutritious diet and proper intake of calcium are essential for the restoration of bone mineral density. Estrogen replacement can also be done.