Female athlete triad

Purpose of review: The purpose of this article is to provide some background and describe the three components of the female athlete triad. Recent findings: The three medical conditions within the female athlete triad are interrelated in terms of origins and associated results. Individually, these ailments can affect an athlete’s ability to perform and ultimately increase the risk of injury and possibly even death. Early recognition of the ‘triad’ can be accomplished by thorough risk-factor assessment and screening questions. A collaborative effort among coaches, athletic trainers, parents, athletes, and physicians is optimal for the recognition and prevention of the triad. Summary: In a time of expanding opportunities for young women, increasing participation in sports has been observed. Participation in sports has led to significant health benefits for women. Several medical disorders, however, have become more prevalent as the number of female athletes has increased. The female athlete triad, defined as the combination of disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis, was first defined in 1993. The young female athlete, driven to excel in her chosen sport, may be at risk of developing this potentially lethal triad of medical disorders.