Female Athlete Triad

osteoporosis

a condition involving inadequate bone formation or bone loss most common in females decrease bone mineral density increased fragility/increased fracture risk exacerbated by intense and or repetitive impact loading

Step 1: Educate

educate athletes, coaches, and parents signs, pamphlets, guest speakers, dispel myths

determinants of BMD

gender race nutritional status activity levels body comp hormone levels

menstrual dysfuntion

increased exercise coupled with an eating disorder results in menstrual dysfunction primary medical concern of history of amenorrhea and eating disorders is a decrease in bone mineral density which can lead to osteoporosis

oligomenorrhea

irregular menstrual cycles that occur in cycles >35 days

Causes for FAT

Title IX= increased opportunities for women increased professional opportunities for women pressure to be thin and perform well

Step 3: Manage

Do NOT IGNORE symptoms or delay treatment refer the athlete to qualified team: team physician, psychiatrist, nutritionist UNLESS ATHLETE IS IN EMINENT DANGER, YOU MUST OBTAIN CONSENT

secondary amenorrhea

absence of 3 or more menstrual cycles following menarche common in college and high school athletes more common than PA

primary amenorhea

absence of menarche by age 16 prevalent in athletes who begin sport early in adolescent ex: gymnasts, ballet dancers, and distance runners

amenorrhea

absence of menstrual bleeding for >3 months

Female athlete triad

characterized by: 1) Disordered Eating 2)amenorrhea 3)osteoporosis characterized by ACSM in 1992

Step: Recognize

recognize your at risk athletes: ID at physicals perfectionist/ high expectations depressions/with drawls low self esteem

warning signs

signs of eating disorders preoccupation of food history of injury esp stress fractures perfectionist attitude cigarette smoking menstrual dysfunction