Female Athlete Triad Low Energy Availability, Menstrual Dysfunction, Altered Bone Mineral Density

Three distinct entities comprise what is known as the female athlete triad: low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and diminished bone mineral density. If there is caloric restriction, many of the body's metabolic and neuroendocrine processes shut down, leading to a state of oligome-norrhea or amenorrhea, which is most often the first recognizable presentation. There is a disruption in the hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis. Losing bone mass may increase fracture risk and sets the stage for early-onset osteoporosis caused by the associated hormonal imbalance. The cornerstone of treatment involves education and intervention from a multidisciplinary team.