The Female Athlete Triad
The female athlete triad is the term used to describe 3 separate medical conditions that may occur in young, healthy, female athletes. The conditions include disordered eating behavior(s), amenorrhea (abnormalities in menstruation), and reduced bone density. When a female athlete has inadequate nutrition and participates in exercise at high intensity, they require significant use of calories and there is a resulting deficit in energy. This sets in motion a chain reaction which is linked to changes in hormone levels. Low estrogen levels are associated with reduced bone density which results in a greater risk for fractures. The triad will not occur as a result of participation in sports or physical activity alone, but high intensity exercise can contribute to creating a potential environment for these changes to occur. At Capital area PT, we can evaluate, examine, and rehabilitate athletic and orthopedic injuries resulting from changes such as this. There are multiple factors involved which make treatment complicated. In working with a physical therapist one can get a specialized treatment plan and an individualized exercise prescription to help with recovery of current and prevention of future injuries.
Kate Pratt, PT, DPT
