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Questions and Answers
What is the main consequence of osteoporosis?
What is the main consequence of osteoporosis?
Which psychological issues are linked to the female athlete triad?
Which psychological issues are linked to the female athlete triad?
How does the female athlete triad affect organ systems beyond the skeletal system?
How does the female athlete triad affect organ systems beyond the skeletal system?
How does amenorrhea impact extended hospitalizations?
How does amenorrhea impact extended hospitalizations?
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What percentage of elite level athletes showed evidence of osteoporosis compared to control subjects?
What percentage of elite level athletes showed evidence of osteoporosis compared to control subjects?
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What has been identified as predictors of disordered eating behavior in individuals with female athlete triad?
What has been identified as predictors of disordered eating behavior in individuals with female athlete triad?
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How does severe osteopenia affect the risk of fractures in females?
How does severe osteopenia affect the risk of fractures in females?
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How do athletes with lower levels of energy availability tend to focus on weight control?
How do athletes with lower levels of energy availability tend to focus on weight control?
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Why do athletes with female athlete triad experience impaired athletic performance?
Why do athletes with female athlete triad experience impaired athletic performance?
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What is a common consequence for athletes with female athlete triad who produce less power and endurance during exercise?
What is a common consequence for athletes with female athlete triad who produce less power and endurance during exercise?
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Why is balanced nutrition and adequate energy supply emphasized for female athletes with female athlete triad?
Why is balanced nutrition and adequate energy supply emphasized for female athletes with female athlete triad?
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What aspect of women's health does female athlete triad affect from bones to psyche?
What aspect of women's health does female athlete triad affect from bones to psyche?
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Study Notes
Female athlete triad is a complex of three interrelated conditions—energy deficiency with disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased bone density—which often coexist among female athletes. This condition can have significant health consequences, affecting both short and long term well-being.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, leading to fractures more easily. In adolescent girls, this could lead to reduced growth velocity and stature. For both adolescent and adult females, severe osteopenia is associated with increased risk of vertebral fractures. Athletes who restrict their energy intake and engage in rigorous physical activity may experience accelerated cancellous bone loss, which can contribute to a higher risk of stress fracture. One study found that approximately 86% of elite level athletes had evidence of osteoporosis compared to 16% of control subjects.
Health Consequences
The triad has far-reaching effects beyond the skeletal system. Low energy availability and poor nutrient intake affect the function of multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and immune systems. Additionally, female athlete triad is linked to psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety, and binge eating disorder. Amenorrhea is also linked to an increase in extended hospitalizations due to medical complications.
Disordered Eating
Disordered eating patterns commonly occur in individuals with female athlete triad. Energy restriction, excessive exercise, and perfectionism have been identified as predictors of disordered eating behavior. In some cases, these behaviors may represent attempts to achieve an ideal body weight or improve athletic performance, but they can ultimately have negative impacts on overall health. Athletes with lower levels of energy availability tend to focus more on food restrictions, dietary supplements, and exercise for weight control purposes.
Athletic Performance
Athletes with female athlete triad experience impaired athletic performance. They produce less power and endurance during exercise due to limited oxygen delivery capacity and impaired muscular efficiency. These reductions in performance can impact their ability to compete effectively and increase susceptibility to injuries.
In conclusion, female athlete triad is a multifaceted condition that affects various aspects of women's health from bones to psyche. It highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and adequate energy supply in maintaining overall health, particularly for female athletes.
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Description
Learn about the female athlete triad - a complex of conditions including disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased bone density that affect female athletes. Examine the impact on bone health, overall well-being, and athletic performance.
