What is a Female Athlete Triad?
Sports and exercise are an essential part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Women who play sports have many factors in their life that are more favorable to unactive women. They are healthier, are less likely to experience depression, and use alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs less frequently than females who aren't athletes. But for some, not balancing the needs of their bodies and their sports can have major consequences.
Some girls who play sports or exercise intensely are at risk for a problem called Female Athlete Triad . The female athlete triad is a combination of three conditions: disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. A female athlete can have one, two, or all three parts of the triad but when combined the female athleteis considered to have the female triad. Women athletes are often pressured to excel at their sport. In addition, they may be pressured to keep up a physical image. This can have serious consequences, which may lead to eating disorders.
