** Discuss this important topic with your doctor.** wellbody Focused on the healthcare of athletes |
wellbody Female Athlete Triad |
If the athlete is taking in less calories than are needed for the activity (sport)- then it counts as poor eating! While discussing Female Athlete Triad- we are not discussing eating from a variety of food groups, number of meals per day, or the amount of carbs versus protein or fat needed. Indeed this too is important- but for this discussion- we are simply discussing number of calories needed for the activity being accomplished! |
clue to weaker than expected bones may be a stress fracture. Not every athlete diagnosed with a stress fracture has weak bones--- but more than one stress fracture in an athlete should alert you to at least investigate. |
Females who have no signs of starting puberty by age 14.5 years or have not had their menses (first period) by age 16 or who have had their menses (first period) but stopped for over 3 months should discuss their "hormone health with their doctor |
| 1. Less calories in than calories needed- poor eating |
| 2. Weaker bones than expected - osteopenia |
| 3. Abnormal hormones for age |
Approximate statistics: 5% of the normal population has an eating disorder of some type. 60% of the female "at risk" sports has an eating disorder of some type - this includes dance, ice skating and gymnastics - other at risk sports include cycling and equestrian |
Some studies show 5 times more stress fractures in the adolescent population than just one decade ago. It is difficult to determine the cause- nutrition? increased training? harder skills? better diagnosing? |
In one study, women over sixteen years of age who were not having a menstrual cycle: 49% had a stress fracture occurrence While those who were having a normal cycle: none had a stress fracture doing the same activities. |
Calories eaten must be at least the same as Calories needed for the activity... and that is if the athlete wants NO growth and NO increase in muscle mass- which is NOT advised! Increased Calories help in: Immune system function Normal growth Attitude, attention, and memory Speed, strength, and recovery Bone health Skin and hair health |
If there has been more than one stress fracture, my recommendation is to get a DEXA bone density yearly- hopefully density increases each year by improving nutrition and bone health. Consideration of less common problems can be screened for including thyroid, kidney, and other bone problems. Calcium and Vitamin D can be considered. Carefully monitored strength training can be helpful- even in pre-adolescence- but it only helps the bones that are receiving training. |
Studies continue to debate the usefullness of hormone therapy- because weak bones in Female Athlete Triad is thought to be osteopenia (bone growth standing still, not gaining or losing), rather than osteoporosis (bone being lost), hormone replacement therapy does not help as it does in older women with weak bones due to menopause. Still, some doctors use hormone replacement therapy in young athletes in certain situations . |
Nutrition is the most important factor. In fact, even if hormone health is not optimal, bone health is still improved with simple good nutrition. |
You have the most bone mass at age 20 with the surge of bone growth from age 11-18. After age 30, bone density decreases 0.5% each year until menopause- when bone density greatly diminishes. If athletes do not have normal bone mass by age 20 due to Female Athlete Triad--- then the 0.5% bone loss each year will cause problems even more quickly. Women with Female Athlete Triad in their teens and twenties could be diagnosed with fractured hips and backs due to osteoporosis in their thirties and forties- rather than the expected age for osteoporosis- thought to be in the years 60's and 70's. |
Females with normal hormone levels have a better chance of reaching their maximum predicted height, have healthier bones, and overall improved health. |
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