What is the female athlete triad and what are its risks?
The female athlete triad refers to three common health issues in active teenage girls: eating disorders, amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods), and osteoporosis or low bone mass. Eating disorders usually involve consuming too few calories, leading to extreme weight loss. Amenorrhea is caused by excessive exercise and low body weight, which stops menstruation and lowers estrogen levels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes bones fragile and more likely to fracture. To prevent these issues, teenage girls should ensure they consume enough calories and nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D, avoid being underweight, and seek medical advice if needed.