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What is Female Athlete Triad Syndrome?

By , SparkPeople Blogger
I first heard about Female Athlete Triad Syndrome a few months ago from one of the female running coaches at my gym. However, after doing my own research, I discovered this syndrome has been an issue for quite some time. I was surprised to read that the women suffering from this condition are quite athletic in nature and truly embrace their sport, many times to the point of obsession. While appearing to be the picture of health, these young women often lead a secret life of calorie restriction and over-exercising. In doing so, they believe this will give them an added edge to be the best of the best in their chosen sport.

So what exactly is Female Athlete Triad Syndrome? It is a disorder involving three conditions as a consequence of calorie restriction and over-exercising.
  • Eating disorders such as anorexia and/or bulimia or severe to moderate calorie restriction
  • Lack of menstruation (AKA secondary amenorrhea) due to low estrogen production
  • Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)

Research shows that 12-15% of elite athletes suffer from this condition; however, it is not unheard of in the general population, where it may affect as many as 5% of the normal active female population.

As with others suffering from eating disorders, low self-esteem and the need to be the best in their sport is what drives many of these young women to an unhealthy means of controlling their weight. And this condition is becoming more prevalent in young teens, especially those participating in competitive sports such as gymnastics, soccer, ice skating, and dance.

So who is at risk for the development of Female Athlete Triad Syndrome?
  • As mentioned earlier, any girl or woman who competes competitively in sports or dance
  • Young women who participate in sports where checking one’s weight is a factor (ie rowing and martial arts)
  • Young women who have overly ambitious parents/coaches who put too much emphasis on winning
  • Those who spend more time participating in their sport than they do with friends or participating in other social activities

What are the signs and symptoms?
  • Fatigue and a general lack of energy to perform even simple tasks
  • Weight loss
  • Lack of menstruation or irregular menstruation
  • Stress fractures even if there is no known history of injury
  • Anemia due to lack of proper food intake
  • And symptoms related to other eating disorders such as cold intolerance, eroded tooth enamel, and the need to eat alone

If this syndrome is not detected early enough, many of these young ladies could experience such complications as decreased serum estrogen levels, irreversible bone loss, and yes, even development of increased cardiac risk factors.

This syndrome, like any other eating disorder, should be approached with extreme care and immediacy. Getting help for these women and girls is essential to their success and requires an intervention by a doctor, behavior therapist, dietitian or all of the above.

Do you believe society puts too much emphasis on young women to be the best in their chosen sport, therefore causing them to be driven to such drastic measures? What about the pressure from parents and coaches? Have you ever suffered from this syndrome, or do you know of anyone who has or is currently suffering from this syndrome?