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Review
. 2022 Feb 1;29(1):44-51.
doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000690.

The female athlete triad: review of current literature

Jacqueline Maya  1 , Madhusmita Misra
Affiliations
Review

The female athlete triad: review of current literature

Jacqueline Maya et al. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Adolescence and young adulthood are a critical period in the life of women for optimizing long-term bone health. Young athletes lead a demanding lifestyle with increased dietary requirements to meet the robust demands of energy expenditure to maintain a state of energy balance. During a time of fast paced changes and unpredictable societal demands on young athletes, it is important to review the severe consequences of energy deficiency and options for adequate management.

Recent findings: This review focuses on hormonal adaptations that occur in energy deficient female athletes that lead to menstrual irregularities and impaired bone health, increasing the risk for stress and other fractures. We also describe management strategies to mitigate the consequences of limited energy availability on bone and other outcomes.

Summary: These strategies should help guide the management of young female athletes to prevent irreversible changes to their bone health. Identifying current knowledge should help increase awareness among medical providers, which can then be communicated to the sports community, parents, and athletes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: MM has served as a consultant for Abbvie and Sanofi and on the scientific advisory board of Abbvie and Ipsen.

References

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