Yet everyday, thousands of women may be at risk of significant harm from their participation in sport. Girls and women who may consider themselves at the peak of health may, in fact, be in danger of severe injury, illness, or even death. Amenorrhea is not having a menstrual period for an extended time. Primary amenorrhea is not having a period by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is missing three or more consecutive periods once normal periods have been established.
Osteoporosis is abnormally low bone density, which increases the risk of fracture.
It is the responsibility of every female athlete, coach, parent, sport administrator, trainer and team physician working with female athletes to know about the Triad, its causes, how to recognize it, how to prevent it from occurring and what to do if it occurs. The causes of disordered eating are complex. External and internal pressures to be thin may cause the Triad to develop in an athlete. Coaches, fellow athletes, parents, judges, officials, the media, or others may encourage athletes to be thin because they believe this will enhance performance or appearance. Nothing could be worse for an athlete who is susceptible to disordered eating.