Other eating disorders are also associated with menstrual dysfunction. Therefore, the risk for decreased bone mineral density with resulting stress fractures and premature osteoporosis exists. Starvation can cause multi-organ dysfunction, difficulties fighting infection and injuries, and depression. In addition, if an athlete employs diuretics, laxatives or self-induced vomiting, the resulting electrolyte disturbances can cause abnormal heart rhythms and gastrointestinal disease. The most common cause of eating disorder mortality is suicide.
Psychological counseling is the cornerstone of treatment for eating disorders.
Eating disorder treatment begins with recognition. Once an eating disorder is recognized in an athlete, the treatment is multidisciplinary. Psychological counseling is essential for successful treatment. Evaluation of medical problems, with lab tests or an EKG, for example, and medical monitoring is also important. The female triad's effect on bone health is separate from the effects of menstrual dysfunction.