M.D. The female triad is one of the biggest medical concerns for all female athletes, no matter what their sport. Some of the consequences may not be completely reversible. As a result, early recognition, treatment and prevention are of paramount importance. What Research Has Shown The impact of the female athlete triad has not been recognized until recently.
More research is needed for many unanswered questions.
The incidence of menstrual dysfunction in athletic women is not uncommon. Diminished BMD in athletes with menstrual dysfunction has been confirmed in several studies. Diminished BMD as a risk factor for the development of stress fractures and premature osteoporosis has been well demonstrated in several studies. In studies of amenorrheic runners who spontaneously regained their menses, BMD increased significantly at first, then slowed, and four years later remained below the BMD of runners with normal cycles. Athletes are not immune to medical problems.