KNOWLEDGE OF HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES ABOUT THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD

In 1992, the American College of Sports Medicine coined the term ‘female athlete triad’ to describe the interrelationship between disordered eating, amenorrhea and osteoporosis. Subsequently, efforts have been made to increase awareness in the athletic community. This study surveyed 91 high school athletes (ballet dancers, N = 34; x-country runners, N = 57; age = 15 ± 1 yr) regarding menses, knowledge concerning the female triad, perception of unhealthy behaviors and susceptibility to future health problems like osteoporosis. Results indicated that over the past year, 61 percent of the subjects menstruated normally. A history of amenorrhea was reported in 20 percent of the athletes. Forty-one percent felt it was healthy and “ok” to occasionally miss a period. Seventy-one percent of the athletic cohort acknowledged their risk of developing osteoporosis but only about one-third were aware of the relationship between amenorrhea and osteoporosis. Twenty-seven percent of the subjects reported being told that weight reduction would improve performance. Also, 14 percent of the runners surveyed had participated in disordered eating patterns. These data suggest that the Female Athlete Triad continues to be a major health concern among physically active girls. Educational initiatives targeting those who work directly with female athletes (coaches, athletic trainers, and teachers) are essential for the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the female triad.