The Female Athlete Triad: Disordered Eating, Amenorrhea, and Osteoporosis

After completing this chapter, you should have an understanding of the following: • The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position stand on the female athlete triad. • The difference between disordered eating and eating disorders. • The progressive nature of menstrual disturbances in athletes. • Osteopenia and osteoporosis. • The interrelatedness of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. • Athletes at greatest risk for developing signs and symptoms associated with the triad. • The growing health concern of the triad for allied health professionals. • The general consensus regarding reproductive dysfunction in the female athlete.