The Female Athlete Triad primarily focuses on which three aspects?

The Female Athlete Triad addresses three critical interconnected components that affect the health and performance of female athletes: energy availability, menstrual function, and bone health.

Energy availability refers to the balance between the energy consumed through nutrition and the energy expended during physical activity. When female athletes do not consume enough calories to meet their energy needs, it can lead to a state of low energy availability, which significantly impacts the other two components.

Menstrual function is closely linked to energy availability, as insufficient energy intake can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). This disruption can have serious consequences for overall hormone health, reproductive function, and female athlete well-being.

Bone health is the third aspect of the Triad. A lack of sufficient energy leads to decreased bone density, which increases the risk of stress fractures and long-term osteoporosis. Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, particularly in female athletes who may be at higher risk due to factors like inadequate energy intake and disrupted menstrual cycles.

This triad highlights the importance of a holistic approach to training and health for female athletes, emphasizing that adequate caloric intake, healthy menstrual function, and strong bones are essential for optimal performance and overall health.