Female Athlete Triad Treatment Guidelines

The primary focus of treatment for the female athlete triad is restoring a healthy energy balance and menstrual cycle. This often involves addressing any underlying eating disorders, promoting appropriate weight gain, and adjusting exercise routines to reduce excessive energy expenditure. Hormone replacement therapy, including oestrogen and progestogen, may be considered for those with prolonged amenorrhea to protect bone health.

Recovery from the female athlete triad can vary widely, often taking several months to years, depending on the severity of symptoms and how early the issue is addressed. Recovery focuses on gradually increasing energy intake and, if necessary, reducing exercise energy expenditure through modified exercise.

In sports medicine, the female athlete triad refers to a syndrome observed in young female athletes where low energy availability (often linked to disordered eating), menstrual irregularities, and decreased bone density intersect. This triad commonly affects young athletes involved in sports emphasizing leanness or weight control, leading to energy deficits that disrupt hormone levels and increase the risk of fractures.