Effect of Frequent Weight Changes in Female Athletes triad of India-A Review

Abstract

The number of female athletes in the organized sports is increasing remarkable last 30 years worldwide. The female athlete triad is a condition seen with increasing frequency in young athletes and is characterized by the triad of amenorrhea/menstrual dysfunction, disordered eating and osteoporosis and either alone or in combination can cause severe pathologies. The triad is caused by an imbalance between total energy intake and total energy expenditure and can be associated with significant medical morbidity. It occurs very frequently in sports emphasizing a lean appearance. Early recognition and intervention of the conditions are essential. In between adolescent athlete, amenorrhea should be considered an indicator of the potential problem and should not simply be attributed to a consequence of training. The athletes should be evaluated for an underlying eating disorder and tested for osteoporosis and amenorrhea. The Triad may be inadvertent, intentional and psychopathological. Principles of treatment include reducing the intensity of training until menses resume, increasing caloric intake, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, encouraging weight-bearing exercise where appropriate, and consideration of hormone replacement therapy. Prevention, through education of the athletes, parents, trainers, coaches and administrator will help ensure the health and safety of adult female athletes.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199651579.2026.104-113