Discuss in detail about Female Athletes Triad.

Female athlete triad is a syndrome in which anaemia, Oesteoporosis and amenorrhoea are present. It is simply known as ‘triad’. The triad is a serious disorder or illness with lifelong health consequences and can be very fatal. The symptoms of triad may include fatigue, frequent injuries, loss of endurance and power irritability, increased healing time form injuries, cessation of menstruation and low self-esteem etc.

1. Anaemia

Anaemia is usually defined as a decrease in the amount of red cells in the blood. It is identified as the most common medical condition among athletes. They may get feeling of fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of endurance, and weakness. A number of research studies show that athlete especially female athletes are often iron deficient or anaemic. Iron is essential for better performance, because its major function is to carry oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from all the cells of the body. Athletic anaemia may be caused by inadequate iron intake, less iron absorption, loss of iron through sweat (especially during long distance races), destruction of red blood cells, gastrointestinal blood loss and menstruation etc.

In fact, regular menstrual losses increase the iron needs of female athletes. By limiting or eliminating meat, eliminates some of the best available source of iron. In fact, iron from fruits, vegetables and cereals sources is not absorbed well as that from animal sources. Female athletes specially the long distance runners may loose iron through intestinal bleeding, sweat, urine and faeces.

1. Oesteoporosis

Oesteoporosis refers to the decreased bone material contents. It is a skeletal disorder. A reduction in bone mass may cause fracture. In fact, low oestrogen levels and poor nutrition specially low calcium intake can lead to Oesteoporosis which is one of the significant triad of female athlete.

There are various factors which usually lead to Oesteoporosis among women athletes:

1. Insufficient calcium in diet: The main cause of Oesteoporosis is intake of insufficient amount of calcium in diet. In fact, 100mg calcium should be taken in daily by a woman athlete.
2. Amenorrhoea: Women suffering from menstrual dysfunction or amenorrhoea for more than six months are likely to face Oesteoporosis because the secretion of the hormone called ‘oestrogen’ is decreased in those women. This hormone is necessary for absorption of calcium in our body.
3. Eating disorders: Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia etc. may also cause Oesteoporosis because there can be less amount of calcium intake. In fact, not getting sufficient amount of calcium can also have a lasting effect on how strong a woman’s bones are in later part of life.
4. Bad eating habits: Various research studies indicate that intake of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or smoking etc. may also lead to Oesteoporosis. Indeed these products have negative effect on the bone density.

3. Amenorrhoea

Amenorrhoea is a menstrual disorder in females in which females of 18 years and above either never began menstruating or there is an absence of menstruation for three months or more than that in females with a history of normal menstrual cycle. Amenorrhoea can also be defined as the cessation of woman’s menstrual cycle more than three months or more.

Types of Amenorrhoea

There are two types of amenorrhoea:

1. Primary Amenorrhoea: Primary amenorrhoea is characterized by delayed menarche which is the onset of first period during puberty.
2. Secondary Amenorrhoea: A women having her natural menstrual cycle at specific time and then stops menstruating for three months or more is said to have secondary amenorrhoea.

There are various factors which may enhance the chances of amenorrhoea. These factors are Hormonal changes, intensive exercises and intake of less calories.

Female athlete triad:

It is a syndrome in which eating disorder such as Anaemia, oestoporosis (decreased bone mineral density) and amenorrhoea are present. This condition is seen in females that emphasize leanness or low body weight. The Triad is serious illness with life long health consequences and can potentially be fatal. 

It is a medical condition where a body does not have enough Red Blood Cells or haemoglobin. It occurs mainly due to nutritional deficiencies especially Iron. 

Any long term medical condition can also lead to anaemia. 

(a) Less iron in diet. 

(b) Heavy menstrual periods are most common cause in women. 

(c) Pregnant women may also become anaemic. 

(d) Genetic defect (sickle cell anaemia) 

(e) Risk increases in old age. 

(f) There is high risk to become anaemic among those who are suffering from Kidney disease, cancer etc. 

Treatment of Anaemia depends on its causes and severity. 

(a) Iron deficiency anaemia is treated with change in diet and iron supplement. 

(b) Through medication and injections to stimulate bone marrow to produce more RBC. 

(c) Limit your activities until anaemia is corrected with iron therapy. 

(d) In case of severe anaemia, the person is hospitalized. 

It is a progressive bone disease that is characterised by a decrease in bone mass and density which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced. This is most common in women after menopause. 

There is higher risk of bone fracture or further disability. There can be sudden back pain and risk of falling. Because of fall there is increased risk of wrist, spine, shoulder and hip fracture. There is also a balance disorder and movement disorder. 

There is no cure for Osteoporosis. There are a few steps to prevent, such as by getting enough calcium and vitamin D. which are essential for bone health. Medication is advised only from an expert doctor. 

Amenorrhoea: It is absence of menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It is of two types-Primary and Secondary Amenorrhoea. In case of Primary Amenorrhoea, the menstrual cycle never starts (no menarche) and in case of Secondary Amenorrhoea, the menstrual cycle ceases or premature menopause occurs.

Causes of Amenorrhoea: 

(a) Insufficient eating, 

(b) Stress, 

(c) Weight loss, 

(d) Excessive exercises, 

(e) Induced drugs, 

(f) Lactational. 

Treatment depends upon the causes as well as health status of individual. It includes: 

(a ) Weight: Attaining and maintaining a healthy weight often helps balance harmone level and restores menstrual cycle. Overweight and severe underweight can affect menstrual cycle. 

(b) Stress: Reduce the things that are causing stress, asses the areas of stress and seek professional help. 

(c) Level of physical activity: Adjust physical activity level to help restart menstrual cycle. Maintain health, do not overstrain the body. 

(d) Birth control pills: or other types of hormonal medication may help restart the menstrual cycle. 

(e) Estrogen Replacement therapy ERT: It may help balance hormonal levels and restart the menstrual cycle in women. 

(d) There is 'surgical treatment for secondary Amenorrhoea.