Female Athlete Triad

Rahul Kapur, MD and Alex T Fredrickson, MD Reviewed 05/2023

BASICS

Syndrome of three interrelated clinical entities: low energy availability (LEA) (with or without disordered eating [DE]), menstrual dysfunction (MD), and low bone mineral density (LBMD).

DESCRIPTION

DIAGNOSIS

The female athlete triad is a clinical diagnosis based primarily on patient history; screening for the female athlete triad at annual sports physicals or during routine exams and acute visit...

TREATMENT

A multidisciplinary team including a physician, registered dietitian, and behavioral health provider. Build open lines of communication with coaches, trainers, and family.
Cognitive behavior...

ONGOING CARE

Patients should have regular follow-up with a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Intermitten training: (2 weeks on, 2 weeks off) training may be a safe, enjoyable way to build strength with...

REFERENCES

Mountjoy M, Sundgot-Borgen J, Burke L, et al. The IOC consensus statement: beyond the Female Athlete Triad—Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Br J Spor...

ADDITIONAL READING

Williams NI, Koltun KJ, Strock NCA, et al. Female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency in sport: a focus on scientific rigor. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2019 Oct;47(4):...

CODES

ICD10

F50.9 Eating disorder, unspecified
N91.2 Amenorrhea, unspecified
R53.83 Other fatigue
M81.8 Other osteoporosis without current pathological fracture
M85.9 Disorder of bone density and structure...

CLINICAL PEARLS

The female athlete triad consists of low EA (with or without disordered eating), menstrual dysfunction, and low BMD.
Early intervention by a multidisciplinary team, including physicians...

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