Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
What are the consequences of the Triad? The Triad can affect every aspect of life. Nutrient deficiencies and fluid/electrolyte imbalance can lead to impaired performance, growth and mental functioning, and increase risk of injury. Long-term consequences may include loss of reproductive function and serious medical conditions such as dehydration and starvation. Ultimately this condition could result in death. When exercise becomes harmful. How can the Triad be prevented? Prevention should begin with nutritional, medical, and psychological education related to proper nutrition for a life-long healthy lifestyle. The athlete should surround herself with friends and role models with healthy body images and eating habits. She should keep track of her periods so she can monitor the number of days between cycles. Meals and snacks should not be skipped, and she should bring snacks during exercise and carry snacks around during the day. Foods containing protein and fat (nuts, cheese, yogurt) as well as carbohydrate-containing foods (cereal, crackers, pretzels, fruit, vegetables) are healthy choices. The athlete should be encouraged to visit a dietitian if she needs nutritional recommendations. Information for women, girls and their loved ones about a serous health concern: The Female Athlete Triad Disordered Eating Habits Loss of Menstrual Periods (Amenorrhea) Osteoporosis (Weak Bones) If you or someone you know has developed any of the above problems, talk to a physician, nurse, dietitian, athletic trainer, school counselor or coach. You may also contact THE Center for Disordered Eating for more information: Phone: (828) 337-4685 Email: [email protected] Or visit our website: www.thecenternc.org How is the Female Athlete Triad treated? Treatment must address all possible causes of the Triad, and should include medical, nutritional and psychological intervention. Counseling and education regarding proper eating for the amount of energy expended as well as activity modification are integral parts of the recovery process. Normal menstruation should be a goal. Brochure information courtesy of the Female Athlete Triad Coalition (www.femaleathletetriad.org) and the American College of Sports Medicine (www.acsm.org) Sports and exercise are great ways for girls and women to build strong, healthy bodies, self-esteem and a life-long love of physical activity. However, it is possible to exercise in a way that harms your health. The Female Athlete Triad is a serious health concern that has been identified among female athletes, particularly those in competitive sports. What is the Female Athlete Triad? The Female Athlete Triad refers to three interrelated health problems: disordered eating, amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods), and osteoporosis (weak bones). What are the risk factors? Any factor that increases the likelihood of disordered eating would be considered a risk factor: • Dieting at an early age Disordered Eating Habits • Participating in sports that have weight classes Sometimes athletes will attempt to lose weight in unhealthy ways, such as severely limiting food intake, counting calories and fat grams, or abusing laxatives or vomiting after eating. These methods actually impede performance because they result in dehydration, malnourishment, and unhealthy weight loss. In addition, they cause psychological difficulties including food/ weight obsession, depression and anxiety. • Participating in a sport that endorses the notion that loss of weight or body fat enhances performance • Disordered eating • Sport uniforms that are revealing • Cold hands and feet • Perfectionistic personality traits • Dry skin • Decreased eating with family and friends • Hair loss • Being surrounded by people who think that amenorrhea, excessive exercise and weight loss are “normal” or even “desired” characteristics of “good athletes.” • Absent or irregular periods Loss of Menstrual Periods (Amenorrhea) The athlete is already more at risk for loss of menstruation because of the physical demands of exercise. This risk increases if the athlete is not consuming enough calories to support the demands placed on her body. Her reproductive system may respond by producing less estrogen, resulting in infrequent or total loss of menstruation (amenorrhea). For the athlete who has not started menstruation, disordered eating can delay the onset of menstruation. Osteoporosis (Weak Bones) Because of decreased hormone levels, the athlete’s body will not be able to replace old bone cells with new healthy cells, leading to bone density loss. Poor eating habits will decrease amounts of calcium, vitamins and minerals the athlete is consuming, further decreasing bone density. Because of these factors, identification of disordered eating is more difficult in the athletic environment, which therefore increases the risk of the Female Athlete Triad. What are the warning signs? • Noticeable weight loss • Increased rate or delayed healing times of injuries • Stress fractures • Mood changes • Decreased ability to concentrate Is it normal for female athletes to stop having their period? It may be the “norm” in some sports, but it is never normal or acceptable. When menses stop, the body is saying that energy consumption is not meeting the body’s needs. If an athlete is over 16 and has not started menstruating, she should contact a healthcare professional. Lack of menstruation can inhibit normal development.