The Female Athlete Triad

hysical activity benefits health in many ways. But overzealous female athletes sometimes do harm -- especially when they don't eat properly or maintain a healthy body weight. Three interrelated conditions associated with athletic training, which jointly are called the "female athlete triad," account for the harm.
Eating disorders. Lots of female athletes engage in harmful eating behaviors. In order to lose weight or have a certain physique, they will binge and purge or severely restrict their food intake.
Amenorrhea. This condition is the late onset of menstruation in girls or abnormal cessation of menstruation in women. It can be caused by excess athletic training and weight fluctuation, as well as other factors.
Osteoporosis. This disease causes bones not to form properly or to lose their density. Osteoporosis puts female athletes at risk for stress fractures as well as more serious fractures of the hip and vertebrae. It's more common with amenorrhea.

Females who are at high risk are competitive athletes who
are pushed by coaches and family members to win at all costs.
exercise more than is necessary.
engage in an activity that requires low body weight.
don't have time to spend with friends because of too much exercising.

Symptoms include depression, fatigue, weight loss, stress fractures and irregular periods. If you or someone you know suffers from this condition, seek medical help.