Explain the female athlete triad. Add its effects on performance and its prevention and treatment.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in two lines. The female athlete triad links low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction and low bone mineral density. Each runs on a spectrum from healthy to disease.
2 · Draw the triad. [Triangle or flow: low energy availability → hormone suppression → menstrual dysfunction → low bone density]
3 · Low energy availability.
EA = (intake − exercise energy) ÷ FFM.
About 45 healthy; below 30 kcal/kg FFM/day low.
With or without disordered eating.
4 · Menstrual dysfunction and bone. Low LH and oestrogen; amenorrhoea; bone loss, stress fractures, early osteoporosis.
5 · RED-S and performance. IOC 2014: wider health effects and male athletes; lower endurance, strength, concentration; more injuries.
6 · Prevention. Screening, education, no public weigh-ins, early referral.
7 · Treatment and nutrition link. Team care; raise energy intake or cut training; calcium 1000 mg (ICMR-NIN 2020) and vitamin D; snacks around training.
8 · Close in one line. Enough energy for training is the cure and the prevention.
Scoring tip: Show the EA formula with one worked line; then use 'spectrum' and 'RED-S' to show up-to-date knowledge.
