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Introduction: Female participation in sports had reached a milestone in 1972 when a constitutional amendment was implemented to ensure equal opportunities for men and women. Since then, the percentage of participants in competitive sports has grown. In 1992, an association was made between three disorders related to female athletes called the “Female Athlete Triad”. After that, much has been studied about this and other particularities of female athletes. Objective: To identify the professionals who follow-up Brazilian female Olympic athletes and the association between a multidisciplinary approach and athletes’ knowledge about gynecological issues related to the practice of sport, i.e., female athlete triad, urinary incontinence, and weight control concerns. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016, during the Olympic Games. It included 120 female members of the Brazilian teams. A self-applied questionnaire, validated and adapted from the pre-participation gynecological evaluation of female athletes, was used to evaluate their multidisciplinary follow-ups, weight control concerns, and knowledge about the Female Athlete Triad and urinary incontinence. Results: The athletes practiced 28 different sports. For 66%, it was their first participation in Olympic Games; 56% were unaware of the female athlete triad, 77% indicated weight concerns, and 52% were on a diet. The use of diuretics or laxatives or vomiting was reported by 11%; 67.5% were aware that sports are a risk factor for urinary incontinence, and 40% had already experienced urine loss. Decreased sportive performance was mentioned by 31%. Several athletes presented multidisciplinary follow-ups psychological (83%), nutritional (96%), and gynecological (83%). Conclusion: Brazilian Olympic athletes sought multidisciplinary follow-ups during the Olympic cycle; however, participants’ knowledge of sports-related issues remains limited. An orientation program regarding the above conditions is needed for female athletes and the professionals working with them to improve health and performance. Evidence Level IV; Cross-sectional observational study. RESUMEN Introducción: La participación femenina en el deporte alcanzó un hito en 1972 cuando se implementó una enmienda para garantizar la igualdad de oportunidades para hombres y mujeres. Desde entonces, el porcentaje de participantes en deportes competitivos ha crecido. En 1992, se estableció una asociación entre tres trastornos relacionados con atletas femeninas denominada “Tríada de la mujer atleta”. Posteriormente se ha estudiado mucho sobre esta y otras particularidades de las deportistas. Objetivo: Identificar a los profesionales que dan seguimiento a atletas olímpicas brasileñas y la asociación entre un enfoque multidisciplinario y el conocimiento de las atletas sobre los aspectos ginecológicos relacionados con la práctica del deporte: la tríada, la incontinencia urinaria y las preocupaciones sobre el peso. Métodos: Este estudio observacional se realizó en Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2016, durante los Juegos Olímpicos. Incluyó 120 mujeres integrantes de los equipos brasileños. Se utilizó un cuestionario auto aplicado, validado y adaptado de la evaluación ginecológica, para evaluar sus seguimientos multidisciplinarios, preocupaciones sobre control de peso y conocimiento sobre la Tríada y la incontinencia urinaria. Resultados: Los deportistas practicaron 28 deportes diferentes. Para el 66%, fue su primera participación en los Juegos Olímpicos, 56% desconocía la tríada, 77% indicó preocupaciones sobre el peso y 52% estaba a dieta. El uso de diuréticos, laxantes o emesis fue reportado en un 11%; 67,5% sabía que el deporte es un factor de riesgo de incontinencia urinaria y 40% ya había experimentado una pérdida de orina. Un 31 mencionó una disminución del rendimiento deportivo. Varias deportistas presentaron seguimientos multidisciplinarios psicológicos (83%), nutricionales (96%) y ginecológicos (83%). Conclusión: Las atletas olímpicas brasileñas buscaron seguimientos multidisciplinarios durante el ciclo olímpico, sin embargo, el conocimiento sigue siendo limitado. Se necesita un programa de orientación específico sobre las condiciones anteriores tanto para atletas como para profesionales involucrados con ellas para mejorar salud y rendimiento. Nivel de Evidencia IV; Estudio observacional transversal. RESUMO Introdução: A participação feminina no esporte atingiu um marco em 1972, quando uma emenda foi implementada para garantir oportunidades iguais para homens e mulheres. Desde então, a porcentagem de participantes competitivas cresceu. Em 1992, foi feita uma associação entre três distúrbios relacionados a mulheres atletas denominadas “Tríade da Mulher Atleta”. Depois disso, muito tem sido estudado sobre essa e outras particularidades das atletas. Objetivo: Identificar os profissionais que acompanham atletas Olímpicas brasileiras e associar a abordagem multidisciplinar e o conhecimento das atletas sobre questões ginecológicas relacionadas à prática esportiva, ou seja, tríade da mulher atleta, incontinência urinária e controle de peso. Métodos: Este estudo observacional foi realizado no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, em 2016, durante os Jogos Olímpicos. Incluiu 120 mulheres das seleções brasileiras. Um questionário autoaplicável, validado e adaptado utilizado para avaliação pré-participação ginecológica, foi utilizado para avaliar seus acompanhamentos multidisciplinares, preocupações com o controle de peso e conhecimento sobre a Tríade de Atleta Feminina e incontinência urinária. Resultados: Os atletas praticaram 28 esportes diferentes. Para 66%, era a primeira participação em uma Olimpíada, 56% desconheciam a tríade da mulher atleta, 77% referiram preocupação com o peso e 52% estavam fazendo dieta. O uso de diuréticos ou laxantes ou êmese foi relatado por 11%; 67,5% sabiam que o esporte é um fator de risco para incontinência urinária e 40% já haviam experimentado perda de urina. A diminuição do desempenho esportivo foi mencionada por 31%. Muitas atletas apresentaram acompanhamento multidisciplinar psicológico (83%), nutricional (96%) e ginecológico (83%). Conclusão: As atletas olímpicas brasileiras buscaram acompanhamento multidisciplinar durante o ciclo olímpico; no entanto, o conhecimento dos participantes sobre questões relacionadas ao esporte permanece limitado. Um programa de orientação sobre informações específicas sobre as condições acima é necessário para as atletas e profissionais que trabalham com essas para melhorar a saúde e desempenho. Nível de Evidência IV; Estudo observacional transversal.

Energy availability (EA) is defined the difference in energy intake and exercise energy expenditure. Reduction of EA (i.e. Low energy availability, LEA) often causes abnormalities of reproduction system and drastic bone loss in some female athletes, the phenomenon is called as female athlete triad. More than ever before, it is considered a serious problem, the reason of these are (1) the syndrome occurred in female athletes but also male athletes, (2) LEA is leads to dysfunction of various organs other than reproductive system (Relative energy deficiency in sport, RED-S). On the other hand, we have focused on this syndrome and have proposed novel insights into the physiological effects of LEA on bone and solutions through nutritional treatment by recreating it in animal models. In this review, we will summarize the epidemiological and physiological perspectives of these diseases from historical background to recent findings, and introduce the usefulness of using animal models to explore mechanisms and treatments.

Exercise is an osteogenic stimulus that should increase bone mineral density (BMD) and protect against injury. However, some female athletes have lower BMD and increased bone stress injury (BSI) risk. Impaired bone health seen in athletes may be explained by low energy availability as described by concepts of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Female Athlete Triad (Triad).To elucidate the relationship between RED-S/Triad risk factors and BSI to high-risk (femoral neck, sacrum) and low-risk (other) bones.Cross-sectional survey and retrospective chart review.Tertiary care academic center.Female athletes aged 15-30 years participating in ≥4 h/week of exercise presenting to sports medicine/orthopedics clinic who had a self-reported BSI and available dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of BMD.Not applicable.Location of BSI.In 127 athletes, high-risk BSI was associated with surrogates of low energy availability (p = .032) and having a DXA Z-score -1 (p = .035) but not a current/past history of menstrual dysfunction (p = .348). Accumulating RED-S/Triad risk factors increase the odds of incurring a high-risk BSI (p = .048).Adolescent/young female athletes who sustain BSI at high-risk sites (femoral neck, sacrum) may have underlying risk factors (eg, low energy availability, poor overall bone health) that should prompt further workup and referral to optimize health in these athletes.

In recent years, close attention has been paid to energy deficiency in professional athletes. More and more studies confirm the widespread prevalence of relative energy deficiency syndrome in sports and its relationship with various pathological conditions that lead to a decrease in the level of athletic performance. Nowadays the possibilities of early diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome are being carefully studied, and clinical protocols are being actively developed to facilitate the early detection of energy deficiency.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Adolescence and young adulthood are a critical period in the life of women for optimizing long-term bone health. Young athletes lead a demanding lifestyle with increased dietary requirements to meet the robust demands of energy expenditure to maintain a state of energy balance. During a time of fast paced changes and unpredictable societal demands on young athletes, it is important to review the severe consequences of energy deficiency and options for adequate management. RECENT FINDINGS: This review focuses on hormonal adaptations that occur in energy deficient female athletes that lead to menstrual irregularities and impaired bone health, increasing the risk for stress and other fractures. We also describe management strategies to mitigate the consequences of limited energy availability on bone and other outcomes. SUMMARY: These strategies should help guide the management of young female athletes to prevent irreversible changes to their bone health. Identifying current knowledge should help increase awareness among medical providers, which can then be communicated to the sports community, parents, and athletes.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) refers to a condition in which energy imbalance leads to impaired physiological function of multiple organ systems and expands on the diagnosis previously known as the Female Athlete Triad. Researchers attribute the medical complications of RED-S to low energy availability, in which energy availability is defined as dietary energy intake minus exercise energy expenditure divided by fat-free mass. This article reviews the history of this diagnosis, the changing terminology, and the reasons for the expansion. Accepted definitions of each part of the energy availability equation are considered and the difficulties that exist using these equations in practice or comparatively in the literature are assessed. The review analyzes the broad spectrum of health consequences of RED-S, especially as it relates to hypoestrogenemia and menstrual function, gives guidance to those caring for athletes on the identification and management of RED-S, and sheds lights on the important role of coaches, athletic trainers, and families in recognizing this diagnosis and in helping getting patients to care.

Endurance athletes expend large amounts of energy in prolonged high-intensity exercise and, due to the weight-sensitive nature of most endurance sports, often practice periods of dietary restriction. The Female Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport models consider endurance athletes at high-risk for suffering from low energy availability and associated health complications, including an increased chance of bone stress injury. Several studies have examined the effects of low energy availability on various parameters of bone structure and markers of bone (re)modelling; however, there are differences in findings and research methods and critical summaries are lacking. It is difficult for athletes to reduce energy expenditure or increase energy intake (to restore energy availability) in an environment where performance is a priority. Development of an alternative tool to help protect bone health would be beneficial. High-impact exercise can be highly osteogenic and energy efficient; however, at present, it is rarely utilized to promote bone health in endurance athletes. Therefore, with a view to reducing the prevalence of bone stress injury, the objectives of this review are to evaluate the effects of low energy availability on bone health in endurance athletes and explore whether a high-impact exercise intervention may help to prevent those effects from occurring.

The female athlete triad (triad) is prevalent among aesthetic athletes, including dancers. However, there is limited research regarding triad knowledge or triad educational interventions among collegiate dancers. This study was intended to help correct that shortage. Participants (N = 24) completed two questionnaires: one assessed demographics, triad risk, and disordered eating (DE) risk; the other measured triad knowledge before and after viewing a 10-minute triad video. Twenty-seven percent of participants were found to be at risk for DE, 27% were at risk for the triad, and 8% were at risk for both. Significant improvements in triad knowledge were observed following the educational video; 4.08 ± 1.83 pre-intervention to 6.75 ± 0.09 post-intervention out of a possible 7, p < 0.001. There were no differences in triad knowledge when comparing freshmen and sophomores to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. This research confirms that triad education should be a continuous component of collegiate dancers' curricula to promote their overall health and wellness, and that the triad video can be an effective educational tool for supporting that goal.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of female athlete triad risk factors among female international volunteers based on the development and income status of their country of service. A total of 2164 past volunteers completed a retrospective survey. Countries’ income and development statuses were coded using the respective annual United Nations World Economic Situations and Prospects reports. Independent t-tests, ANOVAs, and Pearson’s Chi-Squared tests were used to assess group differences; corresponding odds ratios were calculated. Volunteers in nondeveloped (OR = 2.25, CI = 1.85–2.75) and non-high-income (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.75–2.70) countries had over twice the odds of experiencing secondary amenorrhea. More volunteers who served in nondeveloped countries reported an increase in exercise while serving (p = 0.005). Those who served in a nondeveloped (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.16–1.98) or non-high-income (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.08–1.94) country had higher odds of weight loss. However, volunteers serving in nondeveloped (OR = 0.52, CI = 0.44–0.63) and non-high-income (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.4–0.61) countries were less likely to report food insecurity compared to those in developed and high-income countries. Bone mineral density was within the expected range regardless of income and development status. Female volunteers who served in nondeveloped and non-high-income countries experienced higher odds of secondary amenorrhea, which was likely influenced by an increase in exercise and higher odds of weight loss.

Background: Kayaking is a high intensity sport that demands high levels of aerobic and anaerobic capacity as well as a great deal of strength and endurance. The aim of this study was an assessment of the frequency of occurrence of early low energy availability symptoms using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire for women belonging to the Polish national kayaking team. Additionally, quantitative measurements of body composition and levels of calcium were performed. Methods: The study involved 33 women who were competitors in the Polish national kayaking team. Results: An analysis of the results in terms of disorders in the monthly cycle in the tested kayakers found that only five competitors, approximately 15% of the entire group, had this type of problem. Between the participants who had disorders of the menstrual cycle and those whose cycle was normal, there was only a statistically significant difference at the level of p < 0.001 in relation to the age of the kayakers. Conclusions: The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire proved to be a useful screening tool, which allowed for the early detection of Female Athlete Triad symptoms in several young female kayakers from the Polish national team.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Female sports participation has long been diminished compared to male sports participation. This review contextualizes current findings in historical implicit gender bias. RECENT FINDINGS: The transition from the recognition of the Female Athlete Triad Syndrome to the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Syndrome (RED-S Syndrome) to the newly proposed Male Athlete Triad Syndrome demonstrates the power of implicit gender bias on sports injury research efforts, clinical practices, and policy decisions. Similarly, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have long been portrayed as a young female athlete injury, a perception which has affected the sports medicine world in a way that has resulted in both male and female athletes not fully benefitting from possible research and clinical advances SUMMARY: This review explores the history of female exclusion from sport and considers how modern sport and exercise medicine has, perhaps because of implicit gender biases, inadvertently contributed to that exclusion.

Physical activity (PA) increases bone mass and bone strength through different mechanisms and also reduces the risk of falls in the elderly, through proprioception and balance training. The benefits seen in adolescence continue into adulthood. Exercise delays and attenuates the effects of osteoporosis, and particular sports activities may be recommended to improve bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine or regional BMD, improve balance, and prevent falls. Stress injuries related to exercise are more common in osteopenic and osteoporotic individuals.Sports activity may in some cases be detrimental for bone health, with nutrition restriction a frequent cause for negative effects of the practice of PA on bone. The examples are the so-called female athlete triad of menstrual dysfunction resulting in reduced estrogen levels, low energy due to malnutrition, and decreased BMD. A similar triad is described in male athletes. This review analyzes the effects of sport on bone metabolism and in particular its relationship with metabolic bone disease.

ContextLimited information exists about health patterns among female rowers at the collegiate level. Furthermore, the element of weight class (lightweights classified as ObjectiveTo test the hypotheses that (1) components of the female athlete triad were more prevalent in lightweight than in openweight rowers; (2) perceived stress levels were greater in lightweight than in openweight rowers; and (3) rowers who were unable to row due to injury had greater perceived stress levels than uninjured athletes.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTwelve collegiate women's rowing programs consisting of 6 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I openweight and 6 Intercollegiate Rowing Association–level lightweight teams.Patients or Other ParticipantsA total of 158 female collegiate rowers (78 lightweight, 80 openweight).Main Outcome Measure(s)An electronic survey addressing injury history, diet and eating habits and body image (according to the triad screening questionnaire), stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale), and athlete identity (Athlete Identity Measurement Scale) was administered.ResultsLightweight rowers reported limiting or carefully controlling foods more frequently than openweight rowers (41.9% to 29.9%, P = .013). A history of an eating disorder was more prevalent among lightweight than openweight rowers (25.7% to 13.0%, P = .048). Prevalences of stress fractures and menstrual irregularities did not differ between weight classes. Lightweight and openweight rowers' scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (16.0 ± 9.9 and 17.3 ± 6.4, respectively) were not different. Injured rowers scored higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (19.4 ± 7.2) than did uninjured rowers (16.6 ± 5.72).ConclusionsWeight class did not contribute to differences in the prevalence of female athlete triad components or perceived stress, although lightweight rowers were more likely to have a history of eating disorder. Injury may be a risk factor for increased stress in this population.

The purpose of this study was to examine individual and combined Female Athlete Triad components within collegiate cheerleaders, an at-risk group. Cheerleaders (n = 19; age: 20.3 ± 1.2 years) completed anthropometric measurements, health history questionnaires, resting metabolic rate, the eating disorder inventory-3 and symptom checklist, blood sample, and DXA scan. Participants completed dietary and exercise logs for 7 days and used heart rate monitors to track daily and exercise energy expenditure. Proportions were calculated for low energy availability (LEA) risk, disordered eating risk, and pathogenic behaviors. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the difference between cheerleaders who experience low EA with or without disordered eating risk. All cheerleaders demonstrated LEA for the days they participated in cheerleading practice, 52.6% demonstrated LEA with eating disorder risk and 47.4% demonstrated LEA without eating disorder risk, 52.6% self-reported menstrual dysfunction, 14% experienced menstrual dysfunction via hormonal assessment, and 0% demonstrated low bone mineral density. Overall, 47.7% presented with one Triad component, 52.6% demonstrated two Triad components using self-reported menstrual data, and 10.5% demonstrated two Triad components using hormonal assessments. All cheerleaders displayed LEA. These findings support the need for increased education on the individual components of the Triad and their potential consequences by qualified personal.

Recurrent stress fractures rarely affect the same athlete. We present the case of a female triathlete who suffered multiple stress fractures in both tibias, the right fibula, and the left femoral neck. Conservative treatment was instituted in all episodes, with rest, reduced training load, and physical therapy rehabilitation. The relative energy deficiency in sport syndrome, along with an eating disorder, training overload, and osteopenia, was identified as a risk factor. Although rare, multiple stress fractures can occur in female triathletes. These patients must be screened for risk factors associated with biomechanics, nutrition, and training to develop an effective prevention and treatment program. Resumo Fraturas por estresse recorrentes num mesmo atleta são raras. Apresentamos o caso de uma triatleta que sofreu múltiplas fraturas por estresse na tíbia bilateral, na fíbula direita e no colo femoral esquerdo. O tratamento conservador foi instituído em todos os episódios, com repouso, redução da carga de treino e reabilitação fisioterápica. Foi identificada como fator de risco a síndrome da deficiência energética relativa no esporte, com distúrbio alimentar, sobrecarga de treino e osteopenia. Mesmo que seja raro, múltiplas fraturas por estresse podem ocorrer em mulheres triatletas, nas quais é importante avaliar os fatores de risco associados à biomecânica, nutrição e ao treinamento para arquitetar um programa de prevenção e tratamento efetivos.

The female athlete triad (FAT) is a disorder involving greater energy expenditure than energy consumption leading to 1) low energy availability (EA) with or without disordered eating 2) menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea and 3) low bone mineral density. Consequences of FAT include osteoporosis, stress fractures, increased cardiovascular risk, infertility, and negative psychological effects. The key risk factor for FAT is inadequate caloric intake when compared to the amount and intensity of exercise. All female athletes should be screened at least annually at pre-participation physicals or with signs of disordered eating, weight loss, abnormal growth or development, menstrual dysfunction, recent injuries, decreased athletic performance, or mood changes. Presence of one of the components of the triad necessitates further investigation. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach with increased energy intake and decreased exercise intensity being the primary goal of treatment. Understanding FAT is important for preventative medicine, as some consequences, such as infertility and loss of bone mineral density may not be reversible.

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) are common among athletes and have high rates of recurrence. However, risk factors for multiple or recurrent BSIs remain understudied. Thus, we aimed to explore whether energy availability, menstrual function, measures of bone health, and a modified Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA) tool are associated with a history of multiple BSIs. We enrolled 51 female runners (ages 18–36 years) with history of ≤1 BSI (controls; n = 31) or ≥3 BSIs (multiBSI; n = 20) in this cross-sectional study. We measured lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck areal bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone material strength index using impact microindentation, and volumetric bone mineral density, microarchitecture, and estimated strength by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Participants completed questionnaires regarding medical history, low-energy fracture history, and disordered eating attitudes. Compared with controls, multiBSI had greater incidence of prior low-energy fractures (55% vs. 16%, p = .005) and higher modified Triad CRA scores (2.90 ± 2.05 vs. 1.84 ± 1.59, p = .04). Those with multiBSI had higher Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (0.92 ± 1.03 vs. 0.46 ± 0.49, p = .04) scores and a greater percentage difference between lowest and highest body mass at their current height (15.5% ± 6.5% vs. 11.5% ± 4.9% p = .02). These preliminary findings indicate that women with a history of multiple BSIs suffered more prior low-energy fractures and have greater historical and current estimates of energy deficit compared with controls. Our results provide strong rationale for future studies to examine whether subclinical indicators of energy deficit contribute to risk for multiple BSIs in female runners.

The electronic preparticipation physical examination (ePPE) is commonly used to identify health conditions that would affect participation in sports for athletes, including disordered eating and/or low energy availability (EA). A secondary analysis was performed using a cohort study of female college athletes attending a Division 1 university between 2008 and 2014. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between responses to questions on the ePPE related to eating behaviors and Female Athlete Triad (Triad). Risk categories (low, moderate, or high) were assigned to 239 athletes participating in 16 sports. The majority of responses on the ePPE did not identify athletes associated with moderate-/high-risk categories. Our findings suggest that ePPE may not sufficiently identify athletes at elevated risk for health concerns of the Triad. Our findings suggest that future ePPE may consider validated screening tools for disordered eating to help identify athletes at risk of low EA.

Energy status plays a key role in the health of athletes and exercising individuals. Energy deficiency/low energy availability (EA), referring to a state in which insufficient energy intake and/or excessive exercise energy expenditure has resulted in compensatory metabolic adaptations to conserve fuel, can affect numerous physiological systems in women and men. The Female Athlete Triad, Male Athlete Triad, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) models conceptualize the effects of energy deficiency in athletes, and each model has strengths and limitations. For instance, the Female Athlete Triad model depicts relationships between low EA, reproductive, and bone health, underpinning decades of experimental evidence, but may be perceived as limited in scope, while the more recent RED-S model proposes a wider range of potential health effects of low EA, though many model components require more robust scientific justification. This critical review summarizes current evidence regarding the effects of energy deficiency on athlete health by addressing the quality of the underlying science, the strengths and limitations of each model, and highlighting areas where future research is needed to advance the field. With the health and wellness of athletes and exercising individuals as the overarching priority, we conclude with specific steps that will help focus future research on the Female and Male Athlete Triad and RED-S, and encourage all researchers, clinicians, and practitioners to collaborate to support the common goal of promoting the highest quality science and evidence-based medicine in pursuit of the advancement of athletes' health, well-being, and performance.