Female Triad Flashcards
three interrelated components:
Low Energy Availability (with or without an Eating Disorder)
Menstrual Dysfunction
Decreased Bone Mineral Density (Osteoporosis or Osteopenia)
Low Energy Availability (with or without an Eating Disorder):
woman’s energy intake is insufficient to meet the demands of exercise and other daily activities
can result from an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia nervosa or bulimia) or from inadvertent undereating
Low energy availability affects the body’s normal physiological processes
Menstrual Dysfunction:
Energy deficiency can disrupt the normal release of hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
This can have significant consequences on reproductive health and hormone regulation
Decreased Bone Mineral Density (Osteoporosis or Osteopenia):
Prolonged low energy availability and hormonal imbalances can lead to reduced bone density, increasing the risk of stress fractures and long-term bone health issues like osteopenia (low bone mass) and osteoporosis
Since 2007: Does not need to be all 3, now ____ is considered female triad
just 1
Optimal Energy Availability:
Energy intake is AT LEAST sufficient to cover energy expenditure and replenish stored energy
Maintained body weight
Maintained physiological processes
Low Energy Availability:
individual’s energy intake is insufficient to support both their exercise demands and the energy required for normal physiological processes
low calorie intake, excessive energy expenditure (from exercise or daily activities), or a combination of both
goal of managing low energy availability is to optimize energy availability, which typically involves increasing caloric intake, reducing energy expenditure, or both
Energy Availability Calculation:
difference between dietary energy intake and energy expenditure during exercise, divided by lean body mass
Optimal energy availability is around ___ of lean body mass per day
45 kcal/kg
When energy availability drops below 30 kcal/kg of lean body mass per day, it is associated with most of the negative effects on physiological processes, such as reproductive function and bone health
Body’s Response to Low Energy Availability:
prioritizes basic survival functions over non-essential processes
Menstrual Dysfunction
Decreased Bone Density
Reduced Metabolic Rate
Impaired Immune Function
Menstrual Dysfunction:
The brain suppresses the release of reproductive hormones, leading to irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
Decreased Bone Density:
Reduced hormone levels, particularly estrogen, impair bone formation and increase the risk of osteoporosis and stress fractures
Reduced Metabolic Rate:
The body reduces its energy expenditure, leading to fatigue and impaired recovery
Impaired Immune Function:
The immune system may become compromised, leading to an increased risk of illness and injury
Bulimia Nervosa:
Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives.
Often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, and loss of control over eating.
Disordered Eating:
Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging, Exercise Binging, etc
Refer to specialists
range of unhealthy eating behaviors and attitudes toward food, body image, and exercise
Binge Eating Disorder:
Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period, often when not physically hungry.
Unlike bulimia, binge eating episodes are not followed by purging behaviors.
Anorexia Nervosa:
Characterized by extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Leads to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and potential life-threatening health issues.
Exercise Binging:
Refers to the excessive and compulsive need to exercise, often in response to eating, in an attempt to burn off calories.
Can result in overtraining, fatigue, injury, and psychological stress.
Individuals exhibiting signs of disordered eating should be referred to qualified specialists, including:
Registered dietitians experienced in sports nutrition.
Mental health professionals who specialize in eating disorders and body image concerns.
Medical professionals (e.g., primary care physicians, endocrinologists) to monitor and manage the physical health consequences.
Eumenorrhea
Regular menstruation every 28 days
If abnormal:
Diagnosis by exclusion (thyroid, pregnancy, polycystic ovary)
Amenorrhea:
Absence of menstruation for 3 or more months.
Oligomenorrhea:
Infrequent or irregular menstrual periods (longer than 35 days apart).