What components constitute the female athlete triad?

The female athlete triad is a medical condition typically observed in physically active women and consists of three interrelated components: low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone density.

Low energy availability refers to not consuming enough calories to support physiological functions, especially when the energy expenditure from exercise is high. This energy deficiency can lead to disruptions in hormonal balance.

Menstrual dysfunction, which often presents as amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation) or oligomenorrhea (irregular menstrual cycles), is commonly observed among female athletes who experience low energy availability due to insufficient caloric intake in relation to their energy expenditure.

Low bone density is a significant concern because the hormonal changes associated with menstrual dysfunction can lead to decreased estrogen levels, which is crucial for maintaining bone health. Over time, this can increase the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.

Together, these components pose serious health risks and highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, regular menstrual cycles, and adequate bone density in female athletes. Choices that mention high energy availability, regular menstruation, or hyperandrogenism do not accurately describe the triad's critical elements and fail to capture the potential health issues faced by affected athletes.