The female athlete triad: a terrible trio implications for primary care.

PURPOSE

To describe the components of the female athlete triad, including definitions and clinical criteria for diagnosis, methods of screening, and treatment options.

DATA SOURCES

Selected scientific literature; standard diagnostic guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

The female athlete triad is a cascading event consisting of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. This disorder can occur in any sport but is seen most often in events that emphasize thinness and appearance such as gymnastics, ballet, and diving. It can often go unrecognized and result in irreversible bone loss and possible death.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) may be the first health care professionals encountering these females; they need to recognize the risk factors and institute a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. The treatment team should be composed of the patient, the NP, a dietitian, a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse specialist, and the patient's family, coaches, and trainers.