Female Athlete Triad Analysis

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In 1972, Title IX was passed by legislation, providing equal opportunities for men and women athletes to participate in athletic programs. Title IX was the beginning of a new era as the number of competitive women athletes dramatically increased (Hobart & Smucker, 2000). However, as women became move involved in competitions, they were accompanied by further complications. One of the main concerns for female athletes is the female athlete triad. The female athlete triad is a condition that is characterized by disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis (Thompson, 2007). According to studies, the female athlete triad is present in 1.3% to 4.3% of female athletes. However, this disorder often goes unnoticed as female athletes may develop only one or two of the three components (Payne & Kirchner, 2014). Signs the female athlete triad include excessive criticism of body weight or shape; noticeable weight loss or gain; excessive exercise; mood swings; depression; secretly eating or stealing food; preoccupation with food, calories and/or weight; chronic fatigue;…show more content…
Primary prevention of the disorders involved in the female athlete triad includes the use of an established educational program. Primary prevention seeks to inform athletes about the risk factors that lead to the development of the aforementioned disorders (Payne & Kirchner, 2014). The goal of secondary prevention is to limit the progression of discovered disorders. Tertiary prevention involves the treatment of the triad with the help of the athlete’s physician, a psychologist or psychiatrist, a dietitian, and the athlete’s parents. Ideally, the condition could be diverted altogether or treated in its earliest stages through pre-participation physical exams (Beals et al.,
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