Athlete Triad – Disorder in Exercising Women
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-03-16
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Sport and physical activity confer numerous health benefits. Regular physical activity aids in maintaining cardiopulmonary fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, optimizes hormonal balance, decreases stress, and aids in maintaining a healthy body weight. However, the adage that sport is healthy does not always hold true in practice. A case in point is the disorder known as the triad of athletes.
The Female Athlete Triad: Definition, Symptomatic Complex, and At-Risk Populations in Physically Active Women
The *Female Athlete Triad* represents a multifaceted medical syndrome affecting women engaged in high levels of physical activity, whether at a professional or recreational level. Initially, this condition was predominantly linked to female athletes in disciplines demanding low body weight and a lean physique—such as physique-focused sports (e.g., bodybuilding, fitness competitions), artistic disciplines (ballet, rhythmic gymnastics, figure skating), or endurance-based activities (long-distance running, triathlon). However, the triad is no longer confined to elite competitors; it is increasingly observed among recreationsally active women, particularly when training intensity surpasses the body’s recovery capacity, resulting in chronic energy deficiency. The triad manifests as the co-occurrence of three core disturbances: **relative energy deficiency** (stemming from an imbalance between caloric intake and expenditure), **menstrual dysfunction** (irregular or absent periods), and **reduced bone mineral density**, which over time may progress to osteoporosis and elevate fracture risk.
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