A 15-year-old female athlete presents with primary amenorrhea, stress fractures and disordered eating. This triad is best described as:
- A Anorexia nervosa
- B Bulimia nervosa with bone disease
- C Female Athlete Triad (energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction, low bone mineral density) ✓
- D Exercise-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome
Correct answer: C. Female Athlete Triad (energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction, low bone mineral density)
Explanation
The Female Athlete Triad is defined by three interrelated conditions: low energy availability (with or without eating disorder), menstrual dysfunction (ranging from luteal phase defects to amenorrhea), and low bone mineral density with increased fracture risk. It is a spectrum — not all components need be fully manifest. The condition results from chronic energy deficiency suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, reducing estrogen and impairing bone accrual. Management requires nutritional rehabilitation, reduced training load, and monitoring bone density.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.