Female athlete triad:
It is a syndrome in which eating disorder such as Anaemia, oestoporosis (decreased bone mineral density) and amenorrhoea are present. This condition is seen in females that emphasize leanness or low body weight. The Triad is serious illness with life long health consequences and can potentially be fatal.
It is a medical condition where a body does not have enough Red Blood Cells or haemoglobin. It occurs mainly due to nutritional deficiencies especially Iron.
Any long term medical condition can also lead to anaemia.
(a) Less iron in diet.
(b) Heavy menstrual periods are most common cause in women.
(c) Pregnant women may also become anaemic.
(d) Genetic defect (sickle cell anaemia)
(e) Risk increases in old age.
(f) There is high risk to become anaemic among those who are suffering from Kidney disease, cancer etc.
Treatment of Anaemia depends on its causes and severity.
(a) Iron deficiency anaemia is treated with change in diet and iron supplement.
(b) Through medication and injections to stimulate bone marrow to produce more RBC.
(c) Limit your activities until anaemia is corrected with iron therapy.
(d) In case of severe anaemia, the person is hospitalized.
It is a progressive bone disease that is characterised by a decrease in bone mass and density which can lead to an increased risk of fracture. In osteoporosis the bone mineral density is reduced. This is most common in women after menopause.
There is higher risk of bone fracture or further disability. There can be sudden back pain and risk of falling. Because of fall there is increased risk of wrist, spine, shoulder and hip fracture. There is also a balance disorder and movement disorder.
There is no cure for Osteoporosis. There are a few steps to prevent, such as by getting enough calcium and vitamin D. which are essential for bone health. Medication is advised only from an expert doctor.
Amenorrhoea: It is absence of menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. It is of two types-Primary and Secondary Amenorrhoea. In case of Primary Amenorrhoea, the menstrual cycle never starts (no menarche) and in case of Secondary Amenorrhoea, the menstrual cycle ceases or premature menopause occurs.
Causes of Amenorrhoea:
(a) Insufficient eating,
(b) Stress,
(c) Weight loss,
(d) Excessive exercises,
(e) Induced drugs,
(f) Lactational.
Treatment depends upon the causes as well as health status of individual. It includes:
(a ) Weight: Attaining and maintaining a healthy weight often helps balance harmone level and restores menstrual cycle. Overweight and severe underweight can affect menstrual cycle.
(b) Stress: Reduce the things that are causing stress, asses the areas of stress and seek professional help.
(c) Level of physical activity: Adjust physical activity level to help restart menstrual cycle. Maintain health, do not overstrain the body.
(d) Birth control pills: or other types of hormonal medication may help restart the menstrual cycle.
(e) Estrogen Replacement therapy ERT: It may help balance hormonal levels and restart the menstrual cycle in women.
(d) There is 'surgical treatment for secondary Amenorrhoea.
