How Does the Female Athlete Triad (TRIAD) Affect Bone Health?
TRIAD can cause low bone density for age and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis in children and teenagers is defined as low bone density associated with a significant fracture history, especially if the injury that caused the break is a low-impact injury.
When calories consumed during exercise are not balanced by a sufficient intake of calories, estrogen production may decrease. Estrogen is very important for optimal bone health, particularly in a growing teenager. Other hormones that affect bone are also adversely impacted by low energy availability. Further, TRIAD raises your child’s risk of breaking other bones in the future, which can affect their athletic performance.