February 27, 2014: For female athletes, intense exercise and training can sometimes lead to a trio of distinct interrelated conditions known collectively as the Female Athlete Triad, or Triad for short, which can have immediate and lasting effects if untreated. It involves menstrual dysfunction, reduced bone mineral density, and energy deficiency related to disordered eating and insufficient nutrition.

In this episode of Move Forward Radio, Dr. Kelly Waicus, MD, CAQSM, and physical therapist Laura Stanley, PT, DPT, SCS, discuss how to identify, treat, and prevent the Triad.

The Triad sometimes goes unrecognized and untreated because symptoms can range from mild to severe, and because it is related to issues many female athletes may be unwilling to discuss: body image and menstrual abnormality.

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To learn more about the Female Athlete Triad and physical therapy, visit MoveForwardPT.com