E. Joy et al., TEAM MANAGEMENT OF THE FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD .2. OPTIMAL TREATMENT ANDPREVENTION TACTICS - ROUND-TABLE, Physician and sportsmedicine, 25(4), 1997, pp. 55
Multidisciplinary management of the female athlete triad (disordered e
ating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis) is optimal, but what exactly does
it entail? With the primary care physician as the point person, the h
ealthcare team addresses the underlying causes of disordered eating th
rough such measures as drawing up a contract for returning to play, re
solving nutrition issues, exploring psychotherapy options, and, someti
mes, prescribing antidepressants. Hormone replacement therapy and cons
ervative or orthopedic intervention for stress fractures may also be r
equired. Communication among the members of the treatment team is cruc
ial, and athletic trainers especially can provide valuable input. Prev
ention strategies need to involve education of coaches, teachers, trai
ners, parents, and others who work closely with female athletes.