Female Athlete Triad

The opportunities for girls and women to play soccer has rapidly grown and gained acceptance in recent years. The benefits of involvement in soccer, both physically and psychologically, are overwhelmingly positive. Despite the benefits, girls and women involved in soccer are also at risk for medical problems as a result of their sports participation. Amenorrhea, disordered eating, and premature osteoporosis are entities known together as The Female Athlete Triad. The triad occurs in all sports and is associated with significant short- and long-term health consequences, and thus remains a concern for all involved in the care of the soccer athlete.