Which of the following statements correctly identifies the components of the female athlete triad?

• A. Amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, osteoporosis
• B. Amenorrhea, disordered eating, iron deficiency
• C. Amenorrhea, disordered eating, osteoporosis
• D. ITB syndrome, decreased Q-angle, ACL injury

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how energy availability affects a female athlete’s body, leading to a specific pattern of issues. When there isn’t enough energy coming in to meet the body's needs, reproductive function and bone health are affected. This brings about menstrual dysfunction (amenorrhea) because the hormonal signals that drive the menstrual cycle are suppressed by energy deficit. It also contributes to bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, since estrogen (which protects bone) is reduced and bone remodeling can’t keep up with demand. Disordered eating describes the inadequate or irregular eating patterns that create the energy shortfall fueling these changes.

So, the trio is amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis. Other options include problems or conditions that aren’t part of this pattern, like iron deficiency or injuries, or use terms like oligomenorrhea (a milder form of menstrual irregularity) that don’t represent the classic triad.