ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What are the three symptoms associated with the female athlete triad?

1. Dysmenorrhea, anorexia nervosa, and osteoporosis

2. Amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis

3. Oligomenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteopenia

4. Amenorrhea, bulimia nervosa, and osteopenia

The correct answer is: Amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis

The female athlete triad is a serious condition that often affects physically active females, particularly those engaged in sports that emphasize leanness or weight categories. The three primary symptoms associated with this condition are amenorrhea, disordered eating, and osteoporosis. Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation, which can be a sign that the body is not receiving enough energy to support reproductive health. Disordered eating encompasses a range of unhealthy eating behaviors, which can include restrictive dieting or an unhealthy focus on body weight and composition, often driven by athletic performance pressures. Osteoporosis is the result of prolonged low energy availability and hormonal imbalances that affect bone density, making bones more susceptible to fractures. The combination of these three symptoms highlights the critical relationship between nutrition, hormonal health, and bone health in female athletes. Together, they underscore the importance of addressing both physical and psychological health in this population to prevent long-term consequences.