Torsveit, M. K., & Sundgot-Borgen, J. (2003). Are elite athletes less at risk for the female athlete triad compared to non-athletic controls? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1839.

"The female athlete triad is a serious syndrome comprising three interrelated components: disordered eating, menstrual irregularities, and osteoporosis" (p. S331). This study examined the frequency of Norwegian elite athletes and controls for the female athlete triad. A questionnaire was given to elite athletes representing national teams at junior and senior levels (N = 664; age = 13-39 yr) and national representative controls (N = 607).

More women were defined as at risk (63%) than not at risk. A higher percentage of controls (68%) was defined as at risk when compared to elites (58%). Age groups did not differentiate the major variable.

Implication. Serious training athletes are at risk for the female athlete triad. Elite athletes are not as much at risk as are lesser serious athletes.

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