Causes and risk factors
Involvement in intense exercises or sports which causes loss of energy is the main causative factor for this condition. Eating too little food with an intention of being thin also adds up to the causation. It is especially seen in females who are involved in gymnastics, running, rowing, or skating. Losing weight in order to obtain a thin shape and size of body, i.e., “zero size figure” due to which the female eats less and undergoes intense exercise training is been detected as another causation. In order to be perfect or those with low self-esteem along with family stress and pressure from trainers in females who participate in various competitive sports are other causes seen. Certain emotional causes like death of the trainer, any illness which refrains from a sport player from undergoing training or playing can also lead to this condition.
Clinical presentation:
A female suffering from this triad suffers from a noticeable weight loss and loss of appetite as a result of lack of nutrition and energy causes hair loss, pale and dry appearance of skin, and easy fatigue. Involvement of intense exercises and poor diet leads to menstrual disturbances. Easy fractures are seen in such patients. Low density of bones occurs at an early age. Such females develop osteoporosis very early; as a result, the bone becomes fragile. The vital parameters of the body like the pulse and blood pressure are also altered. The pulse and blood pressure becomes low. Electrolyte imbalance is seen. Anemia is detected. Apart from the physical complaints, the mental faculty is also affected. Irritability, depression, and confusion with low self-esteem are seen.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the doctor. Certain physical tests are carried out by the doctor. Depending upon the complaints, the investigations are advised. It comprises of routine and specialized blood tests, electrolyte levels, x-ray of the bones, ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis, bone density test, and thyroid levels. Certain other investigations can also be advised.
Treatment:
Usually these patients are very reluctant to start treatment. Appropriate diet intake and decreasing the exercises intensity is the main line of treatment. For correcting the menstrual irregularities, hormonal medications are prescribed. Counseling in such patients is also a must. Support from family and friends plays a major role in this.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in strengthening the muscles.
