A tríade da mulher atleta: uma revisão de literatura sobre os impactos da ingestão energética insuficiente na saúde e no desempenho

Abstract

The Female Athlete Triad is a multiple condition that impacts female athletes and involves three components: low energy availability (with or without eating disorders), menstrual dysfunction, and decreased bone mineral density, the presence of even just one of these can already be considered as evidence of the occurrence of the triad. In this regard, this study aims to analyze the risk factors, consequences, prevention strategies, and treatment of the Triad. A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed and BVS databases, resulting in the inclusion of 12 studies selected in the last five years, with the specification that they addressed female athletes. The research revealed the relationship between the sports environment, especially in modalities that value lean bodies, and the greater predisposition to the development of this condition, in addition to highlighting the issue of low energy availability (LEA) as an aggravating factor for other conditions that impact the life of female athletes. Furthermore, the physiological and psychological impacts of the triad on health and sports performance were addressed, as well as the need for greater multidisciplinary action in addressing the problem, with 3 early awareness and eliminate the risks of exercise combined with low caloric intake. The studies analyzed show LEA as a triggering factor in the occurrence of the triad, causing problems such as hypoestrogen, increased cortisol and T3, in addition to those already reported as consequences of the triad. It was found that young athletes are even more vulnerable to hormonal changes than adult athletes, so early detection is necessary, since one study analyzed the adjustment with an increase of around 330 kcal could regulate hormonal cycles, which would partially adjust the effects. Regarding nutritional planning, carbohydrates have been shown to have an adequate potential in bone formation, which makes periodization according to the menstrual cycle and the training phase necessary.