Washington, June 15 (ANI): Physicians at Loyola University Health System say that female endurance sports athletes may be at risk for serious health issues.

They say that excessive exercise and inadequate nutrition can lead to problems such as low energy, menstrual irregularity, fertility issues, stress fractures and osteoporosis.

“Marathons and triathlons have become increasingly popular in recent years,” said Neeru Jayanthi, medical director of primary care sports medicine, Loyola University Health System.

“Many who participate in these events are inexperienced athletes who do not properly care for their bodies while training. This can lead to irreversible damage to their health.”

Doctors are diagnosing a new condition commonly being called female athlete triad - a condition characterized by disordered eating, irregular periods and osteoporosis. The treatment includes medical, psychological and nutritional counselling and abstinence from rigorous exercises.

“I thought restricting my diet would make me lighter and improve my performance,” said Raymond, a competitive athlete who was suffering from the condition.

“However, my lifestyle choices negatively impacted my health and kept me from running for nearly a year. I would encourage other athletes to not worry about body image or weight loss while training. Eating well and taking care of yourself ensures that you have the energy necessary to train.”

Caloric intake is a major consideration for vigorous sports training, but the physicians found that women tend to not alter their diet to compensate for the rigorous training endurance sports require. Loyola sports medicine specialists suggest carbohydrate consumption, increasing calcium intake, eating small well-balanced meals regularly and 30 calories per kilogram of weight daily and adjusting this based on exertion levels.

“Harm caused by the female athlete triad is reversible if caught early and caloric intake or exercise levels are corrected,” Jayanthi said.

“Bone loss may be permanent and can occur if this condition is left untreated, so early diagnosis and treatment is critical.” (ANI)