[The female athletes' triad: eating disorders, amenorrhea, osteoporosis]

The study provides a summary of the most important features of eating disorders, amenorrhoea and osteoporosis jointly called the female athletes' triad. Considering the seriousness of the various symptoms, different branches of sport are affected to a different degree, which could be explained by the predispositioning risk factors being featured differently. The weight of the problem is indicated by the fact that eating disorders in female athletes show a 15-62%, while amenorrhea a 3.4-66% prevalence. There is no similar comprehensive figure concerning osteoporosis. Though various studies make the connection unambiguous, there can be no doubt about the urgency of further tests with respect to screening, therapy and prevention, as well.