The Female Athlete Triad: What Every Athlete and Parent Should Know in Lubbock, Texas
(by Wagner Sports Chiropractic – Lubbock, TX)
Empowering Female Athletes to Perform Their Best
Female athletes today are training harder than ever — from high school sports to competitive club teams and beyond. But with increased performance demands comes a growing need to protect long-term health. One of the most overlooked concerns among young women in sports is the Female Athlete Triad — a condition that affects energy balance, menstrual health, and bone strength.
What Is the Female Athlete Triad?
The Female Athlete Triad refers to three interconnected issues that can impact active women:
- Low energy availability – when the body doesn’t get enough fuel from food to match activity levels.
- Menstrual dysfunction – irregular or missing periods due to hormonal imbalance.
- Decreased bone density – weakened bones that raise the risk of stress fractures and long-term bone loss.
These issues often develop gradually, especially in high school and college athletes balancing academics, training, and competition.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Athletes in sports emphasizing endurance, leanness, or appearance — like track, gymnastics, cheerleading, or dance — are most susceptible. However, female athletes in volleyball, basketball, and softball can also present with this triad. In summary, female athletes in Lubbock, Texas who train intensely without proper nutrition and performance counseling can develop symptoms.
Warning signs may include:
- Fatigue or declining performance
- Missed or irregular menstrual cycles
- Frequent injuries or stress fractures
- Changes in mood or focus
How to Prevent the Female Athlete Triad
Prevention starts with awareness. Coaches, parents, and athletes should prioritize:
- Balanced nutrition with adequate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Rest and recovery between practices and competitions
- Education on healthy body image and fueling for performance
- Regular check-ins with a healthcare or sports performance professional
How Wagner Sports Chiropractic Helps Female Athletes
At Wagner Sports Chiropractic in Lubbock, Texas, we take a comprehensive, movement-based approach to athlete care. Our goal is to keep young women healthy, strong, and confident — both on and off the field.
We provide:
- Performance-based chiropractic care and rehab
- Injury prevention programs for high school athletes
- Guidance on training load and recovery balance
- Collaboration with nutrition and medical professionals when needed
Our clinic combines chiropractic adjustments, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) techniques, and evidence-based rehab strategies to help athletes recover efficiently and prevent future issues
The Bottom Line
The Female Athlete Triad doesn’t have to sideline a promising sports career. With proper education, early intervention, and a team-based approach, female athletes can stay strong and perform their best.
If you’re a female athlete, parent, or coach in Lubbock, Texas, Wagner Sports Chiropractic is here to help you move better, recover faster, and train smarter.
Schedule your new patient appointment today.
Dr. Grant Wagner
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