<P> Osteoporosis is defined by the National Institutes of Health as' ' a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture .' ' Low estrogen levels and poor nutrition, especially low calcium intake, can lead to osteoporosis, the third aspect of the triad . This condition can ruin a female athlete's career because it may lead to stress fractures and other injuries . </P> <P> Patients with female athlete triad get osteoporosis due to hypoestrogenemia, or low estrogen levels . With estrogen deficiency, the osteoclasts live longer and are therefore able to resorb more bone . In response to the increased bone resorption, there is increased bone formation and a high - turnover state develops which leads to bone loss and perforation of the trabecular plates . As osteoclasts break down bone, patients see a loss of bone mineral density . Low bone mineral density renders bones more brittle and hence susceptible to fracture . Because athletes are active and their bones must endure mechanical stress, the likelihood of experiencing bone fracture is particularly high . </P> <P> Additionally, because those suffering with female athlete triad are also restricting their diet, they may also not be consuming sufficient amounts vitamins and minerals which contribute to bone density; not getting enough calcium or vitamin D further exacerbates the problem of weak bones . </P> <P> Bone mass is now thought to peak between the ages of 18 - 25 . Thus, behaviors which result in low bone density in youth could be detrimental to an athlete's bone health throughout her lifetime . </P>

Outline the female athlete triad and its signs and symptoms