Do I need to gain body weight in order to resume normal menstrual cycles?
Even small increases in body weight may be all that is necessary to resume menstrual cycles. Studies are ongoing to determine just how many calories are needed for normal menses to resume, but so far, it appears that even small increases in body weight (1-3 kg) may be all that is required to resume normal menstrual cycles by reversing the negative energy deficiency that caused the problem. Should I go on the Pill to combat the Triad? Going on the Pill is not the best answer to fix Triad-related bone loss. Amenorrheic athletes are frequently prescribed hormonal contraceptives to prevent or slow bone loss, but this does not address the underlying problem — it only addresses the symptoms. The problem is energy, and energy should be part of fixing the problem. Contraceptives may normalize menstrual periods and provide estrogen, but they will not necessarily improve bone health. Athletes on birth control pills often believe they have addressed their Triad-related problems, and therefore are
