Final answer:
Recovery from the female athlete triad usually begins with improving energy availability, followed by the return of normal menstrual function, and finally, increases in bone mineral density.
Step-by-step explanation:
The female athlete triad is a syndrome that involves three interrelated components: energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Recovery from the female athlete triad should be approached in a systematic order to ensure the safest and most effective path to full health.
Typically, the recovery process starts with correcting energy availability. This involves increasing caloric intake and/or reducing exercise to restore a balanced energy status. Once energy availability is improved, the next step usually involves the return of normal menstrual function, which is often disrupted due to the energy imbalance.
Finally, with the restoration of normal menstruation and adequate nutritional status, improvements in bone mineral density can occur over time with appropriate medical intervention and continued nutritional support.