A 15-year-old female basketball player who has secondary amenorrhea is evaluated by the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner who notes a BMI in the 3rd percentile. What will the nurse practitioner counsel this patient?

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The low BMI suggests that the patient may not be consuming enough calories to support her athletic activity and may need to work with a dietician to improve healthy weight gain. Amenorrhea in female athletes is a concerning sign and is often a result of inadequate caloric intake and/or excessive exercise. Beginning a program of plyometrics and strength training or considering a different sport would not address the underlying issue of inadequate caloric intake.

A 15-Year-Old Female Basketball Player Who Has Secondary Amenorrhea Is