Relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S): elucidation of endocrine changes affecting the health of males and females.

Relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S): elucidation of endocrine changes affecting the health of males and females. Hormones (Athens). 2020 Jun 17;: Authors: Dipla K, Kraemer RR, Constantini NW, Hackney AC Abstract The purpose of this review is to present a different perspective of the relative energy deficiency syndrome, to improve understanding of associated endocrine alterations, and to highlight the need for further research in this area. The term "female athlete triad" was coined over 25 years ago to describe three interrelated components: disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mass. The syndrome's etiology is attributed to energy intake deficiency relative to energy expenditure required for health, function, and daily living. Recently, it became clear that there was a need to broaden the term, as the disorder is not an issue of only three interrelated problems but of a whole spectrum of insults resulting from low energy availability (LEA; i.e., insufficient energy availability to cover basic physiological demands) that can potentially affect any exerciser, irrespective of gender. The new model, termed relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), has received greater scrutiny in sports medicine due to its effects on both health and performance in athletes of both sexes. RED-S results from low-energy diets (intentional or unintentional) and/or excessive exercise. Energy deficiency reduces hypothalamic pulsa...
Source: Hormones - Category: Endocrinology Tags: Hormones (Athens) Source Type: research