31/01/2026
Injuries. Missing periods. Stress fractures.
They’re often treated as separate problems — but in women, they’re frequently connected.
When energy intake doesn’t match training + life demands, the body adapts by conserving energy. One of the first systems affected? Reproductive hormones.
Over time, this can lead to:
• Menstrual disruption or loss
• Reduced estrogen
• Impaired bone repair
• Higher risk of stress fractures and recurring injuries
This isn’t about body weight or willpower.
You don’t need to be underweight.
And it’s not “normal” to lose your period due to training.
The good news?
Research shows this is common, detectable, and often reversible with appropriate fueling, recovery, and support.
If this resonates with you, you’re not broken — your body is communicating.
Listening early can protect your health and your long-term performance 🤍
References📚
American College of Sports Medicine. Female Athlete Triad Coalition Consensus Statement. Br J Sports Med, 2014.
• Nattiv et al. The Female Athlete Triad and stress fracture risk. Br J Sports Med, 2007.
• Barrack et al. Bone stress injuries and menstrual dysfunction in female athletes. Am J Sports Med, 2014.
• Loucks & Thuma. Luteinizing hormone pulsatility is disrupted at low energy availability. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2003.
• De Souza et al. Physiology of the Female Athlete Triad. Endocrine Reviews, 2014.
• Mountjoy et al. IOC Consensus Statement on RED-S. Br J Sports Med, 2018.
• Williams et al. REFUEL study: increasing energy intake improves health markers. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2021.
