Lecture 7 - Negative Energy Balance and Exercise + Reproductive Function Flashcards
What is RED-S
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
What are the reproductive consequences of a net energy imbalance
• Can alter reproductive function in both males and females
– More common (better recognised) in females
• Most common in elite athletes
Altered menstrual cycles
– Delayed period
What is Oligomenorrhoea defined as?
35-90 days between menstrual cycles
What is Amenorrhoea defined as?
No menstrual cycles for 3 consecutive months
Who is at risk for Amenorrhoea generally?
• Females with high training volumes
• Females with weight loss or a particular aesthetic as a goal
What is the female triad?
The female athlete triad refers to a combination of three interrelated conditions: energy deficency (net energy imbalance), mensutral dysfunction (typically amenorrhoea) and osteoporosis
What are the short term effects of the female triad?
Short term
• Recurrent or multiple stress fractures
• Low body mass & muscle mass
• Depression
What are the long term effects of the female triad?
Long term
• Increased risk of osteoporosis
• Reduced risk of oestrogen dependent cancers
• Uncertain (but usually not adverse) influence on long term fertility potential
What is the treatment for athletic amenorrhoea?
• Reduce training volume 10-20%
• Increase energy intake 5-10%
• Calcium intake of ~ 1500mg daily (due to decrease in PTH – vit D and calc downstream)
What is recommended as exercise treatment for eating disorders?
– Usually try to exclude/minimise aerobic activities
– Recommend resistance training to try to maintain muscle and bone mass
What is the link between exercise and anorexia nervosa?
Athletes with eating disorders not uncommon, – Pressure to succeed may trigger anorexia?
– Obsession with exercise leads to early athletic success? - increase the rate of weightloss
What are the effects on males reproductive system in a negative net energy imbalance
Decreased testosterone levels to lower end of normal range
• Reduced fertility potential
– Lower sperm counts
– Reduced sperm motility
– Increased morphological abnormalities
What males are at risk of consequences arising from a negative net energy imbalance?
• Males with high training volumes
• Males with weight loss or energy restriction as a goal
Why is bone loss/osteroporosis harder to detect for males compared to females as a result of a negative net energy imbalance?
Males dont have the same signs as women: i.e.: amenorrehoea. Not identified until relatively severe
