Talking to Your Healthcare Team
As an athlete, your body is your most valuable asset, but getting the right medical support can sometimes be a challenge.
Whether you’re dealing with unexplained fatigue, stress fractures, or changes in performance, it’s critical to communicate effectively with your medical staff. However, through no fault of their own, many healthcare professionals aren’t trained to recognize the signs of REDs, which means you may need to take an active role in advocating for your health. By preparing for your medical appointments and knowing what to ask, you can ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and get the support you need to stay healthy and perform at your best.
Why Seeking Support Can Be Tricky
For female athletes, one major red flag for REDs is a missing or irregular menstrual cycle. If you’re using hormonal birth control, this can be harder to detect because contraceptives suppress your natural ovarian cycle. Unfortunately, while we wait for clinical practice has catch up with the research, many medical professionals still assume that hormonal birth control is an acceptable substitute for a natural cycle. It is not. Even if you’re not on birth control and have irregular periods, you might be told this is “normal for an athlete.” It is not!
Birth Control
Wondering which form of birth control could suit you best? Check out some advice, here.
Similarly, male athletes experiencing REDs-related symptoms, such as low libido, reduced muscle strength, or a lack of morning erections, may struggle to get their concerns taken seriously. So, no matter your gender, age, or situation, understanding your own health is essential.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment
1. Prepare in Advance
Before your appointment, gather a concise overview of your health and training history, including:
Your typical training hours and intensity
A general idea of your nutrition habits and relationship with food
Any past illnesses or injuries (e.g. repetitive soft tissue injuries, or stress fractures)
Changes in energy levels, mood, or performance
Consider asking your coach, athletic trainer, or sports dietitian for their input on patterns they’ve noticed in your performance or recovery.
2. Bring Information with You
Since many medical professionals aren’t familiar with REDs, it helps to bring resources to your appointment. Consider printing a copy of the REDs Clinical Assessment Tool or a letter explaining the condition. If your provider seems uninterested in learning more, you may want to seek a second opinion.
3. Consider Seeing a Specialist
If possible, booking an appointment with a sports medicine physician, endocrinologist, or dietitian with experience in REDs can make a huge difference. If private healthcare isn’t an option, ask for a referral to a specialist through your school or insurance provider.
4. Advocate for Further Testing
If you’ve experienced stress fractures or bone-related injuries, request a DEXA scan to assess bone density. Low bone density or osteopenia is a major sign of REDs and requires early intervention.
5. Remember, Athletes Are Different
Standard medical reference ranges often don’t apply to athletes. For example:
Iron levels: Endurance athletes often need double the iron levels of non-athletes
Weight misconceptions: REDs is not limited to athletes with low body weight. It can affect anyone, regardless of body shape, weight, or size.
Blood tests: If your test results come back "within normal ranges," ask for the actual numbers and consult a sports specialist
6. Be Honest
To get the right help, you need to be open about your nutrition, training, and mindset around food and exercise. Ask yourself:
Am I unintentionally under-fueling?
Could I be unintentionally under-fueling?
Do I worry about eating too much or gaining weight?
Am I unsure if my intake supports my training load and hormone health?
Do I have concerns about disordered eating or compulsive exercise?
If any of these resonate with you, share them with your medical provider.
7. Trust Your Instincts
As an athlete, you’re used to pushing through challenges. But when it comes to your health, listening to your body is crucial. If something feels off, don’t dismiss it. If your first appointment doesn’t give you the answers you need, keep advocating for yourself.
You might find that your doctor is a lot more helpful than you’d expected, if you just know what to ask.” – Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden