Our bodies and brains are like those overprotective best friends who just want to keep us safe and comfy. But hey–no pain, no gain, right? However, consistently challenging ourselves without enough chill time can make our bodies wave red flags, saying, “Girl, take a breather!”
Meet Dr. Kiki Silver, a sports doctor and an accomplished IRONMAN champion. She brings a wealth of knowledge about how our bodies communicate, particularly RED-S (relative energy deficiency in sport). RED-S is your body’s way of signaling that it needs more fuel. Previously known as the “female athlete triad,” RED-S encompasses challenging issues like missed periods, bone problems, and eating disorders.
Dr. Silver emphasizes a crucial point about disordered eating, a common yet often overlooked issue among female athletes. She highlights that even those with a normal body mass index (BMI) can be silently battling eating disorders. Therefore, understanding your body’s subtle signals is vital and goes beyond just recognizing RED-S symptoms.
Here are some sneaky signals your body might be sending you, so listen up:
- MIA Periods: If your periods are playing hide and seek, it could be due to low energy. But remember, a normal BMI doesn’t always mean all’s well with your energy levels. Have you missed more than three periods? It’s time to chat with a healthcare pro.
- Night Sweats: Waking up in a pool of sweat after a challenging workout? Normal. Happening all the time? Not so much. This could mean you’re training too hard or dealing with other health issues.
- Insomnia Parties: Tossing and turning all night? It might be linked to what you eat (or don’t) and overtraining. Also, check if your bedroom feels like a sauna at night–not ideal for dreamy sleep!
- Appetite on Vacation: Not feeling hungry, even with your usual workouts? RED-S might be knocking on your door, or it could be a sign of overtraining. If eating right and easing up on workouts doesn’t help, a doctor’s visit might be in order.
- Where’s the Libido?: Feeling too worn out for some lovin’ after a big race or workout week is understandable. But if this keeps up, your hormones might be out of whack, often thanks to RED-S.
- Tired as a Sloth: It is expected to feel wiped out after a big training session, but it’s a red flag if the tiredness sticks around. Hormone issues, nutritional gaps or even sleep disorders could be the culprits.
- Facial Hair Fiesta: A bit of facial fuzz is expected as we age, but it could point to hormonal imbalances if you’re younger, and it’s more than you’d like.
In conclusion, our bodies are amazing but complex, and they have ways of whispering (or sometimes shouting) when they need a break. Listening to these signals and responding with love and care–whether it’s adjusting our training, fueling right or seeking professional advice–is key to staying strong and healthy. So, keep slaying your fitness goals, but remember to tune in to your body’s needs and show it some TLC! Stay fabulous, fit and fierce, girlfriend!b
Source: Outside Online
Not a member?
Join for FREE!
Enjoy encouraging, motivating, uplifting content created just for women like you, all from the health care name you trust: Franciscan Health.
