Navigating L.E.A. in Menopausal Athletes: Insights + Awareness

As athletes, we often focus on pushing our limits, achieving new personal bests, and maintaining peak performance. However, an often-overlooked aspect of athletic health, particularly for women in menopause, is Low Energy Availability (LEA). Understanding LEA and its impacts during this life stage is crucial for maintaining both health and performance.

Understanding LEA and RED-S

LEA occurs when there isn't enough energy left after exercise to support the body's essential functions, leading to a range of health concerns known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). This syndrome affects not just athletes but also active individuals, resulting in impaired bone health, menstrual dysfunction, and decreased cardiovascular health, among other issues.

Why LEA is Overlooked During Menopause

Menopause brings its own set of symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and insomnia, which often overshadow the signs of LEA. These symptoms can easily be misattributed to menopause rather than a potential energy deficiency. Additionally, there's a common misconception that menopause naturally leads to weight gain and decreased performance, which might cause signs of LEA to be dismissed as normal aging.

Recognizing LEA in Perimenopausal and Surgical Menopausal Athletes

For athletes in perimenopause, fluctuating hormone levels can mask or mimic LEA symptoms. Menstrual irregularity, a key indicator of LEA, becomes harder to detect as menstrual cycles naturally become irregular during perimenopause. In surgical menopause, the abrupt hormonal changes can amplify LEA symptoms, yet the absence of menstrual cycles removes a vital indicator, making detection more challenging.

Shared and Divergent Symptoms

Both perimenopausal and surgically menopausal athletes may face fatigue, decreased performance, and mood swings. However, the severity and immediacy of these symptoms can vary. Surgical menopause often brings more pronounced symptoms due to the abrupt hormonal decline, while perimenopausal symptoms might be more subtle and fluctuating.

Promoting Awareness and Education

There's a noticeable lack of emphasis on educating menopausal athletes about LEA, compared to their younger counterparts. Raising awareness and understanding the symptoms can empower athletes to take proactive steps in managing their energy intake and overall health.

In conclusion, recognizing and addressing LEA in menopausal athletes is vital for sustaining health and performance. By understanding the unique challenges posed by menopause, athletes can better navigate their training and lifestyle to maintain optimal energy availability and well-being.