Reading Passage: Symptoms of RED-S

Module 4: Symptoms of RED-S

The symptoms of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) can vary depending on the severity and duration of the energy deficiency and can also vary between individuals.
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Some common signs and symptoms to look out for in your athletes include:

• Decreased Performance
• Decrease in muscle strength, endurance, risk of injury, training response
• May see short-term performance improvements before decline
• Some athletes may increase their training intensity to compensate for performance declines caused by RED-S, which can exacerbate the energy deficiency
  and worsen symptoms
• Low BMI
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Rapid weight loss
• Decreased muscle mass/strength, fat
• Increased susceptibility for injury
• Decreased ability to recover from training and competition
• Frequent illness
• Disordered eating patterns or eating disorders
• Amenorrhea (no periods) or oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods)
• Osteoporosis (decreased bone density)
• Decreased cognitive function
• Mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, irritability)
• Trouble staying warm
• Hair loss
• Low libido

Symptoms of RED-S often overlap with those of other conditions, such as disordered eating, chronic fatigue, and overtraining.
If you suspect RED-S, it is crucial to refer your athlete to a trained professional such as a sports physician, mental health counselor, and registered dietitian.