RED-S, or relative energy deficiency in sport, was formerly referred to as the ‘female athlete triad’, as initially it was thought to affect only women. However, it’s now understood that RED-S is prevalent among men and women, especially in sports like cycling that have high metabolic demands, combined with aesthetic and performance-related goals.
“Cyclists are particularly susceptible due to the intense and prolonged energy expenditure involved in their training and competition routines,” explains hormones specialist Dr Nicky Keay.
