Elite women athletes may face menstrual issues

Women athletes face an increased risk of menstrual problems, though the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists says recreational exercise may be beneficial for fertility “to a certain point.” A study notes that women are participating in both professional and recreational sports in consistently increasing numbers, but how relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) affects fertility hasn’t been deeply studied. “Sport governing bodies, teams, and sponsors must establish policies to support athletes in reproductive planning,” the study notes, “as well as fostering supportive environments with flexible training requirements for athletes during fertility treatment and pregnancy.”