In this episode of the Wild Health Podcast, host Dr. Mike Mallin welcomes Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, an expert in women's performance endocrinology, for a deep dive into the critical topic of fueling female athletes. Dr. DiGirolamo, with her unique blend of medical and athletic expertise, shares insights into the importance of energy availability for female athletes, exploring the spectrum from low energy availability (LEA) to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and its impacts on health and performance.

Their conversation covers the physiological differences in energy sensitivity between male and female athletes, the consequences of inadequate fueling, and the prevalence of LEA and RED-S across various sports and age groups. Dr. DiGirolamo emphasizes the significant yet often overlooked issue of LEA and RED-S in the general population, especially among midlife women.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on identifying and managing these conditions, including nutritional strategies, the importance of recovery, and adapting training to different phases of the menstrual cycle. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in optimizing female athletic performance and understanding the intricacies of women's health in the realm of sports and fitness.

Learn more about Dr. Digirolamo at https://www.drcarlad.com/

Referenced Study: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GcbyRf9nbhWR_Luf9R3kILfeZdA9ue_r/view?usp=sharing