In this episode, Talia is joined by Dr Nicky Keay to explore the often overlooked consequences of under-eating and over-exercise on hormones and bone health.
Together, they unpack how low energy availability can disrupt the menstrual cycle, reduce estrogen and impact bone health. They also discuss DEXA scans, osteoporosis, HRT and REDS.
What You’ll Learn:
The hormonal consequences of under-fuelling and over-exercising
The link between amenorrhoea, low oestrogen, and bone health
The difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis
The latest guidance around HRT for functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea
Blood tests that may be useful when assessing REDS and bone health
Nicky is a medical doctor specialising in exercise endocrinology. Nicky’s clinical endocrine work provides personalised approach for hormone health, offering health advisory appointments, with a focus for those experiencing relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
Based on her research into REDs, Nicky developed the free online personal availability questionnaire (PEAQ). Nicky is medical advisor to Scottish Ballet and offers talks on a variety of hormone topics at international conferences for organisations and groups. Nicky is the author of “Hormones, Health and Human Potential” and editor of “Myths of Menopause”.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:32 – How under-eating and over-exercise affect hormones 02:57 – Why periods may stop when the body is conserving energy 05:30 – What DEXA scans can and cannot tell us 08:38 – Understanding osteopenia, osteoporosis, Z-scores and T-scores 27:45 – Can osteoporosis be improved? 37:34 – What HRT is and when it may be indicated 42:22 – Why the oral contraceptive pill is not bone-protective in FHA 52:28 – Helpful blood markers for REDs and bone health 56:08 – Why vitamin D matters more than “normal range” alone
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Talia Cecchele. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Talia Cecchele och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
