It is recommended that female athletes should get a blood test twice a year and have an oversight on key biomarkers that affect their health and performance.
You can request a blood test by consulting to a sports physician or from your general practitioner.
What are the key biomarkers that should be analyzed to evaluate female athlete health and performance?
1. Iron: Responsible for transporting oxygen in blood. Iron deficiency is associated with fatigue, poor performance, frequent illnesses and negative mood. Female athletes who follow a vegetarian/vegan diet, consume lower calories, experience heavy menstrual bleeding, and engage in endurance sports are at high risk. Iron supplements should be administered under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist.
2. Vitamin D & Calcium: They play a key role in bone and muscle health, and healthy functioning of immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with conditions such as stress fractures and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The optimal Vitamin D level in athletes should be above 50 ng/mL. Optimal Vitamin D levels enable calcium to be integrated into the bones.
3. Vitamin B12 & Folic acid: Vitamin B12 supports cellular functions and can be obtained through an animal-based diet. Deficiency is frequently observed in those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Folic acid works synergistically with Vitamin B12 and form red blood cells and supports the healthy functioning of iron.
4. Hormonal health: Optimal estrogen, FSH and LH levels are indicators of a healthy menstrual cycle in female athletes. TSH, T3 and T4 are biomarkers of thyroid health. Low calorie intake may negatively affect these hormones and reduce performance. Hormone levels should be evaluated with your physician.
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Disclaimer: The information shared on this page is for educational purposes only. If you have any health issues or are taking any medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist.