Amenorrhea, Energy Deficiency & the Female Athlete

We dive into the often-overlooked topic of amenorrhea: the absence of menstruation. Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram unpack the science with a focus on Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) linked to energy deficiency in athletes. They explore how intense training and and sport pressures around leanness or weight can disrupt regular hormonal signals, affecting long-term bone density, cardiovascular health, and performance. They also discuss the original concept of the Female Athlete Triad (low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density) and its evolution into RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a more holistic model encompassing many aspects of health and wellbeing.The conversation expands into evolutionary perspectives, comparing Western menstrual experiences—from menarche to menopause—with those of hunter-gatherer populations like the Hadza, and questioning what “normal” really means. Ultimately, this episode reframes intense athletics as a nuanced practice that must be supported by adequate nutrition and recovery.Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript00:00 – Intro & Sponsors02:45 – What Is Amenorrhea?05:40 – Primary vs Secondary Amenorrhea09:00 – Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA): Energy deficiency and hormonal suppression11:10 – Female Athlete Triad → RED-S: Evolution of understanding in sports science21:30 – The Hadza perspective: menarche to menopause25:25 – Negative consequences of amenorrhea: Bone Health  29:15 – IUD induced amenorrhea 37:00 – Historical and modern timelines for menarche compared to the Hadza 50:45 – Closing thoughts on ancient humans Links & Research Mentioned:Substack article that prompted this episode Dr Jen Gunter’s article on the hormonal IUD and bone health Foraging & Menstruation in the Hadza of Tanzania Comparison between The Female Athlete Triad & RED-SConnect, Move & Learn:Join Our Newsletter: Movement Colored GlassesFollow Katy on SubstackTry Katy's Virtual Studio Free for 7 days!Made Possible By Our Wonderful Sponsors:Ikaria Design: The Soul Seat® offers height-adjustable, multi-position sitting—get 10% off new chairs and desks with code DNA10.Smart Playrooms: Beautiful playroom design and movement-rich equipment—save 10% on monkey bars and rock-wall items with code DNA10.Peluva: Five-toe minimalist shoes that move like you do—take 10% off with code NUTRITIOUSMOVEMENTMovemate: Active standing boards with smoothly articulating wooden slats. Designed to keep you moving without interrupting your focus.My Happy Feet: Toe-spacing socks that gently realign toes for comfortable recovery—take 20% off with code MYDNA.Venn Design: Beautifully upholstered ball-shaped Air Chairs that encourage dynamic sitting.Thoughts/questions email us at [email protected] Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits