How low energy availability disrupts the brain-to-ovary connection in female athletes
Dr Emma Ross explains how the brain regulates menstrual hormones and why insufficient fuel can trigger a shutdown of the reproductive system, impacting long-term health and athletic performance.
The brain-to-ovary link is a regulatory pathway where the brain controls the release of hormones from the ovaries. However, when an athlete experiences low energy availability—not getting enough fuel to meet the demands of training and life—the brain may prioritize survival by switching off the reproductive system (S2:p2). Because pregnancy cannot be sustained without sufficient energy, the brain suppresses the menstrual cycle (S2:p3).
This suppression is a significant red flag for coaches and athletes, as it impacts more than just fertility. The loss of hormones like oestrogen can impair immune, cardiovascular, and brain functions (S2:p4). Crucially, a lack of oestrogen hinders the development of bone density and strength. Since women reach peak bone strength before age 30, failing to support this process in their teens and 20s can lead to long-term health consequences, such as increased bone fractures (S2:p5).
Source: What is the brain to ovary link in relation to female athletes?
