Effects of Functional Hypothalamic Menstrual Dysregulation in High Performance Female Athletes
Emma Skaug
This study investigates how Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) impacts brain blood flow and cognitive performance in female athletes. REDs occurs when energy intake is insufficient to meet the demands of training and daily life, and can lead to menstrual dysregulation (MD) due to disrupted sex hormone levels.
This research is in collaboration with Canadian Sport Institue Pacific .
Using a 3D multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) task, we will assess cognitive function alongside real-time measures of cerebral blood flow. Participants’ hormones, menstrual cycle patterns, bone density, and eating disorder risk will also be evaluated over a three-month period.
Our goal is to uncover how REDs and menstrual hormone disruption affect brain function and long-term health in active females.
Researchers
Location
Focus
Status
Ongoing