Beyond the Scoreboard: How REDs Can Change a Woman Athlete’s Life

By Dr. Reena Kumar

Athletic success can mask a hidden health struggle: not getting enough energy to fuel the body. Known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), this condition can affect an athlete’s health, recovery and performance.

American tennis player Emma Navarro brought attention to the issue in September 2026, when she announced that she was ending her season early to focus on her health, following a diagnosis of REDs and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. Her experience highlights how an athlete can succeed on the court while struggling physically behind the scenes. [1]

REDs can disrupt menstrual cycles, compromise bone health, increase the risk of injuries and illness, and affect mood and concentration. Symptoms may develop gradually, making the condition difficult to recognize.

A diagnosis can mean adjusting training, improving nutrition and prioritizing recovery, with guidance from doctors and sports dietitians. And recognize the pressure to compete or maintain a particular physique despite warning signs.

REDs is not gender-specific and can affect both female and male athletes as recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) [2]

The message is clear: REDs is not simply about food or weight; it is about giving the body enough energy to function and thrive. Early recognition will help protect the athlete.

Because beyond the scoreboard, an athlete’s health matters just as much as victory.

References

1.⁠ ⁠Reuters (2026). "Navarro ends 2026 season early, reveals long-running health struggles." (https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/navarro-ends-2026-season-early-reveals-long-running-health-struggles-2026-09-30/)

2.⁠ ⁠Mountjoy M, et al. (2023). "2023 International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) consensus statement on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)." (https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/17/1073.long) British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57, 1073–1097.