WashU Medicine OBGYN’s Discuss the Importance of Addressing RED-S in Adolescents and Professionals
Dr. Andrea Hagemann, Gynecologic Oncologist, led a discussion with Dr. Dineo Khabele, Gynecologic Oncologist, and Dr. Maggie Dwiggins, Pediatric Gynecologist, who shared valuable insights into the importance of recognizing and addressing Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) in both adolescent athletes and high-performing professionals. The trio explored the intricacies of achieving peak performance while maintaining overall health and well-being.
How does our understanding of relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S) apply to our jobs in academic medicine? Intense training and complex schedules can have significant physiological consequences.
It’s well studied in athletes—chronic low energy availability leads to performance implications. It turns out that rest and recovery are essential for top performance, even for Type A doctors. Is it possible to create space for rest, recovery, and recharging in our busy schedules?
Understanding RED-S
The topic of RED-S, though a term that may be unfamiliar to many, is critically important. When people think of ‘Red,’ they might think of the Super Bowl or Taylor Swift, but it’s also a serious health concern for adolescents and professionals alike.
RED-S is a new term for what was previously known as the female athlete triad. Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) describes a syndrome of poor health and declining athletic performance that occurs when athletes do not consume enough food to meet the energy demands of their daily lives and training. RED-S can affect athletes of any gender and ability level (Via Boston Children’s Hospital).
The International Olympic Committee updated the guidelines to provide more comprehensive criteria and preventive measures. This new holistic approach acknowledges the complexity of RED-S and its impact on various body systems, from mental health to cardiovascular health.
Parallels with Professional Burnout
Dr. Dwiggins noted similarities between RED-S in athletes and burnout among high-performing medical professionals. “In academic medicine, we strive to be exceptional clinicians, researchers, and educators without burning out. Similar to athletes, we’re passionate about our work, but we need to find ways to perform at our best without harming our health.”
Identifying Warning Signs
It’s important to recognize the early warning signs of stress and burnout. Dr. Khabele emphasized that RED-S symptoms are not linear but involve various body systems. For example, early signs of distress in athletes might be anemia or cardiovascular issues. Similarly, for professionals, signs of burnout could include a lack of enthusiasm for teaching or research, frequent rescheduling of meetings, or delays in completing important tasks.
Strategies for Recovery
The conversation also focused on strategies for recovery and resetting during moments of overwhelming stress. “It’s crucial to take a step back and reset, just like in a marathon where you decide whether to push through or take a break. This applies to both athletes and professionals,” Dr. Dwiggins said. She added that chronic burnout requires a long-term approach, identifying red flags, and implementing interventions to prevent severe consequences such as depression or substance use disorders.
Support systems also play a vital role. Dr. Khabele pointed out that athletes often have external observers to help them recognize and address RED-S. “Similarly, professionals need support systems to help identify warning signs and provide the necessary support to maintain their health and performance.”
Achieving and sustaining high performance requires a careful balance with personal well-being. By being aware of the signs of RED-S and burnout, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain their best performance without compromising their health.
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