How the Female Athlete Research Gap Affects All Women with Dr. Emily Kraus

Dr. Emily Kraus, sports medicine physician and director of Stanford's FASTR female athlete research program, addresses the critical gap in sports science that continues to affects all female athletes: from Olympians to college students to everyday women who just want to do their best.

She discusses the physiological differences that lead to unique health challenges and emphasizes the urgent need for tailored research on women.

Learn how to recognize the signs of low energy availability and why understanding women's physiology is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.

Key Takeaways:

1. Female athletes often experience more severe bone stress injuries due to hormonal sensitivities and under-fueling.
2. Menstrual irregularities, fatigue, and mood changes are critical warning signs of underlying issues like RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).
3. Standard lab values may not be suitable for female athletes; seek comprehensive tests for iron, thyroid, and vitamin D levels — and what numbers you should be looking for.
4. Why building a supportive culture is essential for injury prevention.
5. How to engage in open dialogues about physiological differences to foster a more inclusive athletic environment.

If you found this debut episode of the new Feisty Women's Performance podcast valuable, please leave us a review and share with a woman who needs this information!

Dr. Emily Kraus is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As the director of the Female Athlete Science and Translational Research (FASTR) program, she focuses on closing the gender gap in sports science research, and emphasizing early identification and intervention for female athletes.

Links and Resources:

• Dr. Emily Kraus Profile

• FASTR Program

• FASTR Instagram

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