It is recommended that female athletes get a blood test twice a year and to provide an oversight on key biomarkers that affect their health and performance.
Athletes can request a blood test by consulting a sports physician, sports pharmacist working collaboratively with a provider, or a general practitioner.
What are the key biomarkers that should be analyzed to evaluate female athlete health and performance?
- Iron: Responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency is associated with fatigue, poor performance, frequent illnesses and negative mood. Female athletes who follow a vegetarian/vegan diet, consume lower calories, experience heavy menstrual bleeding, or engage in endurance sports are at high risk of iron deficiency. Iron supplements should be administered under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist.
- Vitamin D & Calcium: They play a key role in bone and muscle health, and healthy functioning of the immune system. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with conditions such as stress fractures and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The optimal Vitamin D level in athletes should be above 50 ng/mL. Optimal Vitamin D levels enable calcium to be integrated into the bones.
- Vitamin B12 & Folic acid: Vitamin B12 supports cellular functions and can be obtained through an animal-based diet. Deficiency is frequently observed in those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Folic acid works synergistically with Vitamin B12 and forms red blood cells, supporting the healthy functioning of iron.
- Hormonal Health: Optimal estrogen, FSH and LH levels are indicators of a healthy menstrual cycle in female athletes. TSH, T3 and T4 are biomarkers of thyroid health. Low calorie intake may negatively affect these hormones and reduce performance. Hormone levels should be evaluated and discussed with your physician.
Listen to the The Performance Prescription Lab Podcast to learn more about this topic.
Written by Nilhan Uzman, Pharm., MSc
Nilhan Uzman is an IOC Certified Sports Pharmacist who combines her passion for sports with her profession, and practices as a sports pharmacist. She works with recreational and professional athletes and teams, specializing in preventive health and performance in endurance sports. She is committed to empowering athletes to gain better control on their health, well-being and protecting clean sports. She currently serves as the International Liaison for the Sports Pharmacy Network and the co-host of the The Performance Prescription Lab Podcast.