#045 Sports medicine series - Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-s) with Velvet Klass

🎙️ Podcast Title: "Spotlight on REDs: Female Football, Menstrual Health & Multidisciplinary Support with Velvet Klass"

👤 Guest: Velvet Klass – PhD Candidate at Flinders University, researching REDs and multidisciplinary support in elite women’s football.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, host Carolyn Kent chats with researcher and former athlete Velvet Klass about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)—a condition that’s affecting far more female footballers than you might think. From menstrual health and energy intake to the critical role of coaches and support teams, Velvet shares her personal journey and research findings that shine a light on a rarely discussed issue in elite women's sport.

💡 What You'll Learn:

• What REDs actually is and how it differs from the Female Athlete Triad

• Common symptoms and early warning signs players, coaches, and parents should watch out for

• How REDs can occur with or without an eating disorder

• Why consistent multidisciplinary support matters (and why nutritionists alone aren’t enough)

• The limitations of menstrual cycle tracking without follow-up

• The importance of athlete-centered care and the human-first approach

• Velvet’s call for governing bodies and universities to take action

🚨 Key Takeaways:

• REDs can affect both men and women and often goes unnoticed in team sports like football.

• Psychological symptoms—like mood swings and fatigue—often appear before physical ones.

• Many athletes don’t have access to consistent nutritional or medical support.

• Awareness and education about menstrual health is still shockingly low in both universities and football clubs.

• Coaches and physios are often best placed to spot REDs early—but need training to do so.

• Policy change is essential to ensure lasting support, especially as club staff turnover is high.

• No player should be made to feel losing their period is normal—it’s not.

📣 Shoutout: Support our nonprofit work and grab your WFH merch at 🛍️ www.womensfootballhub.com

📌 Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.