Anastasia Samoylova urges athletes to investigate fatigue before training harder

Persistent fatigue and falling strength should prompt an assessment before exercise loads increase, endocrinologist Anastasia Samoylova told Sport Express.

Chronic stress and inadequate energy intake can hinder adaptation to training, she said. Thyroid and sex hormones contribute to metabolism and recovery, but laboratory results alone are insufficient. An assessment should also consider how the athlete feels, eats and trains.

Menstrual disruption in female athletes warrants medical attention, Samoylova said. It may reflect insufficient energy availability when food intake does not cover the body's needs alongside exercise. The International Olympic Committee's consensus on REDs similarly describes adverse health and performance consequences associated with low energy availability.

The endocrinologist's role is to identify disturbances and help restore balance, rather than prescribe medication to boost athletic performance, she said. Adequate nutrition remains part of recovery.