Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Determining the Contribution of the Energy Systems During Exercise
Published on: March 20, 2012
[Functional testosterone deficiency in relative energy deficiency in sport]
Loa Nordkap1, Nasima Zuhal Olawi1,2, Niels Jørgensen3
1Afdeling for Lunge-, Hormon- og Stofskiftesygdomme, Københavns Universitetshospital - Amager og Hvidovre Hospital.
Abstract:
Relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) is a syndrome describing dysfunction in normal physiology related to the term "negative energy availability" because of a mismatch between energy consumption and expenditure in sport. A disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis, resulting in testosterone deficiency, seems like the dominant feature in males. REDs-associated testosterone deficiency is functional, and treatment should aim towards reducing training and increasing energy consumption, as argued in this review. Testosterone treatment should not be initiated.
Related Concept Videos
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
Muscle Recovery and Fatigue
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Energy Supply for Muscle Contraction
Metabolic Rate
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence...
Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation

