Episode 121: Stress, the science of cortisol, and updates on the Female Athlete Triad

Keely’s back from her Step 1 Medical Licensing Exam and honeymoon chaos, and we’re diving straight into one of the most important conversations for female athletes right now: stress.

Stress from training. Stress from life. Stress from the world. Stress from big exams and big dreams.

It's a perfect transition into the brand new 2025 Female Athlete Triad Coalition consensus update and what those changes means for athletes, coaches, and doctors.

We break down:

1. What cortisol actually is (and why it’s not always the villain)
2. Energy deficiency vs. REDs vs. the Female Athlete Triad
3. Why BMI isn’t an accurate measure of athlete health
4. New hormonal markers that do matter
5. Why adolescent runners are especially vulnerable
6. And why life stress absolutely counts when it comes to health and performance

And then Keely and Corrine address the “Lindsey Vonn controversy,” highlighting the clear double standard in how injured athletes are judged. When men compete through injury, it’s called grit. When women do, it’s labeled reckless or irresponsible.

This episode is brought to you by:

rabbit: If you're looking to treat yourself after the holidays or upgrade your winter running kit, head to www.runinrabbit.com and use code FEBTRAIL in February for 10% off.

ProBio: Use code Trail20 for 20%-off orders (30%-off + free shipping w/ subscriptions) at probionutrition.com

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