Chloé Dygert on RED-S diagnosis: 'I haven't had my period in 8 months, gained 9 kilos'

Chloé Dygert has opened up about the series of setbacks she has faced recently. In a new post, the American discussed the RED-S syndrome she is struggling with and how it affects her daily life. Dygert does so in a particularly candid manner on Instagram.

Dygert took a hard fall in Paris-Roubaix and was unable to regain her form afterward. “Since I tried to start training again, I’ve been officially diagnosed with RED-S (a condition in which energy balance is disrupted, ed.), I’ve caught a virus, and my blood values continue to go in the wrong direction,” she announced a week and a half ago.

"An MRI also confirmed that the shoulder injury I sustained in my crash at Roubaix requires surgery, since rehabilitation was unsuccessful. Further scans revealed a collapsed nasal septum, which also requires surgery,” said the American rider from Canyon//SRAM, who, in a new post, focuses primarily on the impact of RED-S syndrome.

RED-S is a syndrome in which athletes’ energy balance becomes disrupted. This severe energy deficit disrupts vital bodily processes, leading to hormonal problems, reduced bone density, chronic fatigue, and poorer athletic performance. Dygert can now speak from personal experience.

"I had my last period 8 months ago. I’ve gained 9 kilos. I’ve lost my drive, my enthusiasm, and my desire for the things that are dear to me. I go out for lunch and come home feeling the need to lie down. I go for a walk and spend the rest of the day on the couch,” she explains.

"On the very first day I was able to cycle for an hour, I contracted the Coxsackie virus. There are days when I can barely function because of exhaustion, but then I lie awake until 4 a.m. and can't sleep," said Dygert. "I’ve been dealing with fatigue in my work for years and always assumed it was due to the constant setbacks, so I thought this was just more of the same."

RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) is a syndrome caused by Low Energy Availability (LEA), meaning an athlete's body is not consuming enough calories to cover both their daily bodily functions and their training.

"Until there were signs that my body was physically breaking down. More than just my usual injuries. Signs of unexplained problems that are normally manageable. Unusual behavior. All things I ignored because I thought I’d get through it if I just kept pushing through,” continues the American, who has already faced her share of setbacks in her career. Just think of the crash at the 2020 World Time Trial Championships.

"And then there's everything else that comes with it. The opinions and input of literally everyone around you. The uncertainty about the timing. The fear of missing out. Watching the season slip away while you can do nothing but recover at your body’s own pace,” she offers a glimpse into how a top athlete like her thinks when things aren’t going well.