Performance Doesn’t Equal Health: Renee McGregor on RED-S, Hormones & Fueling

What if being fitter, leaner and able to train harder doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healthier? In this episode of Zone2Speak, I’m joined by Renee McGregor, one of the leading voices in sports nutrition, RED-S and athlete health, for a conversation about something that can be incredibly easy to overlook in endurance sport: the difference between performance and health. We talk about low energy availability and RED-S, why losing your period shouldn’t be seen as a normal consequence of hard training, and how the pursuit of being lighter can sometimes come at a significant cost. We also cover fuelling for endurance cycling, carbohydrates, training fasted, recovery, and the signs your body may be struggling even when your performance still looks good. And the conversation goes beyond female athletes. We discuss hormonal health through different stages of life, including perimenopause and menopause, as well as testosterone and what men should understand about their own hormonal and nutritional health. This is a conversation about looking beyond watts, weight, and race results, and recognising that long-term performance is built on a healthy body. \--- Follow Renee McGregor: https://www.instagram.com/r\_mcgregor/  Work with Renee McGregor: https://intentbrandwork.com/renee-mcgregor  Latest Substack: https://thefuellinereneemcgregor.substack.com/p/are-women-better-than-men-at-endurance  \--- 🎁 Support Zone2Speak by shopping with these Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products: ☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotan.cc 🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes. Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak 🕶️ Siroko – 10% off performance apparel designed for long rides, big adventures, and everything in between. From gravel to endurance racing, Siroko combines comfort, style, and technical performance for life on the bike. Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 10% off: https://srko.co/zone2speak ☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus. Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak 🦸🏻‍♀️ Ultrahuman: Track sleep, fitness, cycles and blood markers to enhance healthspan and longevity: https://ultrahumanhealthcare.pxf.io/zone2speak | CODE: zone2speak  🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors. Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca\ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm\source=website&utm\medium=affiliate\program&utm\campaign=ukaffiliate\standard-podcast-commission\juliana-veterano\8382102 🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF\_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2speak  🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc 🧬 OLEUS – 20% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE\_0EYXDGB8CJSS: https://oleus.com 🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak 🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more. Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/ 🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals. High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes. Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm\medium=influencer&utm\source=loudcrowd&lc\ambassador\id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O 💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery! To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support! \--- Follow Zone2Speak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast