Energy availability modulates regional blood flow via estrogen-independent pathways in regularly menstruating young women

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term low energy availability (LEA) on vascular function in young, regularly menstruating women. Methods: Participants were 19 women, aged 22.9 ± 4.2 years, with body mass index 18–30 kg·m2. They were divided into two groups and completed two conditions in a crossover design: a 3-day control condition (CON) with an energy availability of 45 kcals·kgFFM−1·day−1 and a 3-day LEA condition of 15 kcals·kgFFM−1 day–1. Assessments were conducted during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Outcome measures included forearm blood flow (FBF), heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, resting energy expenditure (REE), metabolic blood markers and body composition. Results: Significant time-by-condition interactions were found for resting FBF (p =.004), REE (p =.042), triiodothyronine (p =.006), β-hydroxybutyrate (p =.002) and body mass (p