WHY ALL ENDURANCE ATHLETES SHOULD HAVE A PERFORMANCE BLOOD TEST
As an endurance athlete - whether you run, cycle, swim, hike, or climb - you push your body to its limits.
But are you paying enough attention to your internal health?
Understanding your blood markers via a blood test is crucial for optimising your performance, preventing injury, and ensuring long-term health and wellbeing.
Why Blood Testing Matters for Endurance Athletes
Most athletes focus on training volume and intensity, often neglecting the physiological toll it takes. Without regular blood testing, you could be missing critical warning signs—low energy availability, hormonal imbalances, or deficiencies that impact performance and recovery.
Ignoring your blood health can lead to:
Increased risk of injury (e.g., tendonopathies, stress fractures)
Chronic fatigue and prolonged recovery
Poor muscle development and bone density issues
Hormonal imbalances affecting overall well-being
The Phases of Life and Blood Health
Your body's needs change at different life stages:
Adolescence & Early Adulthood: Hormones play a vital role in bone development and muscle growth. For example, up to 90% of bone formation occurs before age 18.
20s & 30s: Athletes often feel invincible, but overtraining without monitoring can lead to undiagnosed deficiencies.
30s & 40s: Recovery slows, and natural hormonal downregulation begins.
50s & Beyond: Muscle retention, bone health, and recovery become even more critical.
Why a Performance Blood Test for Athletes is Different
A standard GP blood test might not be sufficient for athletes. General blood tests often focus on broad averages, whereas performance blood tests evaluate:
Iron & Vitamin D levels (essential for endurance and recovery)
Thyroid function (impacting metabolism and energy levels)
Hormonal balance (testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and more)
Inflammation markers (indicating stress and potential injury risk)
Bone health indicators (CRP, creatinine, ferritin, etc.)
While a GP test may assess 20 markers, a comprehensive performance blood test can analyse over 60 markers, offering a tailored insight into your body's specific needs.
The Importance of Individualised Blood Testing
Your training demands a personalised approach, and so does your health. Companies like Medicheck, Fourth, and Thriva provide specialised blood testing services tailored for athletes. These tests help you and your coach make informed decisions about:
Nutrition and supplementation
Adjustments to training volume and intensity
Recovery strategies to prevent burnout and injury
The Next Steps
If you've never had a performance blood test, now is the time to start. It’s an invaluable tool that provides black-and-white data on what’s happening inside your body. By regularly monitoring your blood markers, you can optimise your training, enhance recovery, and ensure long-term health and performance.
Not sure which one to check? Get in touch and we can point you in the right direction, depending on your needs.