Mixed
Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) is diagnosed by excluding organic diseases and confounding factors (such as caloric restriction, iron deficiency, or infections) rather than by a single positive diagnostic marker, as no current test meets all diagnostic criteria.
If you are experiencing unexplained performance decline and fatigue, do not rely on a single blood test to diagnose 'overtraining.' Instead, work with a professional to systematically rule out other causes like illness, nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium), or caloric deficits. The diagnosis is made by excluding these factors and observing a prolonged maladaptation to training stress.
One approach to understanding the etiology of OTS involves the exclusion of organic diseases or infections and factors such as dietary caloric restriction (negative energy balance) and insufficient carbohydrate and/or protein intake, iron deficiency, magnesium deficiency, allergies, etc. together with identification of initiating events or triggers.
Why this rating
This is a consensus position statement from the European College of Sport Science.
Source
Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the Overtraining Syndrome
Romain Meeusen et al. · European Journal of Sport Science · 2006
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