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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Claire Badenhorst — researcher, associate professor and athlete — about the often-overlooked intersection of iron status, performance, and menstrual health in women. Claire’s research dives deep into why iron deficiency is so prevalent among active women, and how factors like menstrual cycle phase, hormonal fluctuations, and even menstrual fluid loss can all influence iron markers.
In this conversation, Claire breaks down complex concepts like luteal phase defect and hepcidin regulation in a way that’s incredibly accessible — and relevant — for anyone who trains hard or supports female athletes. She also shares insights from her recent studies, including novel approaches to defining heavy menstrual bleeding and exploring whether menstrual fluid could be used as a tool to assess broader health markers. If you’ve ever felt fatigued, foggy, or flat in training and wondered if iron could be the missing piece — this one is a must-listen.
Dr Claire Badenhorst is an associate professor in exercise physiology at Massey University and a leading researcher in female athlete health, with a particular focus on iron metabolism, menstrual health, and performance. With a background as both an endurance athlete and academic, Claire brings a unique perspective to her work — combining scientific rigour with real-world athletic insight.
Her recent research explores the impact of menstrual cycle status on iron markers, the role of hepcidin in active women, and novel approaches to assessing menstrual fluid loss and defining heavy menstrual bleeding. Claire is passionate about improving the health, performance, and clinical care of active women by advancing the conversation around hormones, iron, and recovery.
https://www.instagram.com/claire_bades/?hl=en
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