The Food Medic The Latest Insights On Menstrual Cycle Research For Active Women | With Kelly McNulty
13 snips
Jun 25, 2025 Kelly McNulty, a researcher and founder of The Period of the Period, discusses the often-overlooked impact of the menstrual cycle on women's athletic performance. She highlights the need for more high-quality research on female physiology and advocates for individualized training strategies. McNulty emphasizes the importance of cycle tracking to optimize performance and recovery. By understanding their bodies better, women can train more effectively and harness their full potential, regardless of their menstrual stage.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Challenges in Menstrual Cycle Research
- Menstrual cycle research faces quality and quantity gaps due to high costs and complex hormone tracking needs.
- Lack of education and low-quality studies contribute to ongoing research challenges in female physiology.
Menstrual Cycle Minimal Performance Impact
- Performance does not significantly vary throughout the menstrual cycle phases in general population.
- Individual symptoms like pain can influence perceived exertion more than hormones themselves.
Personal Marathon Experience on Period
- Dr. Hazel Wallace ran the Paris Marathon on day four of her cycle and experienced practical difficulties despite hormonal phases.
- Women's real-life experiences may vary widely regarding energy and performance through menstrual phases.
