On today’s episode I am joined by Dr Kirsty Elliott-Sale. Kirsty is an Associate Professor of Female Physiology and the Head of the Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group at Nottingham Trent University. Kirsty completed her PhD at Liverpool John Moore’s University which examined the effects of female reproductive hormones on muscle strength and since then her work has mainly focused on female athletes. On this episode we explore hormonal contraception and discuss the impact it has on our physiology, the potential influence it can have on our performance and training as active females and then finish with some practical tips for sportswomen and those working with them.

If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review, and please share with your teammates, coaches, friends, and family!

Resources: Dr. Kirsty Elliott-Sale: Info: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/staff-profiles/science-technology/kirsty-elliott-sale | ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kirsty-Elliott-Sale | Twitter: @ElliottSale

Elliott-Sale, K. J., McNulty, K. L., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Hicks, K. M., Thomas, K., ... & Dolan, E. (2020). The effects of oral contraceptives on exercise performance in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports medicine, 1-28.

Martin, D., Sale, C., Cooper, S. B., & Elliott-Sale, K. J. (2018). Period prevalence and perceived side effects of hormonal contraceptive use and the menstrual cycle in elite athletes. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 13(7), 926-932.

Season 1 of the podcast is kindly sponsored by Umi Health. Umi Health are on a mission to make pelvic health accessible to every woman, everywhere. Exclusively for the listeners Umi Health are offering a 7-day free trial - all you need to do is go to their website and enter the code PERIOD at either sign up or upgrade. For more information: www.umi-health.com| Insta @umihealth | Twitter: @HealthUmi | Facebook: @UmiHealthLtd

Check out more from The Period of The Period: www.periodoftheperiod.com | Insta @periodoftheperiod | Twitter @periodofperiod | Facebook @periodoftheperiod

You can also find us on Patreon. We have three different membership levels all priced under £5 a month and supports our mission to change the narrative for women in sport and exercise by increasing awareness and providing evidenced-based information and support to sportswomen and those working with them. Through becoming a Patron of the The Period of The Period you’ll receive a wide range of benefits including early access, bonus episodes, resources and more! If you want to help us continue doing what we do then please head to www.patreon.com/periodoftheperiod

*Disclaimer: Material and content discussed on The Period of The Period Podcast are intended for general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice*.

Support the show

SE1 EP2: Hormonal contraception, performance & training.