Sports Science Series - Esther Goldsmith The Menstrual Cycle

Women’s Football Hub

Sports Science Series: Esther Goldsmith - The Menstrual Cycle

In this episode, Dr. Megan Lowry interviews Esther Goldsmith, a sport and exercise physiologist who works for Sport Wales. Esther specialises in supporting female athletes and educating coaches on how to best support the unique needs of female athletes. Main Topics Discussed - Esther's background and role as a sport and exercise physiologist [(00:00:31) - Differences in training and supporting female vs. male athletes [(00:01:51)] - Overview of the menstrual cycle and its impacts on the body [(00:03:24)] - Strategies for athletes to track and manage menstrual cycle symptoms [(00:09:17)] - Considerations for parents and coaches supporting young female athletes through puberty [(00:14:54)] - Effects of hormonal contraceptives on the menstrual cycle and athletic performance [(00:18:44)] --- Where to Find Esther Goldsmith - Twitter: @EGoldsmithPhys - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-goldsmith-85445a167/ Key Terms & References - Menstrual Cycle: A hormonal cycle that occurs in the female reproductive system, typically lasting 21-35 days. - Estrogen & Progesterone: The primary hormones that fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. - Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control methods that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy, including the pill, IUD, implant, etc. - Combined vs. Progestin-Only Contraceptives: Two main categories of hormonal birth control with different hormonal compositions. - Project Red S: An organization providing resources for healthcare providers on the Female Athlete Triad.