Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Female Lab: Sport Science For Women

In this episode we discuss what PCOS is, how it occurs and why it occurs. We also take a look at how PCOS can manifest in women. If you haven't already, take a look at episode 1 to help you understand some of the terms, hormones and structures mentioned in this episode.

This episode will be followed by Pt.2 where we will discuss PCOS and exercise as a management and treatment strategy.

Here you can also find the link to the really interesting paper by Sabag et al. 2024 - Exercise in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: A position statement from Exercise and Sports Science Australia

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244024002081

See you all in the next episode!

In this episode we are joined by Emma Swords, a professional rugby player for Harlequins women. Emma's years of experience in the sport contributed significantly to the creation of this episode.

In this episode we discussed some of the current issues in sport, not only for high performers, but for girls and women of all backgrounds. We touched on topics such as stigmas and stereotypes around females in sport, retention of female athletes, how we can promote female sport and linking science to practice.

Emma isn't just an exceptional athlete, she's also a dedicated and driven business woman. Go find her and her businesses on social media!!

@emma_swords

@boncee_uk

@sw9rds_rugby

In this episode we discuss the physiological changes that occur throughout the cycle and how they may impact exercise. This information can be used to guide you through training and periodisation to maximise your performance and promote health.

To learn more about hormonal fluctuation and events throughout the cycle you can listen to Episode 1.

Below I have also left some interesting research articles which are relevant to the content covered in this episode.

1) Gordon, A. N., Moore, S. R., Patterson, N. D., Hostetter, M. E., Cabre, H. E., Hirsch, K. R., Hackney, A. C., & Smith-Ryan, A. E. (2023). The Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Loading on Exercise Recovery in Active Women throughout the Menstrual Cycle. Nutrients, 15(16), 3567. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163567

2) Solomon, S. J., Kurzer, M. S., & Calloway, D. H. (1982). Menstrual cycle and basal metabolic rate in women. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 36(4), 611–616. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/36.4.611

3) Janse de Jonge X. A. (2003). Effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 33(11), 833–851. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333110-00004

4) Baker, F., C., Siboza, f., & Fuller, A. (2020). Temperature regulation in women: Effects of the menstrual cycle. Temperature (Austin),7, 226-262.

5) Baker L. B. (2017). Sweating Rate and Sweat Sodium Concentration in Athletes: A Review of Methodology and Intra/Interindividual Variability. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 47(Suppl 1), 111–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0691-5

This first episode will be the first of two episodes discussing the menstrual cycle.

This episode serves to lay the foundation for all the topics we will discuss in the future. In this episode we will discuss the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, the events which occur and the phases of the cycle. Below, I have left some key points and terminology which might come in handy when listening to this episode.

Key terms and hormones:

1) Endometrium - The uterine lining

2) Ovulation - The release of an egg from the ovary

3) GnRH - Gonadotropin releasing hormone

4) LH - Luteinizing hormone

5) FSH - Follicule stimulating hormone

6) Oestrogen

7) Progesterone

Key points to remember:

1) All timelines are based on the assumption of an average cycle of 28 days. The science still applies to cycles shorter or longer than 28 days, but the timeline would be different.

2) Ovulation occurs half way through the cycle

3) The menstrual cycle is separated into 2 phases, the follicular phase and the luteal phase (separated by ovulation).

4) Menstruation refers to the the shedding of the uterine lining associated with bleeding.

A brief introduction to what this podcast is all about.