The female reproductive system interacts with physical activity and exercise training with respect to both health and performance. When exercise leads to detrimental effects on menstrual function, the athlete may experience associated decreases in physical performance and also risk longer-term impacts on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
This keynote will dive into menstrual health and performance in female athletes - from myth to modern science. Historically, the mechanism behind the loss of menstrual function associated with physical training was thought to be low body fat. Our understanding has since evolved, with low energy availability, stress, and other contributing factors now recognised as the main causes of menstrual dysfunction in active women. We will consider what factors influences menstrual health and subsequent performance in female athletes and how menstrual health can be monitored and managed in athletes.
Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale is an internationally recognised expert in Female Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology, with over two decades of experience researching women’s health and performance. Her work focuses on the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception, menstrual dysfunction, and pregnancy in athletic, occupational (example: military) and clinical populations.
Kirsty has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and is committed to improving research and practice standards in women’s sport. She regularly collaborates with leading organisations including the UK Sports Institute, UEFA, FIFPRO, and the Women’s Tennis Association, as well as elite teams such as Arsenal Women and Manchester Thunder.
Professor Elliott-Sale currently leads the Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University, driving innovation and impact in female athlete research.
Professor Karen Birch’s areas of expertise include physical activity assessment, exercise science, exercise interventions, flow mediated dilatation, vascular physiology, exercise testing, exercise and female reproductive health, and exercise and menopause. Her research interests include endothelial integrity, female reproductive hormones, exercise and cardiovascular disease.
Karen is a Fellow of ACSM and has been funded in her research by the British Heart Foundation, the Medical Research Charity, the European Commission and the National Institute of Health Research. Professor Birch has a particular interest in using interval exercise for health, especially in women across their lifespan. Her work has been completed at Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Leeds.
