Optimizing Performance Through The Menstrual Cycle

Description

Women make up half the population of the planet, yet for decades there has been persistent under-representation of women in medical and performance research. This online learning course will present the unique physiology of the female menstrual cycle. We will then discuss ways that coaches can modify their game plan recommendations to leverage this physiology to the advantage of people of reproductive age with female physiology who are not pregnant. A systems based approach will be taken to the implementation of this information through the examination of several case studies, including an emphasis on the risk of low energy availability and the detrimental role that it can have.

Learning Objectives

• Outline the physiology of the menstrual cycle, and present the cyclical rise and fall of sex hormones throughout


• Present information on the physiological impact of the most common types of non-barrier contraception


• Discuss the impact of low energy availability and the relationship it has to the development or
  progression of menstrual irregularities


• Outline scope of practice and discuss when a coach should refer out to a qualified professional


• Review the Exos model of human performance, with specific emphasis on gameplans, gameplan components, and examples of each


• Discuss the implementation of phase based training through three case studies with emphasis placed
  on the importance of modifying fueling, sleep and training recommendations throughout the menstrual cycle

Course Content