Kelly McNulty is a PhD candidate at Northumbria University. Kelly's research investigates the effect of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use on performance, recovery, and adaptation in women in sports. In this interview, Kelly walks as through the evidence-base and practical recommendations for all female athletes and coaches of female athletes.         IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: -The different phases and hormonal changes of the menstrual cycles -How these changes (theoretically) might impact exercise performance -The actual evidence-base and state of the science on menstrual cycle phase and its impact on exercise performance -Practical advice for individualising your approach to training according to the menstrual cycle phases -The evidence-base and state of the science on hormonal contraception use and its impact on exercise performance -General advice and takehome messages for female athletes   SHOWNOTES: https://scientifictriathlon.com/tts280/   SCIENTIFIC TRIATHLON AND THAT TRIATHLON SHOW WEBPAGE: www.scientifictriathlon.com/podcast/   SPONSORS: ZEN8 - The ZEN8 Indoor Swim Trainer is a tool for time-crunched triathletes looking to improve swim specific strength and technique. Trusted by BMC PRO Triathlon Team, age-group triathletes, coaches and physios around the world. Visit zen8swimtrainer.com/tts for 20% off your order.   ROKA - The finest triathlon wetsuits, apparel, equipment, and eyewear on the planet. Trusted by Javier Gómez, Gwen Jorgensen, Flora Duffy, Mario Mola, Lucy Charles and others. Visit roka.com/tts for 20% off your order.   LINKS AND RESOURCES: Kelly's website, Twitter and Research Gate "The period of the period" podcast, Twitter, and Instagram The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis The Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Exercise Performance in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sports) with Margo Mountjoy | EP#233 Training during and after pregnancy with Jocelyn McCauley | EP#33   RATE AND REVIEW: If you enjoy the show, please help me out by subscribing, rating and reviewing: www.scientifictriathlon.com/rate/   CONTACT: Want to send feedback, questions or just chat? Email me at mikael@scientifictriathlon.com or connect on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.