How much do hormonal fluctuations really influence performance and recovery? Should women be adjusting their training and nutrition based on the menstrual cycle? And do female athletes need different protein strategies or recovery protocols than men?

These are questions that have fuelled countless online claims, from rigid "cycle syncing" programmes to supposedly gender-specific nutrition rules. But how much of that is actually grounded in evidence?

In this episode, the conversation tackles those debates head-on, exploring what we truly know about female physiology, adaptation, and recovery, and where confident narratives outpace the science.

You'll hear from four leading experts: Professors Kirsty Elliot-Sale, Stu Phillips, Shona Halson, and Dr. Eric Helms, as they unpack the data on menstrual-cycle variation, autoregulation, and the real determinants of muscle growth and recovery in women.

These discussions were originally recorded live as part of "The Inside Advantage" event hosted by Optimum Nutrition at the McLaren F1 Performance Centre in the UK, where Danny Lennon moderated the session.

• [02:07] Introducing the topics of discussion
• [07:46] Understanding the menstrual cycle
• [09:22] Recovery and hormonal impact
• [10:23] Where did "cycle syncing" claims originate?
• [15:01] Indirect effects of hormones on performance
• [17:28] Sleep and menstrual cycle
• [18:46] Training adaptations and hormonal differences
• [26:29] Do we have research on female athletes?
• [29:20] Muscle building: are there sex differences?
• [34:01] Do hormones influence training?
• [45:08] Key ideas segment (Premium-only)

• Go to episode page (includes study links, guest bios, & more)
• Join the Sigma email newsletter for free
• Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium
• Watch: Optimum Nutrition's 'Inside Advantage' event
• Previous episodes with these guests: #'s 452, 280, 192, 454