Guests: Emily Shears & Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl Host: Carolyn Kent

Episode Overview: Pharmacy might not be the first thing you think of in sport, but medications, supplements, and chronic disease management all play a crucial role in performance. In this episode, sports pharmacists Emily Shears and Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl break down the importance of sports pharmacy in women’s football and beyond.

From inhalers and ADHD medication to menstrual health and banned substances, they highlight key medical considerations for female athletes.

⚕️ What is sports pharmacy? How medications, supplements, and chronic conditions impact athletic performance.

💊 Medication challenges in football – The risks of improper medication use, from asthma inhalers to pain management.

🚺 The unique needs of female athletes – Why menstrual health, hormonal changes, and under-fueling require specialist support.

🧠 ADHD & mental health medications – The effects on training, focus, and performance, and how pharmacists help athletes find the right balance.

🚀 The future of sports pharmacy – Why more teams should integrate sports pharmacists into their medical teams.

🔗 Connect with our guests:

• Emily Shears – Founder, Female Athlete Network ([LinkedIn])
• Dr. Jessica Beal-Stahl – Clinical Sports Pharmacist ([LinkedIn])

🎧 Listen now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

#WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #SportsPharmacy #AthleteHealth

🎙️ Host: Carolyn Kent 🎙️ Guest: Hannah Poulton, Director of HLP Therapy, Women's Health Specialist, and PhD Researcher on C-Section Scarring

In this episode of Women's Football Hub, host Carolyn Kent is joined by physiotherapist and women's health specialist Hannah Poulton to explore the realities of C-section recovery and the journey back to sport. Hannah, who has over 20 years of experience in physiotherapy, breaks down the impact of C-sections on the body, debunks common myths, and provides expert guidance on rehabilitation and return to play.

✅ What is a C-section? – Understanding the layers affected by surgery and its classification as major abdominal surgery ✅ Myths & Misconceptions – "Is C-section the easy way out?" and why language matters in maternal health ✅ The First Six Weeks – Immediate post-surgery expectations, scar healing, and essential care tips ✅ Rehabilitation Stages – How to approach the golden period (6-12 weeks) and when to start building back strength ✅ Return to Sport – Physiological considerations, gradual progression, and the role of coaches & clubs in supporting athletes postpartum ✅ Signs of Concern – Red flags in recovery, complications to watch for, and when to seek medical advice ✅ The Mental & Emotional Impact – The importance of self-compassion, avoiding social media comparisons, and embracing individual recovery timelines

⚽ C-sections are NOT the easy way out – They are major abdominal surgeries requiring structured rehabilitation ⚽ Scar care is crucial – Healing takes up to two years, and movement restrictions can impact return to sport ⚽ Every recovery is different – Avoid comparisons and tailor rehab to your individual needs ⚽ Coaches & Clubs Matter – Support, gradual reintegration, and awareness of postpartum needs can prevent injuries ⚽ Mums CAN return to football – But a progressive, evidence-based approach is key

📌 Follow Hannah Poulton 🔗 Instagram: @hlptherapy 🔗 YouTube: @ScarRecoveryHLPTherapy

🔗 Website: HLP Therapy – Includes blogs on return to running, pelvic floor rehab, and scar massage

💬 Have you had a C-section and returned to football? Share your experience with us on Instagram or X using #WomensFootballHub.

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In this episode of The Women’s Football Hub, host Sarah Thorne sits down with the brilliant Michelle Lyons, physiotherapist, educator, and global women’s health advocate. Together, they dive into one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of female athlete wellbeing: pelvic health and hormonal changes across the lifespan.

From menstrual health and RED-s to perimenopause and injury prevention, Michelle shares evidence-based insights that every player, coach, and club needs to hear. Whether you're managing young athletes at puberty or supporting rec-league players in their 40s, this episode is packed with practical advice, compassionate understanding, and game-changing strategies to help keep women and girls in football for life.

• Why pelvic health matters for footballers of all ages

• Understanding the impact of hormonal changes from puberty to perimenopause

• The crucial role of strength training in reducing injury risk and improving performance

• How to identify early signs of RED-s and low energy availability

• Stress, sleep, and gut health: The invisible influences on injury and performance

• Empowering coaches to create safe environments for honest health conversations

• Screening tools, resources, and tips for implementation in grassroots clubs

Michelle Lyons is an internationally recognised physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, specialising in pelvic health, women’s health, and integrative rehabilitation. She is part of FIFA’s Female Health Working Group and a passionate advocate for keeping women in sport by removing taboo and stigma around the female body. She also delivers postgraduate courses for healthcare professionals and frequently shares her wisdom via social media and podcasts.

📱 Find Michelle on Instagram: @MichelleLyons_Muliebrity

💬 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast to help us spread the word about evidence-based support for women in football.

🛍️ And check out our brand new merch store at womensfootballhub.com — every purchase supports our non-profit mission to grow the game for girls and women, from the grassroots up!