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Female Physiology: The Female Athlete and Ovarian Hormone Patterns Specialization Course

Designed for coaches and athletes seeking to gain a deeper understanding of female physiology during reproductive years and identifying individual female athletes’ ovarian hormone patterns (profiles) and why it matters.

About The Instructor

Dr. Kirsty Elliott-Sale, Professor of Female Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology

Dr. Kirsty Elliott-Sale completed her undergraduate degree and PhD [Exercise Physiology] at Liverpool John Moores University. Her PhD examined the effects of female reproductive hormones on muscle strength and since then her work has primarily focused on female athletes. She worked as a Lecturer at Brunel University and the University of Brighton, before undertaking a four-year Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Kings College London. She worked at Nottingham Trent University from 12 years, before joining the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2022 as a Professor of Female Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology.

In addition to her research on female athletes, which includes the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and menstrual dysfunction, her work in recent years has involved designing and implementing exercise interventions during and following pregnancy in a variety of populations including servicewomen (i.e., military personnel), athletes, and women with obesity.

She has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, expert statements, and editorials on/for sportswomen. In addition, she works with many organizations such as the United Kingdom Sports Institute, the European Club Association, Manchester Thunder Netball Team, and Arsenal Women’s Football Team and is part of several special interest groups and advisory boards related to female athletes.

Course Description

The Female Physiology: The Female Athlete and Ovarian Hormone Patterns Specialization Course specifically focuses on the physiology and potential profiles (patterns) of the female menstrual cycle. You will gain a deeper understanding of the various potential ovarian hormone profiles that can occur, including versions of normal cycles, menstrual dysfunction, and the impact of hormonal birth control. You will learn about the current evidence and quality of research that currently exists regarding the menstrual cycle and athletic performance and whether universal practices can be broadly applied to all females. This course culminates with practical guidelines to incorporate this knowledge into practice when working with female endurance athletes. While there has been a lot of information in the media about “training according to female physiology,” this course will clarify what this means and will address some myths around this topic. As a coach, you will better understand the physiology around the menstrual cycle and will be better equipped to help female athletes understand their own bodies as it relates to human performance.

This course is video-based and includes 4 videos (Modules) for a total of 2 hours 43 minutes, each with Key Points and Time Stamps for easy reference.

The completion of this course fulfills 50% of the UESCA recertification requirement!

At Your Pace and At Your Service

We don’t believe that it is our business to tell you how, or when to study. Upon registering, you’ll have access to all of the content (no drip-feeding) and with this specialization course there is no deadline for the exam. Throughout your studies, you have us in your corner to ask any questions via email. And… you have lifetime access to all content!

What’s Included

  • 4 Online Video-Based Modules (2 hours, 43 minutes of video) (**Please see below for known Vimeo viewing restrictions)
  • Downloadable Full Course Slide Deck PDF
  • Key Points and Time Stamps on Each Module for Easy Reference
  • Online Final Exam
  • Lifetime access to the content
  • Email Support
  • Frameable Certificate (upon completion)

What You Will Learn

  • Foundations of female physiology
  • Foundations of female endocrinology
  • Ovarian hormones: what they are and what they do
  • Ovarian hormone profiles: menstrual cycle, menstrual dysfunction and hormonal birth control
  • Effects of bleeding, menstrual symptoms, hormone fluctuations, and perceptions
  • Practical guidance on how to incorporate female physiology into coaching practice
  • How to monitor for menstrual cycle dysfunction
  • Understanding hormonal birth control profiles
  • How to test outcomes under different ovarian hormone conditions
  • Understand what the current research data is
  • How to navigate the quality of research
  • Myth-busting popular media
  • Top tips for working with female athletes and building the right culture and environment

To view a full list of modules and topics, please check out the course menu below!

Please note: Some countries have blocked access to Vimeo videos. These countries include Indonesia, China (excluding Hong Kong), North Korea, Iran or Cuba. Read details here: https://help.vimeo.com/hc/en-us/articles/18332106845329-In-which-countries-is-Vimeo-blocked-

Course Content

Download Female Physiology Slide Deck PDF
Module 1: Ovarian Hormone Profiles
Module 2: How to Establish Ovarian Hormone Profiles
Module 3: Mechanisms of Action
Module 4: Translation of Research Data into Practice
References and Suggested Papers