Women’s Training & The Menstrual Cycle: What the Science Actually Says | Lauren Colenso-Semple, PhD

In today's episode, I had the chance to speak to muscle physiology researcher and science communicator Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple. Together, we unpack the common claims around hormones and training—from whether you should change your workouts based on your cycle, to the real effects of fasted cardio and birth control on performance and muscle growth. We also explore how menopause affects body composition, what the science actually supports when it comes to training differences between men and women, and why some of the most persistent myths about women’s physiology are based more on assumption than evidence.

What You’ll Learn:

Why women’s physiology is not a limitation for building muscleWhether training around your menstrual cycle or avoiding fasted workouts is necessaryThe truth about oral contraceptives and their impact on performance, hypertrophy, and strengthHow menopause affects body composition—and what you can do about itWhy consistency and progressive overload matter more than hormone fluctuationsHow much protein and resistance training women actually need—and when to eat it

This conversation is for every woman who’s been told her physiology is too complicated to train effectively. It’s not. The science is finally catching up—and Lauren is helping lead the charge.

This episode is brought to you by:

Puori – Get 20% off with code DRLYON - https://puori.com/DRLYONCozy Earth – Use code DRLYON for up to 40% off - https://cozyearth.comBONCHARGE – Get 15% off with code DRLYON - https://boncharge.com/DRLYONOneSkin – Get 15% off with code DRLYON - https://oneskin.com

Find Dr. Colenso-Semple at:

Instagram - @drlaurencs1LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencolensosemple/ X/Twitter - @drlaurencs1

Find me at:

Instagram:@drgabriellelyon  TikTok: @drgabriellelyonFacebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyonYouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyonX (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyonApply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.pageGet my book – https://drgabriellelyon.com/forever-strong/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and what it covers: hormones, menstrual cycles, birth control, and muscle growth.

01:00:29 – Training volume and progressive overload: what actually matters for hypertrophy.

01:02:51 – Fasted training and cortisol: where the

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show promotes a healthy world, and in order to have a healthy world, we must have transparent conversations. This show is dedicated to such conversations as the listener; your education, understanding, strength, and health are the primary focus. The goal of this show is to provide you with a framework for navigating the health and wellness space and, most importantly, being the champion of your own life. Guests include highly trustworthy professionals that bring both the art and science of wellness aspects that are both physical and mental. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a Washington University fellowship-trained physician who serves the innovators, mavericks, and leaders in their fields, as well as working closely with the Special Operations Military. She is the founder of the Institute of Muscle-Centric Medicine® and serves patients worldwide.

• No. of episodes: 155
• Latest episode: 2025-05-20
• Health & Fitness Science Medicine Life Sciences

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