Hormones and Female Physiology with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo - Ep. #69

Inside Sports Nutrition

Bob and Dina meet with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo, a reproductive endocrinologist, obstetrician/gynecologist and pioneer in women’s performance endocrinology. We discuss a variety of topics related to female hormones and female athletes throughout the lifecycle including menstrual cycle tracking, hormonal flux through perimenopausal years, and menopause hormone therapy. Dr. Carla also clears up some misconceptions and marketing hype.

We also discuss:

• Her new career path and paving the way in Women’s Performance Endocrinology
• Her varied athletic background
• Importance of the menstrual cycle and what it signifies
• Things to know about the differences in oral contraceptives
• Nuances of perimenopause
• How do you know if Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) is for you?
• Marketing and hype in the realm of hormone health
• Should you do hormone testing?
• Nutrition and exercise recommendations

Quotes:

“The menstrual cycle is a vital sign that tells you what is going on with your physiology.”

“Don’t make your body the enemy. Your body needs you at this time.”

“There is a dearth of specialists in menopausal medicine.”

More about our guest:

Dr. Carla DiGirolamo is a double Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Reproductive Endocrinologist who specializes in the care of reproductive age and mid-life women. She is a North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Certified Menopause Practitioner and has been featured in multiple podcasts and speakerships at various events discussing the physiology of the hormonal changes of menopause, hormone therapy and optimizing physical performance in elite and avid recreational female athletes.

Carla has been in the fitness industry her entire life as a recreational athlete and for the last decade as a fitness professional with credentials as a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer and Certified Nutrition Coach.

Follow Dr. Carla: IG: @dr_carla_d and on FB: @carla.digirolamo.14

Links:

• Dr. Carla’s website
• Her educational course for fitness and health professionals
• Selene Yeager podcast Hit Play Not Pause (find on all podcast platforms)
• Find a Menopause Certified practitioner in the USA

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This episode is brought to you by the new Nutrition Mechanic Nourish Circle programs for 2023. These are online and interactive programs designed for active and athletic women 40 years and older to support health, vitality, and athletic performance through menopause years and beyond. Head over to nutritionmechanic.com, click on the Services link, and go to the Nourish Circle page to get on the wait list and have an opportunity to join one of the new programs starting in April 2023.

We’d love to connect with you on social! Follow Dina on Instagram at @nutritionmechanic and Bob at @enrgperformance. You can learn more about Bob and Dina’s nutrition and coaching services and programs at www.enrgperformance.com and www.nutritionmechanic.com.