63: Hormones and Menopause: What Active Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo

Female athletes have unique nutrition and health needs, especially as hormones begin to shift during midlife. In this episode, Alex Larson, registered dietitian, sits down with Dr. Carla DiGirolamo to discuss hormonal health, lab interpretation for active women, hormone therapy, and the body composition changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause. They also explore hypothalamic amenorrhea, GLP-1 medications, and practical strategies to help female athletes support both performance and long-term health.00:00 Living the Dream: A Journey into Nutrition and Athletics05:12 Bridging the Gap: Athletic Women and Hormonal Health11:09 Understanding Hormones: The Key to Athletic Performance19:46 Interpreting Lab Results: An Athletic Perspective22:48 Hormone Therapy: Trends and Conversations in Athletics23:16 The Rise of Hormone Awareness28:11 Understanding Hormone Therapy and Athletic Performance34:00 Navigating Amenorrhea and Dysmenorrhea in Athletes36:33 Body Composition Changes in Midlife Women42:46 Exploring GLP-1 Medications in Female AthletesAbout Dr. Carla DDr. Carla DiGirolamo is an OBGYN specializing in women's hormonal health and performance. She helps active women navigate every stage of life, from menstrual health and amenorrhea to perimenopause and menopause, using evidence-based strategies to support both athletic performance and lifelong health.Website: https://www.drcarlad.com/ Blog: https://www.drcarlad.com/blog/ Instagram: dr_carla_dThis episode of Endurance Eats is brought to you by Alex Larson’s 1:1 Nutrition Coaching.If you’ve ever wondered, Am I eating enough? Am I fueling this right? Why do I still feel tired? you’re not alone. Alex Larson Nutrition helps endurance athletes cut through the confusion and build a fueling plan that actually works for their training, lifestyle, and goals.You can learn more at alexlarsonnutrition.com. This Episode is Brought to You By Carb Culture ShopGrab your merch from the shop with saying that endurance athletes just get!This episode is brought to you by Thorne. Shop Thorne Supplements and get 15% off  https://www.thorne.com/u/alexlarsonnutrition Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Apply for 1:1 Coaching with an ALN Dietitian https://alexlarsonnutrition.comFREE Carb Loading 101 Guide https://alexlarsonnutrition.myflodesk.com/carb-loadingConnect with Me:Instagram: @alexlarsonnutritionWebsite: alexlarsonnutrition.comDon’t Forget to Subscribe!Click that follow button to stay updated on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert advice for endurance athletes.Have Questions or Suggestions?Send me a message, and I might cover it in a future episode!