Periods & Performance: What Every Active Woman Needs to Know About Her Cycle | ft. Dani Foxhoven Young

Your period is not just a monthly inconvenience — it's one of the most powerful indicators of your overall health. And if something is off with your cycle, your body is trying to tell you something.   In this episode of Fit After 40, host Kinsey sits back down with former professional soccer player and accomplished coach, founder of The Archive Agency, and co-creator of the Femme Forum, Dani Foxhoven Young, to talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough airtime in the world of women's health and athletics — the relationship between your menstrual cycle and your performance, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.   In this episode, we cover: Why your menstrual cycle is considered your 5th vital sign Why female athletes lose their periods — and why it is never, ever "normal" How menstrual cycles are currently tracked (or not tracked) in elite sport/day-to-day life What Dani is actively researching around cycle tracking and athletic performance The connection between your cycle, injury risk, and recovery How this data applies to everyday active women — not just elite athletes What irregular periods could be signaling about your metabolic, hormonal, and cardiovascular health Whether you're a competitive athlete, a woman with an active life style, or someone who has just never been taught to pay attention to her cycle — this conversation will change the way you think about your body.   00:00Introduction to Women's Health and Fitness 01:21Understanding Menstrual Cycles as Vital Signs 04:10The Impact of Menstrual Irregularities on Health 06:20Athletes and Menstrual Health: A Growing Concern 10:12Data Collection in Women's Sports 12:51The Connection Between Menstrual Cycles and Injuries 14:10Advocacy for Women's Health in Sports 19:33Integrating Menstrual Health into Athletic Training 23:29The Evolution of Conversations Around Women's Health 27:13Prioritizing Health: A Holistic Approach 29:54Understanding Period Loss and Its Implications 36:12The Importance of Open Conversations About Menstrual Health 42:58The Science Behind Period Products and Their Testing 49:57Empowering Women to Track Their Cycles   Want more Dani? IG: @danifoxhoven www.thearchive.agency  www.thefemmeforum.com    Resources Mentioned: Bada$$ Michelle Kang! Podcast: We Need to Track Our Menstural Cycles Podcast: Optimize Training Around Your Menstrual Cycle   Finally!! Don't miss your chance to win a FREE MONTH of Fit After 40: Strength Training for Menopause Classes!