Biohack Your Hormones

Your go-to nutrition and fitness plan for mastering your cycle.

- Gemma Oberholzer

As females, we know exactly what it’s like to feel at the mercy of our menstrual cycle and the subsequent hormonal roller coaster.

One day we feel in charge and on top of the world, the next we find ourselves short-tempered, moody, and become a teary mess at the sound of any Adele song.

Besides these trademark psychological symptoms, these hormonal fluctuations also have a huge influence on our training capacity, metabolic state and energy levels. But don’t despair, with a few training tweaks and some smart planning you can take advantage of your hormone cycle and use it to fast-track your fitness goals.

STAGE 1: THE FOLLICULAR PHASE

This phase marks the start of your cycle immediately after you have finished your period. Progesterone levels are low and constant, while oestrogen levels are on the rise. Biochemically, this results in your pain tolerance, physical endurance and insulin sensitivity all being heightened, while your resting metabolic rate has been shown to be at its lowest during this period.

Fit Tip