The Menstrual Cycle Phases and Exercise

Did you know: Women are 2x more likely to experience headaches compared to men? In this episode, Dr. Taves speaks with Dr. Becca Murrer, another Physical Therapist at Novera Headache Center, and address the different hormonal changes happening in each phase of a woman's cycle and how to incorporate the appropriate level of exercise within each phase.  1st phase: Menstrual Phase (estrogen and progesterone are extremely low), type of exercise: moderate and low-impact activities 2nd phase: Follicular Phase (getting a steady increase in estrogen), type of exercise: strength training and higher intensity 3rd phase: Ovulation Phase (in the middle of the cycle and estrogen levels are surging), type of exercise: higher intensity workouts/explosive movements are easier to do during this phase due to increased energy 4th phase: Luteal Phase (estrogen and progesterone levels increase), type of exercise: avoid over-exertion and do gentle stretching, yoga, etc.  Novera: Headache Center