Dopamine plays a central role in motivation, reward, learning, and goal pursuit — and in women, it’s deeply influenced by hormones. In this Goalchella episode, we break down the science of the dopamine system and how fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone across the menstrual cycle shape motivation, focus, mood, and behavior.

We explore sex differences in the dopamine system, why many women feel more driven during certain phases of their cycle, and what research shows about estrogen’s powerful role as a neuromodulator. We also touch on how dopamine function changes during perimenopause and menopause, and why lifetime estrogen exposure may be protective for cognition and brain health as we age.

This episode also tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: hormonal birth control. We discuss how hormonal contraceptives influence dopamine, reward sensitivity, learning, and mood — why they aren’t inherently “good” or “bad” — and how individual differences determine each woman’s experience. You’ll learn what signs may indicate dopamine dysregulation, how to recognize patterns across your cycle, and practical steps to advocate for yourself with your healthcare provider.

If you’ve ever wondered why your motivation, focus, or reward-seeking behaviors feel cyclical, this conversation will help you understand your brain — and work with it, not against it.

Links/Research Articles:

endoscreen.org

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091302222000668?via%3Dihub

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-67755-001

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2022-66870-001

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11698485/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10372431/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11908942/

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join us Backstage @ Goalchella! https://drkelsyvickdpt.substack.com/s/backstage-at-goalchella?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sam Moore, an expert in female physiology, performance enhancement, and injury prevention. With a master’s in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention, a PhD in Human Movement Science, and currently a professor at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Moore shares her insights into how women can adapt their training to work with their physiology. Discussing the importance of combining strength and cardio, the role of consistency and adaptability in training routines, and the unique aspects of female athlete performance, Dr. Moore emphasizes the value of understanding one’s body, tracking biofeedback, and overcoming the limitations imposed by traditional fitness paradigms. She also delves into managing exercise routines in relation to the menstrual cycle, the concept of athlete availability, and avoiding the pitfalls of fasting and misconceptions around female body composition. This episode provides a comprehensive look at how to foster a dynamic, individualized approach to women’s training and health.

Join us Backstage @ Goalchella: https://drkelsyvickdpt.substack.com/s/backstage-at-goalchella

Dr. Sam Moore's Research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Ml5c1WQAAAAJ&hl=en

Egg Video :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ua-WVg1SsA

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join us Backstage @ Goalchella! https://drkelsyvickdpt.substack.com/s/backstage-at-goalchella?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Cold plunges are everywhere—but the advice most women are following was never designed for female physiology. In this episode, we break down why women’s bodies respond completely differently to cold exposure than men’s, why colder is not better, and the one temperature range that actually works best for women.

We explore how the menstrual cycle changes cold tolerance, why those shifts are protective rather than weak, and when cold exposure can support recovery, metabolism, and stress resilience—and when it backfires by increasing cortisol, disrupting hormones, and blunting muscle growth. Drawing from female-specific research and the work of Dr. Stacy Sims, we explain how extreme cold pushes women out of hormetic stress and into chronic stress, especially when sleep, fueling, or recovery aren’t dialed in.

You’ll leave with a practical, non-biohacky cold exposure protocol that respects your cycle, your nervous system, and your long-term health—plus the most common mistakes women make with cold plunging and how to avoid them.

Episode with Dr. Felice Chan:

https://wellness-big-sis-the-pod.captivate.fm/episode/dr-felice-chan/

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00:00- 00:17 Intro

00:18- 00:45 Introduction to Cold Therapy for Women

00:46- 01:47 Foundations of Health and Wellness

01:48- 03:47 Differences in Cold Exposure: Men vs. Women

04:58- 10:07 Physiological Responses to Cold in Women

10:08- 12:30 Optimal Cold Exposure Protocols for Women

12:31- 15:03 Common Mistakes and Myths in Cold Therapy

15:04- 17:07 Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

17:08- 18:33 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes