Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman

We dive into the often-overlooked topic of amenorrhea: the absence of menstruation. Biomechanist Katy Bowman and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram unpack the science with a focus on Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) linked to energy deficiency in athletes. They explore how intense training and and sport pressures around leanness or weight can disrupt regular hormonal signals, affecting long-term bone density, cardiovascular health, and performance. They also discuss the original concept of the Female Athlete Triad (low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density) and its evolution into RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a more holistic model encompassing many aspects of health and wellbeing.

The conversation expands into evolutionary perspectives, comparing Western menstrual experiences—from menarche to menopause—with those of hunter-gatherer populations like the Hadza, and questioning what “normal” really means. Ultimately, this episode reframes intense athletics as a nuanced practice that must be supported by adequate nutrition and recovery.


Enhanced Show Notes and Full Transcript


00:00 – Intro & Sponsors
02:45 – What Is Amenorrhea?
05:40 – Primary vs Secondary Amenorrhea
09:00 – Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA): Energy deficiency and hormonal suppression
11:10 – Female Athlete Triad → RED-S: Evolution of understanding in sports science
21:30 – The Hadza perspective: menarche to menopause
25:25 – Negative consequences of amenorrhea: Bone Health  
29:15 – IUD induced amenorrhea 
37:00 – Historical and modern timelines for menarche compared to the Hadza 
50:45 – Closing thoughts on ancient humans 

Links & Research Mentioned:

Substack article that prompted this episode 
Dr Jen Gunter’s article on the hormonal IUD and bone health 
Foraging & Menstruation in the Hadza of Tanzania 
Comparison between The Female Athlete Triad & RED-S

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Thoughts/questions email us at podcast@nutritiousmovement.com
Your Voice on the Podcast: Read The Credits 

Creators and Guests

Host
Jeannette Loram
Biologist, Yoga & Movement Teacher, Nutritious Movement® RES-CPT, Restore Your Core® Teacher
Host
Katy Bowman
Bestselling author, speaker, and a leader in the Movement movement, biomechanist Katy Bowman is changing the way we move and think about our need for movement.

What is Move Your DNA with Katy Bowman?

Movement isn’t optional—our bodies need it to thrive. Many of us struggle to get regular exercise, and even when we do, it can fall short of truly nourishing the body from head to toe. How can we move more—a lot more—when parts of us are sore, stiff, or simply forgotten in our busy lives?

Join biomechanist Katy Bowman, M.S., and biologist Dr. Jeannette Loram on Move Your DNA, where big-picture science meets practical action. Together, they explore biomechanics, kinesiology, physiology, cellular biology, and natural human movement—and translate it into simple, effective ways to wake up your trillion body parts. With humor, curiosity, and a focus on longevity, Katy and Jeannette help you move smarter, move more, and create a more natural habitat for yourself and your communities in today’s mostly sedentary world.