Women’s Metabolism: Menstrual Cycles, PCOS, Ketogenic Diets & Depression | Dr Madison Kackley

How does female metabolism differ from male metabolism? Why do energy levels, performance, hunger, and recovery fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle? And what does the latest research say about ketogenic diets, metabolic flexibility, PCOS, and postpartum depression? In this episode, Ben Hopkins sits down with Dr. Madison Kackley, researcher and director of SHE IS Labs at The Ohio State University, to explore the fascinating relationship between metabolism, hormones, and women's health. Dr. Kackley breaks down why women are metabolically dynamic, how estrogen and progesterone influence fuel usage throughout the month, and why many health recommendations have historically been built around male physiology. The conversation also dives into metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, ketogenic diets, PCOS (now increasingly referred to as PMOS), postpartum depression, and the role ketones may play in improving brain energy and overall health. Whether you're an athlete, a woman looking to better understand your body, or simply interested in metabolic health, this episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional thinking. Topics Covered: Why female metabolism differs from male metabolism The four phases of the menstrual cycle and how they affect energy Estrogen, progesterone, and insulin sensitivity Why performance can fluctuate throughout the month Metabolic flexibility and why it matters Ketogenic diets and women's hormones Common misconceptions about fasting and low-carb diets PCOS/PMOS and the metabolic roots of reproductive health Continuous glucose monitoring and metabolic health Postpartum depression and ketone metabolism Why body weight is often a poor marker of health The future of women's metabolic research About Dr. Madison Kackley Dr. Madison Kackley is the Director of SHE IS Labs at The Ohio State University, where her research focuses on women's health, metabolism, reproductive physiology, ketogenic therapies, and the intersection of hormones and metabolic function. Connect with Dr. Madison Kackley Instagram: @she.is.labs.osu Website: u.osu.edu/sheislaboratories If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who would benefit from learning more about women's metabolic health. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌈 Exploring the benefits of red and infra light therapy? Our community receive 10% off the FlexBeam from Recharge Health via this link: ⬇️ https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/DyJ3mn (learn more about the benefits of healing with light in our 'Light as Medicine' Playlist). 🤝 Join the community - by subscribing, you are self selecting as a health nerd. We like you. We applaud you. You are shaping in real time the future of health information. As a thank you, we pledge to bring you the best we can, where we are, with the tools we have. 🎧 Listen to us on-the-go! Available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. New episode every Wednesday! #MetabolicHealth #WomensHealth #PCOS #KetogenicDiet #Nutrition #Hormones #PostpartumDepression #Metabolism #Fasting #HealthPodcast