Episode 105

Published May 13, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Kayla Osterhoff shares her unique journey from physical therapy to women's health advocacy, driven by personal experiences with the medical system's failures regarding women's health. She discusses the significant gender bias in medical research, highlighting the lack of female representation in studies and the implications this has on women's health outcomes. 

Dr. Osterhoff and Dr. Smeaton also discuss:

• Historical context for the ongoing issues of gender bias in science and medicine
• Hormonal influences on mental health 
• The importance of understanding the female biorhythm 
• The intricate relationship between the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and their impact on women's physical and cognitive performance 
• How understanding these cycles can help optimize health and performance, particularly during different phases of the menstrual cycle 

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to Women's Health Research

02:44 Dr. Kayla Osterhoff's Journey and Background

10:03 The Gender Gap in Medical Research

14:35 Historical Context of Gender Bias in Science

21:21 Current Challenges in Women's Health Research

27:40 Hormones and Mental Health Connections

32:46 Understanding Female Biorhythms

39:46 The Impact of Hormones on Performance

43:34 Reframing Menstruation and Women's Cycles

50:22 Navigating the Luteal Phase

55:25 The Importance of Hormone Monitoring

About our speaker

Dr. Osterhoff is a Neuropsychophysiologist with formal training in health ecology, public health, epidemiology, and mind-body medicine. She previously served as a senior scientist at the CDC, where she collaborated with organizations such as the WHO and global Ministries of Health on major public health initiatives. She is the founder of Her Biorhythm, a platform focused on advancing women's health research and addressing gender disparities in health education.

Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Osterhoff’s company focused on closing the gender gap in science, Her Biorhythm, and follow her on Instagram @dr.kaylaosterhoff!

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