If you're a woman in perimenopause or postmenopause, you've probably seen the claim that running is bad for your hormones because it raises cortisol. Maybe you've even wondered if you should be doing less cardio, switching entirely to walking, or giving up running altogether.

In this episode, Kevin and I unpack that idea and talk about what cortisol actually does in the body. Yes, exercise temporarily raises cortisol, but that's a normal and useful response. The bigger issue is chronic stress, poor sleep, under-fueling, and inadequate recovery. And while menopause can change how our bodies respond to stress, that doesn't mean we need to stop doing something that's incredibly valuable for our cardiovascular health, fitness, and brain health.

I want you to walk away from this conversation feeling less afraid of running and more confident about how to balance running, strength training, fueling, recovery, and the rest of your life.

00:00 – The Menopause Running Myth

02:50 – Where the Claim Comes From

07:08 – Cortisol Isn't the Villain

11:08 – Menopause and Cortisol Regulation

13:41 – What Actually Drives High Cortisol

15:20 – Research Says Aerobic Exercise Helps

18:11 – The Real Risk Is Heart Health

21:35 – Why Walking Isn't Enough

25:09 – VO2 Max and Longevity

29:03 – Measuring VO2 Max

33:01 – Training to Boost VO2

34:16 – Brain Benefits of Cardio

38:44 – Cortisol Fearmongering

40:24 – Strength Plus Running

43:11 – Walking Versus Aerobic Exercise

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Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.