Should female athletes be cycle tracking? | Jennifer Bunn | TEDxSHSU

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Let’s talk about periods--yes, really. Half the world experiences them, yet we still treat them like taboo, especially in sports. Dr. Jennifer Bunn’s talk takes us on the roller coaster of the menstrual cycle to better understand hormonal shifts and how they can impact training, symptoms, performance, and recovery. Her talk also explores how birth control changes the game and why understanding matters--not just for athletes, but for any active woman. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or someone who’s been afraid to wear white shorts, it’s time to normalize the conversation. When we understand the cycle and start talking about it, we can empower women to train smarter, perform better, and stop being embarrassed by their period. Dr. Jennifer Bunn is a former collegiate athlete and built her career studying how the body moves, performs, and recovers. She is passionate about helping women understand their menstrual cycles and how they impact everything from training to everyday life. Bunn has worked with athletes, students, and fellow researchers, and is not afraid to challenge outdated ideas in sports science. She is also a proud advocate for making science accessible, practical, and a little more fun. Whether in the lab or the classroom, Bunn is driven to break down barriers, bust myths, and make sure women know what they need to thrive — in sport, in health, and in life. Understanding your body shouldn't be confusing or embarrassing. It should be powerful. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx