Nicky studied medicine at the University of Cambridge. She was part of the international medical team that developed an anti-doping test for growth hormone. Nicky is an honorary clinical lecturer in the division of medicine, UCL. She lectures and researches in the areas of exercise endocrinology. She works mainly with exercisers, dancers and athletes and with women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. She is part of the UCL team developing a UK menopause education and support programme. Nicky is medical advisor to the Scottish Ballet. She is author of the book Hormones, health and human potential which we will talk about today. In this episode Nicky talks about her passion for dance and explains why she is fascinated by the amazing dance our hormones perform throughout our lives. Exercise is key for our mental and physical health. Nicky explains the importance of looking after our heart, bones, muscles, flexibility and balance. She talks about how exercise can help women with menstrual and menopause symptoms and why it is important to exercise when trying to get pregnant and throughout pregnancy. Nicky suggests different ways women can exercise, especially exercising in nature and with friends. Our social connections, our gut health and our sleep are also important for good health. 

For more information and to access the transcript: https://joyceharper.com/podcasts/ 

Date of episode recording: 2023-11-20
Duration: 01.16.12
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Joyce Harper
Guests: Nicky Keay
Producer: Joyce Harper