
Kisspeptin, Hormonal Health & Fat Metabolism for Female Athletes
10/18/24 • 61 min
- Kisspeptin Overview: A neuropeptide crucial for regulating sex hormones, reproductive health, glucose control, and appetite. It is more sensitive in women and can be disrupted by stress, energy deficits, or nutrient deprivation, leading to reproductive and metabolic issues.
- Impact of Kisspeptin Disruption:
- Menstrual irregularities and reduced sex hormone production.
- Decreased insulin sensitivity and increased appetite.
- Changes in body composition and overall hormonal imbalances.
- Metabolism & Hormones:
- Developmental Influence: Metabolic factors influence kisspeptin neurons throughout life, especially during puberty and adulthood. Energy availability (calories/nutrients) impacts reproductive maturity.
- Transient vs. Permanent Changes: Metabolic states can cause temporary or long-term changes in kisspeptin activity, with some influences becoming permanent, especially during key developmental periods.
- Regulation at Multiple Levels: Kisspeptin neurons are regulated by metabolites (e.g., glucose, fatty acids) and hormones (e.g., insulin, leptin), controlling energy balance and reproduction.
- Kisspeptin and Energy: Although its role in food intake is debated, kisspeptin appears to play a key role in energy expenditure, possibly working with co-transmitters like glutamate to influence energy use in the body.
- Balanced Nutrition:
- Adequate carbohydrates and healthy fats to support hormone function.
- Sufficient protein intake for muscle recovery and metabolism.
- Stress Management:
- Lower cortisol through mindfulness, proper recovery, and sleep.
- Use cold/heat exposure with moderation to help regulate stress and hormones.
- Exercise Modulation:
- Avoid overtraining; balance high-intensity and recovery workouts.
- Incorporate fat-adaptive training to improve cortisol and fat metabolism.
- Thyroid Support:
- Ensure intake of nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D.
- Avoid excessive calorie restriction to maintain thyroid function.
- Hormonal Balance:
- Maintain a balanced energy state to support kisspeptin and reproductive health.
- Consider hormone replacement or supplements if needed.
- Mitochondrial Health:
- Support mitochondria with CoQ10, magnesium, and antioxidants.
- Promote fat metabolism through endurance training and targeted nutrition.
In summary, to optimize hormonal health and performance, aging female athletes should focus on balanced nutrition, recovery, stress management, and supporting mitochondrial function. Talk to Coach Debbie Potts to get a personalized program at www.debbiepotts.net
- Kisspeptin Overview: A neuropeptide crucial for regulating sex hormones, reproductive health, glucose control, and appetite. It is more sensitive in women and can be disrupted by stress, energy deficits, or nutrient deprivation, leading to reproductive and metabolic issues.
- Impact of Kisspeptin Disruption:
- Menstrual irregularities and reduced sex hormone production.
- Decreased insulin sensitivity and increased appetite.
- Changes in body composition and overall hormonal imbalances.
- Metabolism & Hormones:
- Developmental Influence: Metabolic factors influence kisspeptin neurons throughout life, especially during puberty and adulthood. Energy availability (calories/nutrients) impacts reproductive maturity.
- Transient vs. Permanent Changes: Metabolic states can cause temporary or long-term changes in kisspeptin activity, with some influences becoming permanent, especially during key developmental periods.
- Regulation at Multiple Levels: Kisspeptin neurons are regulated by metabolites (e.g., glucose, fatty acids) and hormones (e.g., insulin, leptin), controlling energy balance and reproduction.
- Kisspeptin and Energy: Although its role in food intake is debated, kisspeptin appears to play a key role in energy expenditure, possibly working with co-transmitters like glutamate to influence energy use in the body.
- Balanced Nutrition:
- Adequate carbohydrates and healthy fats to support hormone function.
- Sufficient protein intake for muscle recovery and metabolism.
- Stress Management:
- Lower cortisol through mindfulness, proper recovery, and sleep.
- Use cold/heat exposure with moderation to help regulate stress and hormones.
- Exercise Modulation:
- Avoid overtraining; balance high-intensity and recovery workouts.
- Incorporate fat-adaptive training to improve cortisol and fat metabolism.
- Thyroid Support:
- Ensure intake of nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D.
- Avoid excessive calorie restriction to maintain thyroid function.
- Hormonal Balance:
- Maintain a balanced energy state to support kisspeptin and reproductive health.
- Consider hormone replacement or supplements if needed.
- Mitochondrial Health:
- Support mitochondria with CoQ10, magnesium, and antioxidants.
- Promote fat metabolism through endurance training and targeted nutrition.
In summary, to optimize hormonal health and performance, aging female athletes should focus on balanced nutrition, recovery, stress management, and supporting mitochondrial function. Talk to Coach Debbie Potts to get a personalized program at www.debbiepotts.net
Previous Episode

Episode #548 Peter Defty & Debbie Potts on Optimal Fat Metabolism
Are you confused how to fuel and train to perform your best each day -as well as to be your best version of yourself in the future?? Peter Defty explain optimal fat metabolism and how VESPA can help improve fat oxidation.
Fat loss vs. performance vs. longevity fitness plans
Matching fueling with training Intensity - zone 4/5 vs. zone 1/2 Fat oxidation- do we need carbs first to burn fat (fat metabolism)
Learn more in my blog and audio podcast coming out soon: https://debbiepotts.net/optimal-fat-m... and watch our video here to see slides
How does VESPA “work?” if it only contains 19 calories? Vespa is a metabolic catalyst (“Nature’s Catalyst’) which works with your natural fat burning physiology to enhance your ability to tap into YOUR virtually unlimited energy source: FAT. In other words, Vespa’s 19 calories helps access the thousands of calories you are meant to burn aerobically. The key ingredient in Vespa is “Wasp Extract,” a naturally-occurring bio-active peptide derived from the Asian Giant Wasp. This allows this predatory wasp to fly 60-100 Kilometers per day, kill prey, and carry 1/3 of it’s weight in a food ball back to the colony to feed to larvae, all done using “Fat for Fuel!” Because animal cells are remarkably similar across species the Japanese entomologists who made this discovery of nature, theorized this peptide would have a similar physiological response across species. Studies in Japan and Vespa’s 23 year real world success at the highest levels of sport confirm this. Save on VESPA with our code COACHDEBBIEPOTTS upon checkout via link: https://vespapower.com/
Learn more about OFM: Optimal Fat Metabolism here: https://vespapower.com/what-is-ofm/
and https://ofm.io/
Are you an ambitious, high performer on a mission to improve the aging process? Do you struggle to get the desired results even when doing all the "right" things? What are you doing today to live your best self at age 70, 80 and 90 plus years old? Are you taking ownership of your health and your future self now so you can thrive as you age instead of struggle?? Life is not a race. It is a Journey. External and HIDDEN internal sources of CHRONIC Stress will impact all efforts... check out the elements of what I call "The WHOLESTIC Method" to transform the WHOLE you from the inside out to burn fat, improve performance and longevity. There is not a once size fits all solution. We are all unique. The struggle is real and I understand the challenges as well as frustrations in finding the right answers to feeling and looking your best -especially when you think you are doing everything "right". Doctors may tell you that your lab results are "normal" and there is nothing is wrong with you - but you know that you are off and not performing your best in life or sports. Let's investigate what is actually going on under the hood and put your missing of your health puzzle back together again. Choose to thrive each day and not survive the day. Contact Coach Debbie for a complimentary 20-minute call to discover more. Connect and Follow Coach Debbie: Life is Not a Race...It is a Journey: Learn how to pace the WHOLE you with The WHOLESTIC Method
Next Episode

Episode #549 What is the Carnivore Revolution with Serena and Coach Debbie Potts
In this episode, Coach Debbie Potts sits down with Serena to explore the growing Carnivore Diet movement. Together, they discuss what the carnivore diet entails, who might benefit from adopting a strict elimination diet, and how this lifestyle can help people struggling with carb addiction and overeating. If you’ve ever wondered whether the carnivore approach could be the key to improving your health, this episode is packed with practical insights and expert advice!
Key Discussion Points on video and audio: Hit subscribe on YouTube for new video alerts as https://youtu.be/axUytHVrZow?si=k7FTcBvQ_3acLF1_
- What is the Carnivore Diet? Serena and Debbie break down the fundamentals of the carnivore diet, which focuses exclusively on animal-based foods like meat, fish, and animal fats. Learn how this diet eliminates plant-based foods to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support metabolic health.
- Who Needs a Strict Elimination Diet? Find out why the carnivore diet can be a powerful reset for people with autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities, or chronic digestive issues. Serena shares her personal experience and insights on how a simplified diet can uncover hidden food intolerances and lead to better overall health.
- How the Carnivore Diet Helps with Carb Addiction & Overeating Discover how the carnivore diet can be an effective solution for those struggling with carb addiction, emotional eating, and overeating. Serena and Debbie explain how removing carbohydrates from the diet stabilizes blood sugar levels, reduces cravings, and helps regulate appetite.
- Bio-Individuality: Is the Carnivore Diet Right for You? While the carnivore diet has numerous benefits, it’s not for everyone. Debbie and Serena emphasize the importance of bio-individuality and personalized nutrition when considering any dietary changes.
- Follow Serena and learn more on: https://carnivorerevolution.wixsite.com/carnivore-revolution
Connect and Follow Coach Debbie: Life is Not a Race...It is a Journey: Learn how to pace the WHOLE you with The WHOLESTIC Method https://www.amazon.com/dp/1540572005 WEB: http://debbiepotts.net/
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