CONNECT 2025
Female Hormones and Connective Tissue Health: Research Insights and Practical Strategies
Workshop duration: 13h-16h
Location: TUM CAMPUS
Free of charge with conference ticket
Registration mandatory
Presenter:
Katja Bartsch, PhD (Technical University of Munich)
Summary:
This workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of how female sex hormones impact connective tissue and movement-related body systems, including the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Participants will learn about the key hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin—and their significant effects on connective tissue structure and function. The session will cover hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle as well as throughout the female lifespan (from pregnancy and postpartum to peri- and post-menopause), focusing on how these transitions affect health, performance, and injury risk. The clinical implications of these hormonal shifts will be analyzed, providing a deeper understanding of the risks and management strategies for maintaining connective tissue health. The lecture will also explain how female sex hormones are being studied in current sports medicine research, highlighting methodological challenges in isolating hormone effects.
In addition to theoretical learning including lecture and discussion, participants will engage in practical exercises designed to support female health in general and connective tissue resilience in particular. Techniques such as proprioceptive training and relaxation strategies will be practiced, equipping attendees with hands-on tools they can apply in clinical or personal settings.
Specific Learning Objectives:
Identify key female sex hormones and their effects on movement-related body systems (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, etc.).
Explain the influence of key female sex hormones on performance and connective tissue structure and function.
Analyze hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle and the female lifespan (e.g. peri-/post-menopause) and understand their effect on connective tissue health.
Implement practical techniques to support female health and connective tissue resilience
Workshop Schedule:
1:00 - 1:15 pm: Welcome and outline of workshop
1:15 - 2:45 pm: Lecture
2:45- 3:00 pm: Break
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Practical part