Prof Kirsty Elliott-Sale is a leading figure in the physiology of female athletes, recognised internationally for her research on hormonal influences across the female lifespan—from menstrual function and hormonal contraception to pregnancy and menopause. With a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Liverpool John Moores University, her career spans research-intensive roles at King’s College London, Nottingham Trent University, and currently Manchester Metropolitan University.

Her work investigates the effects of endogenous and exogenous hormones on musculoskeletal physiology, performance, and health. She leads the Feminae project—an international collaboration producing high-quality, female-specific data to inform training and health practices in sport. Her expertise also encompasses relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), bone metabolism, and exercise interventions in pregnancy.

Prof Elliott-Sale consults for prominent institutions including UK Sports Institute, UEFA, The FA, Arsenal Women’s Football, and the Women’s Tennis Association. Through her role as Head of the Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport, she continues to drive rigorous, context-specific innovation in female athlete care and research.