← Kick Cramp's Ass - The Podcast
Jun 29, 2026 · 18 min
Happy Menstruation Monday! We made it to Season 4, Episode 11 of Kick Cramp’s Ass with host Brittany Walker, MS, RYT-500. Welcome back to the studio as we officially kick off the second half of Season 4! As we step directly into the heat of the summer solstice, we are pulling back the curtain on how soaring external temperatures collide with your internal thermostat. If you’ve ever felt completely wiped out, intensely uncomfortable, or noticed your period cramps flaring up during a heatwave, you aren’t imagining things—you are experiencing a very real physiological phenomenon known as summer weathering. In this episode, Brittany Walker explores the science behind menstrual cycle thermoregulation, hydration, and how external heat impacts internal physiology, especially during the luteal phase. She provides practical strategies for cycle syncing and hydration to optimize health during summer. Luteal Phase Thermoregulation: How progesterone naturally elevates your basal body temperature, lowering your environmental heat tolerance. The Fluid Dynamics of Cramps: Why dehydration triggers vasopressin, causing severe uterine vasoconstriction and agonizing spasms. Phase-Specific Hydration Needs: How your vascular volume drops during the luteal phase and why your electrolyte needs change. Plant-Based Hydration: Leveraging bioavailable structured water and minerals from whole foods and drinks. The Dehydration Saboteurs: The biological impact of caffeine and processed sugars on your internal fluid balance. Environmental Heat as a Biological Variable: Treating the summer weather as an active metric in your health management. Now that we have officially entered the summer solstice, it is time to protect your body from the heat and use this applicable knowledge to manage your menstrual cycle in all phases effectively. We look forward to continually serving you evidence-proven, valuable information to take full control of your menstrual cycle! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Menstruation and Summer Heat 03:34 Understanding the Luteal Phase and Temperature Regulation 08:19 The Importance of Hydration During Menstruation 19:39 Key Takeaways and Conclusion We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead! Connect with Us: Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of Riverside.fm Visit our website for any additional resources and tools. For listener's mail, you can email contact@kickcrampsass.orgs’