WoW Woman in Women’s Health - Dr Nicky Keay, Honorary Clinical Lecturer in the Division of Medicine, University College London

Dr Nicky Keay, BA, MA, MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP, FRSM is a medical doctor specialising in exercise endocrinology. Nicky’s clinical endocrine  work provides personalised approach for hormone health, offering health advisory  appointments, with a focus for those experiencing relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)  and women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Based on her research into REDs,  Nicky developed the free online personal availability questionnaire (PEAQ). Nicky is medical  advisor to Scottish Ballet and a keen ballet dancer.  

Nicky offers talks on a variety of hormone topics at international conferences for  organisations and groups. Nicky is the author of “Hormones, Health and Human Potential” and editor of “Myths of Menopause”. Her research into the impacts of lifestyle, nutrition and  exercise on hormone networks has been published in peer-reviewed journals. Nicky holds the  position of Honorary Clinical Lecturer in the Division of Medicine, University College London.  

Nicky studied medicine at Cambridge University. After gaining Membership of the Royal  College of Physicians, London UK, Nicky worked as a Research Fellow at St Thomas’ Hospital,  London, where she was part of the international medical team that developed an anti-doping  test for growth hormone. Nicky is a member of the British Menopause Society (BMS) and has  completed the BMS Principles and Practice of Menopause Care training programme and  Management of Menopause Certification.

Tell us a bit about your background and your projects so far.

I studied medicine at Cambridge University and went on to specialise in hormones. I realised that understanding endocrine networks and becoming an expert “hormone detective” was the best approach to support individuals reach their full potential in terms of health and performance. This has involved many years in both clinical and research work, alongside hormone monitoring innovation, book publications and talks.

How did you get into women’s health space? Has it been an easy industry to get into or have you had many challenges? 

Starting out as a medical student, I have activity sought out opportunities: being proactive in securing experience internationally and driving my research ideas. Based on a strong clinical medical, academic and research background this has supported my journey to become a thought leader in female hormones and receiving recognition for my work in this field. 

What was the biggest obstacle in your journey? What are the challenges of being in the women’s health space? 

As a female doctor with extensive professional experience, I am fortunate in being in a strong position to advocate for women’s hormone health.

What are your biggest achievements to date? 

I love my daily job, supporting individuals to optimise their hormone health and put them in best position to reach their personal optimal overall health and performance. I am pleased to have published 2 books: “Hormones, Health and Human Potential” and “Myths of Menopause”

What are the projects you are currently working on? 

We have recently made a questionnaire web-based app to assess personal energy availability. This is result of extensive research, so evidence based and proving a useful tool. https://mypeaq.streamlit.app/

In your opinion, what will be the key trends in your industry in the next five years and where do you see them heading?

 I believe that it is important to focus on personalisation. Although advice and support should be data/evidence driven, rather than aiming for quantity of data collected, I maintain that the focus should be on interpretation and the practical implications.

What is the most important piece of advice you could give to anyone who wants to start a career in this industry? 

Follow your passion and interest! Don’t be shy in asking for advice/openings. People you approach will recognise your interest. 

Dr Nicky Keay is the author of Hormones, Health and Human Potential: A Guide to Understanding Your Hormones to Optimise Your Health and Performance and Myths of Menopause: A Guide to Increasing Your Menopause Wisdom. Discover more about these books and get your copies today!

Find out more about Dr Nicky Keay’s work, research, and hormone health resources on her website and follow her on Instagram.