Psychedelics & The Female Body: Hormones, Menstruation and the Missing Research with Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley

Exploring how hormones, physiology, and gender differences shape psychedelic experiences, risks, and therapeutic potential

About

Psychedelic research is undergoing a rapid renaissance, yet much of the existing science has been built on male-dominated samples, often overlooking the role of sex, hormones, and female physiology.

At the same time, emerging evidence suggests that factors such as the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations, and reproductive health may significantly influence how psychedelics are experienced, and how they may be used therapeutically.

This raises an important question:

What are we missing when it comes to psychedelics and the female body?

In this talk, Dr Grace Blest-Hopley explores the intersection of psychedelics and women’s health, examining what current research tells us, where the gaps remain, and why this matters for both safety and therapeutic outcomes.

The session will combine scientific insight with critical discussion, offering a more nuanced understanding of how biological sex and gender may shape psychedelic experiences. The talk will be followed by a live audience Q&A.

The session will open with a presentation by Dr Grace Blest-Hopley , followed by a live Q&A with the audience.

⚠️ This is an educational event. No medical or clinical advice can be given during this session. 

Can’t attend the live event? No problem -  all ticket holders will get access to the recording.

What we'll cover

• The gender gap in psychedelic research
• Hormones, the menstrual cycle, and psychedelic response
• Differences in pharmacology and subjective experience
• Psychedelics and conditions affecting women (e.g. PMDD, trauma, eating disorders)
• Safety considerations and potential risks
• The role of timing, context, and individual variability
• Why more inclusive research is needed

Your Speaker

Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley is a Neuroscientist with 12 years experience researching cannabis, cannabinoids, and psychedelics. Grace completed her PhD in Neuroscience at King's College London and currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at NWPharma Tech. She is the Research Director at Heroic Hearts Project, a charity that supports combat veterans with mental health challenges resulting from trauma and is also the founder of Hystelica, a community focused on understanding women's biology for safe and effective psychedelic use. In addition to her research and professional roles, she has served as an officer in the British Army Reserve. Dr. Blest-Hopley advocates for the therapeutic potential of these substances and strives to advance the field of psychedelic research. Her work contributes to promoting a better understanding of women's biology in relation to psychedelics.

Your Organiser 

Ryan Khan is the Online Events Coordinator for The Psychedelic Society and a life-long psychedelic enthusiast. He is completing his MSc in Psychedelics: Mind, Medicine & Culture at The University of Exeter where he specialised in the extra-pharmacological factors affecting psychedelic assisted therapy. Ryan also sits at the intersection of psychedelic research, education and therapy. He works as a Research Assistant at Pneuma Science, Consultant at Psilonautica and Trip Sitter at Beautiful Space. 

Follow Ryan on LinkedIn.

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