Does stress affect premenstrual symptoms in female athletes, and can coping strategies help?

Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are common physiological and psychological experiences occurring during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and affect a large proportion of women of reproductive age. Among female athletes, hormonal fluctuations combined with training stress, competition pressure, and lifestyle demands may intensify the experience of premenstrual symptoms. Perceived stress and coping styles play a significant role in determining how athletes interpret and manage these symptoms. The present conceptual review synthesizes research published after 2016 examining the relationship between premenstrual symptoms, perceived stress, and coping styles among female athletes. Evidence suggests that higher levels of perceived stress are associated with increased severity of premenstrual symptoms, while adaptive coping strategies such as problem-focused coping, emotional regulation, and social support can mitigate symptom severity and improve athletic performance. Understanding the interaction between physiological and psychological factors is essential for developing effective interventions that support the well-being and performance of female athletes.

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