Survey study, 2024
Can period-related symptoms predict whether female cyclists manipulate their periods?
Reduced ability to tolerate workouts predicts menstrual manipulation among Australian cyclists, but specific symptoms do not. This is moderate-strength evidence.
What they did
205 female cyclists (from recreational to elite level) completed an online questionnaire about their period symptoms, how symptoms affected their training, adjustments they made, and whether they manipulated their periods.
What they found
More than 80% reported period symptoms impacted training and 41% made training adjustments. Two-thirds thought training should be phase-controlled but only half discussed hormonal cycles with coaches. Menstrual manipulation was predicted by reduced workout tolerance (odds ratio 0.632). Half reported trouble tolerating high-intensity interval training. Period pain, irritability, low energy, and sugar cravings were commonly reported but did not predict menstrual manipulation.
What it means for you
Poor workout tolerance, not specific symptoms, drives menstrual manipulation. The study only included Australian cyclists, so findings may not apply to other sports, countries, or non-athletic women.
205
Female cyclists surveyed
>80%
Reported period symptoms impact training
0.632
Odds ratio for reduced workout tolerance predicting manipulation
About the study
- Original title
- Can period-related symptoms predict menstrual manipulation among Australian female cyclists?
- Authors
- Lee SJL, Peiffer JJ, Haakonssen E et al.
- Journal
- Journal of sports sciences
- Year
- 2024
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Survey of period symptoms, their impact on training, and menstrual manipulation
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2334485
Topics
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