Cohort study, 2015
Does muscle strength change during the menstrual cycle in female athletes?
Yes, in this very small study. Muscle strength declined during the premenstrual week in 10 young athletes, though mood didn't change.
What they did
Tracked 10 female athletes age 21 through their menstrual cycle in 4 phases (menses, ovulation, luteal 1, luteal 2), measuring muscle strength and hormone levels every 7 days.
What they found
During the premenstrual phase (luteal 2), muscle strength and DHEA-S hormone declined while estradiol and progesterone increased. Mood disturbance was unchanged. Heart rate variability and body temperature were higher during the premenstrual phase.
What it means for you
Physical performance may be weaker during the premenstrual week in young female athletes. This is a very small study, so we don't know how general these findings are to all athletes.
10
female athletes studied
21
age in years
4
menstrual cycle phases tracked
About the study
- Original title
- Dehydroepiandrosterone and Muscle Strength during a Menstrual Cycle in Female Athletes
- Authors
- Chun-Fa Huang
- Journal
- Sports & Exercise Research
- Year
- 2015
- Study design
- Cohort study
- What was tested
- None (menstrual cycle tracking)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5297/ser.1703.007
Topics
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