Survey study, 1993
Does the menstrual cycle affect how well female athletes perform?
Athletic performance may vary across the menstrual cycle, with better performance right after the period ends and worse performance during the premenstrual time and first few days of menstruation. However, research results have been inconsistent.
What they did
Researchers reviewed past surveys in which female athletes reported how their menstrual cycle affected their performance at different times.
What they found
In surveys, 37 to 63% of athletes reported no change in performance at different cycle phases, while 13 to 29% reported improvement during menstruation. Best performances were generally in the immediate postmenstrual days and worst during the premenstrual interval and first few days of menstrual flow. Swimmers showed worse performance times premenstrually and improvement during menstruation and on the eighth day. Cross-country skiers had best times in the postovulatory and postmenstrual phases.
What it means for you
The effect of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance is unclear because past studies were small. Premenstrual symptoms like fluid retention, weight gain, and mood changes may affect performance, but not all women experience these equally. Movement, hand skills, judgment, and reaction time may be affected by premenstrual symptoms, but diet and blood sugar could also play a role.
37 to 63%
Athletes reporting no change in performance at different cycle times
13 to 29%
Athletes reporting improvement during menstruation
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of the different phases of the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives on athletic performance
- Authors
- Lebrun CM
- Journal
- Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
- Year
- 1993
- Study design
- Survey study
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199316060-00005
Topics
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