{"id":11767,"date":"2025-11-03T06:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T05:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/?p=11767"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:40:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T13:40:21","slug":"can-the-menstrual-cycle-phase-impact-sports-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2025\/11\/03\/can-the-menstrual-cycle-phase-impact-sports-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"Can the Menstrual Cycle Phase Impact Sports Performance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Author:<\/strong> Ellen Zaradi\u0107<\/em><\/p>\n

Keywords:<\/b>\u00a0female athlete, menstrual cycle, performance<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/b><\/p>\n

The menstrual cycle (MC) is a central feature of female physiology. Across the MC, concentrations of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, influencing physiological systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and neuromuscular parameters. Subsequently, it has been hypothesised that the MC phase could affect sports performance, y<\/span>et research shows conflicting results (1). \u00a0While many athletes report changes in performance across the cycle, objective measures often show limited or inconsistent effects (2). \u00a0<\/span>Understanding these dynamics is essential for supporting female athletes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus, the aim of this blog is to summarize current evidence on the impact of the MC phase on physical performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. The Physiology of the Menstrual Cycle<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A typical eumenorrheic MC lasts 21\u201335 days and is divided into two main phases: follicular (FP) and luteal (LP), with six sub-phases: early follicular (EF), late follicular (LF), ovulatory (O), early luteal (EL), mid luteal (ML), and late luteal (LL). The EF phase is characterized by low hormone levels, while the LF sees rising estrogen that triggers an LH surge and ovulation. The EL phase follows, with increasing progesterone and moderate estrogen. Hormone levels peak in the ML phase before declining in the LL phase, leading to menstruation and the start of a new cycle (3).<\/span><\/p>\n

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    1. Perceived Impact on Performance<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      In one review, more than half of athletes reported that their performance, along with strength, speed and power, was impaired during certain phases. Elite athletes were even more likely to notice performance impairments. Performance was perceived as most reduced in the EF and LL phases. Menstrual symptoms such as fatigue, mood disturbance, and menstrual pain coincide with the perceived performance detriment (2).<\/span><\/p>\n

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      1. Objectively Measured Impact on Performance<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Research findings on the impact of MC phase on objectively measured performance, in contrast with research on the perceived impact, remain inconsistent. One review found 57% of analyzed studies reported no significant performance differences, while about 43% identified at least one outcome affected.<\/span>3 <\/span>Still, certain trends emerge:<\/span><\/p>\n

        Energy metabolism:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n