--- title: Can period-related symptoms predict whether female cyclists manipulate their periods? description: Reduced ability to tolerate workouts predicts menstrual manipulation among Australian cyclists, but specific symptoms do not. This is moderate-strength eviden url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/can-period-related-symptoms-predict-menstrual-manipulation-among-australian-2024/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Can period-related symptoms predict whether female cyclists manipulate their periods? 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. Moderate study design 205 female cyclists in Australia, from recreational to elite level ## 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](https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2334485) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)[Athletes and sport](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-athletes/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Survey study, 1964 How common are mood and physical changes around menstruation? Cohort study, 2025 How common is PMS in Chinese teenage girls, and what factors are linked to it? Systematic review, 2023 How common are menstrual cycle problems and PMS or PMDD in female athletes? Study, 2026 What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Survey study, 2022 Do female athletes get enough knowledge and support about their period? Survey study, 2021 How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect women's menstrual cycles and symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗