---
title: Does exercise performance change during different phases of the menstrual cycle?
description: Exercise performance was mostly unchanged during the menstrual cycle. Women with menstrual symptoms had an 8 percent drop in jumping power during menstruation
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/influence-of-the-menstrual-cycle-phase-and-menstrual-symptoms-on-maximal-2000/
---

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- Does exercise performance change during different phases of the menstrual cycle?

Randomised trial, 2000

# Does exercise performance change during different phases of the menstrual cycle?

Exercise performance was mostly unchanged during the menstrual cycle. Women with menstrual symptoms had an 8 percent drop in jumping power during menstruation, but women without symptoms showed no change.

 Moderate study design

17 women: 7 not using hormonal contraceptives, 10 using oral contraceptives

## What they did

17 women (7 not using hormonal contraceptives, 10 using oral contraceptives) performed three anaerobic exercise tests at different cycle phases: during menstruation, in the midfollicular phase, and in the midluteal phase. Tests included cycling power, multi-jump, and squatting jump.

## What they found

No differences in cycling power, jumping power, or jump height across menstrual cycle phases in either contraceptive group. However, the 10 women who reported menstrual or premenstrual symptoms showed an 8 percent decrease in jumping power during menstruation compared with the midfollicular phase. The 7 women without symptoms showed no change.

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle phase itself does not appear to reduce exercise power in most women. However, if you have menstrual symptoms, you may notice a small dip in jumping power during menstruation. The study was small.

17

women studied

10

women with menstrual symptoms

8%

decrease in jumping power during menstruation

## About the study

Original title Influence of the menstrual cycle phase and menstrual symptoms on maximal anaerobic performance Authors Giacomoni M, Bernard T, Gavarry O et al. Journal Medicine and science in sports and exercise Year 2000 Study design Randomised trial Participants 10 What was tested Exercise testing during menstruation, midfollicular phase, and midluteal phase Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200002000-00034](https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200002000-00034)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Exercise and yoga](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-exercise/)

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Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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