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.
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
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