--- title: Do athletes' feelings and performance change across the menstrual cycle? description: Some feelings change across the cycle, especially motivation and mood. However, the research methods vary a lot, so we cannot be very confident about most fin url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effect-of-menstrual-cycle-on-perceptual-responses-in-athletes-a-systematic-2022/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do athletes' feelings and performance change across the menstrual cycle? Systematic review, 2022 # Do athletes' feelings and performance change across the menstrual cycle? Some feelings change across the cycle, especially motivation and mood. However, the research methods vary a lot, so we cannot be very confident about most findings. Strong study design Athletes across 14 studies published in major sports and psychology databases. ## What they did Systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies (8 included in meta-analysis) looking at how athletes experience mood, motivation, sleep, fatigue, and perceived effort across different menstrual cycle phases. Studies came from PubMed, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases. ## What they found Perceived effort (how hard the workout feels) did not differ across the cycle (p=0.209). However, individual studies found that motivation and competitiveness were better during ovulation compared to other phases. One study found mood disturbance increased premenstrually. One found decreased energy during menstruation. One found menstrual symptoms increased during the follicular phase. ## What it means for you Athletes may experience changes in how they feel across their cycle, particularly in motivation and mood around ovulation and the premenstrual phase. But because different studies used different methods, it is hard to be confident about these findings. 14 studies reviewed 8 studies in meta-analysis 0.209 p-value for perceived effort ## About the study Original title The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Perceptual Responses in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis Authors Paludo AC, Paravlic A, Dvořáková K et al. Journal Frontiers in psychology Year 2022 Study design Systematic review What was tested None. This was an observational study. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.926854](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.926854) Original abstract This article aimed to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on perceptual responses in athletes by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases considering articles with two or more menstrual phases for comparison. The PECO criteria were used for the keywords "menstrual cycle," "athletes," and "perceptual responses" with their respective entry terms. Of 1.165 records identified, 14 articles were available for the final evaluation, while eight articles were eligible for a meta-analysis. The perceptual responses evaluated in the studies were: motivation, competitiveness, sleep quality, stress, muscle soreness, fatigue, perceived effort, mood, menstrual symptoms, perceived endurance, and readiness. The meta-analysis was conducted for perceived effort only. The results showed that the level of perceived exertion does not differ two phases of the menstrual cycle (MD = 3.03, Q = 1.58, df = 1, p = 0.209), whereas RPE was 19.81 ± 0.05 and 16.27 ± 0.53 at day 1-5 and day 19-24, respectively. Two studies found statistically significant changes in motivation and competitiveness during the cycle, with better outcomes in ovulatory phase compared to follicular and luteal. One study found an increase in mood disturbance in the pre-menstrual phase (vs. mid-cycle); one decreased vigor in the menstrual phase (vs. luteal); one increased the menstrual symptoms in the follicular phase (vs. ovulation), and one study reported increased fatigue and decreased sleep quality on luteal phase (vs. follicular). The remaining studies and variables were not affected by the menstrual cycle phase. Based on the results from the studies selected, some perceptual responses are affected in different menstrual cycle phases. A "favorable" subjective response in athletes was noticed when the ovarian hormones present an increase in concentration levels compared to phases with lower concentration. Different perceptual variables and methodological approaches limit the generalization of the conclusion. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Fatigue and energy](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-fatigue/)[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, 2024 What premenstrual symptoms do martial arts athletes experience? Study, 2025 Does the menstrual cycle affect sleep, energy, and injury risk in young female athletes? Randomised trial, 2025 Does whole-body cryostimulation improve sleep quality in female athletes during different menstrual phases? 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