Evaluation the Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations During the Menstrual Cycle on the Performance of Female Athletes—Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle on the performance of female athletes. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using the keywords: (“Menstrual cycle”) AND (“performance” OR “female athlete” OR “sport” AND NOT “male”); AND NOT (“contraceptive”). Inclusion criteria focused on original studies published between 2013 and 2023, in English or Spanish, involving eumenorrheic female athletes without menstrual disorders or oral contraceptive use. The studies were critically assessed using the McMaster scientific review method. Results: Thirteen eligible articles were reviewed, comprising a total sample of 152 athletes. Significant findings include increased flexibility during the ovulatory phase and enhanced aerobic and anaerobic capacities in the luteal phase. Additionally, the menstrual and premenstrual phases notably influenced aerobic and anaerobic capacities, performance perception, symptomatology, and exercise-induced muscle damage. Conclusion: Hormonal fluctuations can impact female athletes’ performance. However, further research is warranted due to inconsistent results stemming from variations in cycle phases studied, lack of standardized methodologies, small sample sizes, and short observation periods.

Keywords

• menstrual cycle
• estrogen
• progesterone
• female athletes
• eumenorrheic
• performance