THE INFLUENCE OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASES ON ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN WOMEN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5641Keywords:
Menstrual Cycle and Sport, Menstrual Cycle and Exercises, The Impact of Menstrual Cycle on Strength Performence, The Influence of Female Hormones on the Body, Menstrual Cycle and RecoveryAbstract
Introduction: The menstrual cycle, driven by fluctuations in ovarian and pituitary hormones, has profound effects on women’s physiology, psychology, and performance. The aim of this review was to examine the relationship between the phases of the menstrual cycle and women’s well-being, physical activity, and cognitive function. The follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases were analyzed with respect to hormonal profiles and their impact on exercise tolerance, fatigue, thermoregulation, injury risk, mood, and concentration. Literature indicates that during the early follicular phase, when estrogen and progesterone levels are low, women often experience reduced energy levels and increased discomfort, which may limit physical performance. In contrast, the late follicular and ovulatory phases, characterized by rising estrogen, are associated with improved endurance, strength, and motivation, suggesting a performance advantage. However, the luteal phase, dominated by progesterone, is linked to thermoregulatory challenges, increased fatigue, and greater susceptibility to injuries. Beyond physical outcomes, hormonal changes also influence psychological states, including mood swings, irritability, and concentration difficulties, which may negatively affect academic and professional productivity. Importantly, interindividual variability remains high, and not all women experience the same symptoms or limitations. Awareness of cycle-dependent changes is crucial for tailoring training plans, optimizing recovery, and supporting mental health.
Aim of the study: The aim of this thesis is to provide an overview of the menstrual cycle and to analyse its impact and accompanying hormonal fluctuations on athletic performance in women.
Material and Methods: The review was based on the analysis of materials collected in the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, books and other scientific articles from the last 15 years, but most of the information in this review comes from papers published after 2019.
Conclusions: Recognition of menstrual cycle phases is critical for personalized approaches in medicine, sport, and lifestyle planning. By integrating knowledge of hormonal influences into training schedules, recovery strategies, and mental health support, women can improve performance and well-being. The menstrual cycle should therefore be considered not merely a biological process but a key determinant of women’s holistic health and efficiency.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Aleksandra Stepien, Jakub Skrzypek, Jagoda Niewiadomska, Alicja Paluch, Borys Bondos, Łukasz Fussek, Kacper Lee, Izabela Czerny, Szymon Daniszewski, Mikołaj Krajewski
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