Menstrual Cycle and Performance: What Is Next?

Summary: This umbrella review examines and critically evaluates the evidence on the influence of menstrual cycle phase on acute performance and chronic adaptations to resistance exercise training. The findings from published reviews on the effects of female sex hormones on relevant outcomes are highly variable. The authors highlight the importance of comprehensive menstrual cycle verification methods and argue that it is premature to conclude that short-term hormone fluctuations significantly influence exercise performance or longer-term adaptations to resistance exercise training.

Summary: The authors present their opinions and recommendations based on their applied experiences of working with female athletes and existing evidence-based literature. They emphasize the importance of considering the day-to-day hormonal changes and transitions between menstrual cycle phases in order to support athletes' optimal performance. Non-pharmacological solutions may be effective in mitigating negative menstrual cycle symptoms. Further research is needed in this area.

Summary: The perceived performance of female athletes varies during different phases of the menstrual cycle, while studies on objective performance do not consistently show clear effects of the menstrual cycle on physical performance. Further research is needed to quantify the impact of menstrual cycle phase on both perceived and physical performance outcomes in order to optimize the management of female athletes.