The perception of physically active women regarding the influence of the menstrual cycle on physical performance: A cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/eb.v25i3.4227Keywords:
Menstrual Cycle; Physical Functional Performance; Physical Exercise; Women; Hormones.Abstract
Introduction: Although recent studies have investigated the influence of the menstrual cycle on female physical performance, the findings remain controversial, particularly regarding the magnitude of these changes. Furthermore, most studies have focused on athletes or have used objective measures of performance, while studies evaluating the perceptions of physically active non-athlete women regarding the influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle during exercise remain scarce. Objective: To describe the perceptions of physically active women regarding the influence of the phases of the menstrual cycle on their physical performance, endurance, and motivation to exercise. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted at a sports center in a municipality in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The initial sample size was calculated as 54 physically active women aged 20 to 40 years, selected from a population of 250 participants (5% margin of error and 95% confidence level). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisting of 11 objective questions addressing sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual cycle phases, and perceived physical performance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty-five physically active women participated in the study. Although the initial sample size calculation estimated the inclusion of 54 participants, this number was not achieved because an insufficient number of women met the inclusion criteria during the data collection period. Resistance training was the predominant physical activity (58.2%). Most participants reported perceiving changes in physical performance throughout the menstrual cycle (72.2%), particularly during the menstrual (52.4%) and premenstrual (45.2%) phases. The most frequently reported symptoms were bloating, menstrual cramps, and fatigue. In addition, 72.2% reported that the menstrual cycle interfered with their motivation to exercise. Some participants reported adjusting the intensity or type of exercise during the menstrual period, highlighting the influence of hormonal changes on physical activity. Conclusion: The results suggest that physically active women perceive an influence of the different phases of the menstrual cycle on their physical performance during exercise, particularly during the menstrual and premenstrual phases.
References
Colenso-Semple LM, D'Souza AC, Elliott-Sale KJ and Phillips SM. Current evidence shows no influence of women's menstrual cycle phase on acute strength performance or adaptations to resistance exercise training. Front. Sports Act. Living[Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Sep 7].;5:1054542. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1054542.
Chica-Latorre S, Knight-Agarwal C, McKune AM, Minehan M. Sport can do better: female athletes' perspectives on managing menstrual and hormonal contraceptive cycle-related symptoms. Front Sports Act Living[Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. 7:1597469. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1597469.
Jones BP, L'Heveder A, Bishop C, Kasaven L, Saso S, Davies S, Chakraverty R, Brown J and Pollock N. Menstrual cycles and the impact upon performance in elite British track and field athletes: a longitudinal study. Front. Sports Act. Living[Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. 6:1296189. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1296189.
Ryman Augustsson S and Findhé-Malenica. A Power in the flow: how menstrual experiences shape women's strength training performance. Front. Sports Act. Living[Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. 7:1519825. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1519825.
Tagliapietra G, Citherlet T, Raberin A, Bourdillon N, Krumm B, Narang BJ, Giardini G, Pialoux V, Debevec T, Millet GP. Effect of menstrual cycle phase on physiological responses in healthy women at rest and during submaximal exercise at high altitude[Internet]. Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 13 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. 14(1):27793. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79702-7. PMID: 39537750; PMCID: PMC11561278.
Elorduy-Terrado A, Torres-Luque G, Radesca K, Muñoz-Andradas G, Saenz-Bravo M, Domínguez-Balmaseda D. Evaluation the Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations During the Menstrual Cycle on the Performance of Female Athletes-Systematic Review. Muscles[Internet]. 2025 May 19 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. 4(2):15. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4020015. PMID: 40757558; PMCID: PMC12195628.
Beníčková M, Gimunová M and Paludo AC. Effect of circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle on physical performance in women: a systematic review. Front. Physiol[Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. 15:1347036. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1347036.
Vogel K, Larsen B, McLellan C, Bird SP. Female Athletes and the Menstrual Cycle in Team Sports: Current State of Play and Considerations for Future Research. Sports (Basel)[Internet]. 2023 Dec 21 [cited 2025 Sep 30]. 12(1):4. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010004. PMID: 38275983; PMCID: PMC10818287.
Mathias JK, Antoniolli TC, Delbim LR, Hunger MS, Martelli A. Ciclo menstrual e sua relação com a prática de exercício físico. cpaqv[Internet]. 2020 Jul 10 [cited 2025 Sep 30]. 12(3). Available from: https://doi.org/10.36692/v12n3-24r.
Fonseca, JJS. Metodologia da pesquisa científica. Fortaleza: UEC[Internet] 2002. [cited 2025 Oct 8]. Available from: https://www.ufrrj.br/wp-content/uploads/3C9DC1C6-2AC6-B2C4.doc.
GIL, AC. Métodos e técnicas de pesquisa social. 6. ed. São Paulo: Atlas, [Internet]. 2008. [cited 2025 Oct 8]. Available from: https://pt.scribd.com/document/60673367/Gil-Antonio-Carlos-Metodos-e-Tecnicas-de-Pesquisa-Social.
Triviños, ANS. Introdução à pesquisa em ciências sociais: a pesquisa qualitativa em educação. São Paulo: Atlas[Internet]. 1987. [cited 2025 Oct 8]. Available from: https://pt.scribd.com/document/502107913/augusto-trivinos-Introducao-a-pesquisa-em-ciencias-sociais.
Manzini, EJ. Entrevistas semiestruturadas: análise de objetivos e de roteiros. Marília: Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP, Departamento de Educação Especial, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação[Internet]. 2003. Apoio: CNPq. [cited 2025 Oct 8]. Available from: https://www2.unesp.br/portal#!/trabalhos/entrevista-semi-estruturada/.
Brasil. Casa Civil. Lei nº 14.874, de 28 de maio de 2024. Dispõe sobre a constituição do Sistema Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos e sobre as condições para a realização de pesquisas envolvendo seres humanos. Secretaria Especial para Assuntos Jurídicos. Diário Oficial da União[Internet].: seção 1, Brasília, DF, 29 maio 2024. [cited 2025 Oct 31]. Available from: https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2023-2026/2024/lei/l14874.htm.
BRASIL. Ministério da Saúde. Conselho Nacional de Saúde. Resolução nº 466, de 12 de dezembro de 2012. Aprova as diretrizes e normas regulamentadoras de pesquisas envolvendo seres humanos. Diário Oficial da União[Internet].: Brasília, DF, [Internet]. 13 jun. 2013. [cited 2025 Oct 31]. Available from: https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/cns/2013/res0466_12_12_2012.htm.
Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Conselho Nacional de Saúde. Resolução nº 510, de 7 de abril de 2016. Dispõe sobre as normas aplicáveis a pesquisas em Ciências Humanas e Sociais. Diário Oficial da União[Internet].: Brasília, DF, 24 maio 2016. [cited 2025 Oct 31]. Available from: https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/cns/2016/res0510_07_04_2016.html
Janse de Jonge XA. Effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance. Sports Med[Internet]. 2003 [cited 2026 Jun 8]. 33(11):833-51. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333110-00004. PMID: 12959622.
Wen Y, Gao B, Wang R and Zhao C. Exercise performance at different phases of the menstrual cycle: measurements, differences, and mechanisms - a narrative review. Front. Endocrinol[Internet]. 2025 [cited 2026 Jun 8]. 16:1448686. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1448686
Minahan C. Menstrual cycles and macrocycles: Science, not socials, is doing the heavy lifting[Internet]. J Physiol. 2025 Mar;603(5):1023-1024 [cited 2025 Sep 7]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1113/JP288096. Epub 2025 Feb 25. PMID: 40007189; PMCID: PMC11870042.
Mikkonen Ritva S, Häkkinen Keijo.Faltam evidências que sustentem a periodização do treinamento de força e/ou resistência de acordo com as fases do ciclo menstrual para melhorar o desempenho de atletas do sexo feminino[Internet]. Strength and Conditioning Journal 47(6):p 630-642, dezembro de 2025 [cited 2026 Jun 8]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000917.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Mariane Mariano, Susinaiara Vilela Avelar Rosa, João Paulo Soares Fonseca, Guilherme Luis Nascimento Quintiliano, Izadora Reis de Carvalho, Luana Stefane Araujo Silva, Poliana Karolaine Araujo Silva (Autor)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Autores que publicam nesta revista concordam com os seguintes termos:
Autores mantém os direitos autorais e concedem à revista o direito de primeira publicação, com o trabalho simultaneamente licenciado sob a Licença Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 que permite o compartilhamento do trabalho com reconhecimento da autoria e publicação inicial nesta revista.
Autores têm autorização para distribuição não-exclusiva da versão do trabalho publicada nesta revista (ex.: publicar em repositório institucional ou como capítulo de livro), com reconhecimento de autoria e publicação inicial nesta revista.
