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Effects of short-term strenuous endurance exercise upon corpus luteum function
N I Williams1, B A Bullen, J W McArthur
1Department of Health Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, MA, USA. niw1@psu.edu
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|July 23, 1999
Summary
Sudden exercise initiation can disrupt corpus luteum function in women, regardless of menstrual cycle phase. Even low exercise volumes may cause mild luteal phase disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Exercise physiology
- Menstrual cycle research
Background:
- The impact of exercise timing on reproductive function is not fully understood.
- Sedentary women were studied to assess exercise-induced luteal dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if short-term, abruptly initiated exercise affects corpus luteum function.
- To investigate if exercise during the follicular or luteal phase differentially impacts luteal function.
Main Methods:
- Sedentary women were assigned to exercise during the follicular or luteal phase, or to control groups.
- Exercise volume progressively increased until ovulation or menses.
- Reproductive hormones, menstrual characteristics, physical activity, and nutrient intake were monitored.
Main Results:
- Luteal defects occurred in 40% of follicular exercisers and 50% of luteal exercisers.
- No luteal phase disturbances were observed in control subjects.
- The proportion of disrupted cycles was significantly higher in exercisers than controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Abruptly initiated training can alter luteal function irrespective of the menstrual cycle phase.
- A low volume of exercise is sufficient to induce mild luteal function disturbances.