Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
10:08
Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Jump, Sprint, and Change of Direction in Adult Female Soccer Players
Published on: June 10, 2025
Effect of menstrual cycle phase on sprinting performance
Antonios Tsampoukos1, Esther A Peckham, Rhian James
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK. ATsampoukos@hotmail.com
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|March 4, 2010
Summary
Menstrual cycle phase (MCP) does not significantly impact maximal sprinting performance or recovery in females. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle do not alter key metabolic responses to high-intensity exercise.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- The menstrual cycle involves significant hormonal fluctuations.
- Understanding how these hormonal changes affect athletic performance is crucial for female athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of different menstrual cycle phases on sprinting performance, recovery, and metabolic responses.
- To determine if hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle impact high-intensity exercise outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Eight female participants completed repeated 30-second sprints on a non-motorized treadmill.
- Sprints were performed across three menstrual cycle phases: follicular, midcycle, and luteal.
- Hormonal levels (17beta-estradiol, progesterone) were verified via radioimmunoassay.
Main Results:
- Peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) during sprints were not significantly different across menstrual cycle phases.
- Percentage recovery of PPO and MPO between sprints remained unchanged.
- Blood lactate, blood pH, plasma ammonia, and estimated plasma volume were unaffected by menstrual cycle phase.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle do not appear to interfere with maximal intensity sprinting performance.
- Metabolic responses to high-intensity exercise are not significantly altered by the menstrual cycle phase in females.
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:19Secretory Phase
The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:20Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...