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Menstrual cycle and exercise effects on protein catabolism
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Exercise during the mid-luteal phase, when estradiol and progesterone are high, increases protein breakdown compared to the menses phase. This suggests hormonal changes significantly impact exercise-induced protein catabolism in women.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Sports Nutrition
Background:
- Protein catabolism is influenced by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
- Understanding exercise-induced protein metabolism across different cycle phases is crucial for female athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if exercise at different menstrual cycle phases affects protein catabolism.
- To compare protein breakdown during high hormone (mid-luteal) versus low hormone (menses) phases.
Main Methods:
- Nine women performed 60-minute exercise at 70% VO2max during menses and mid-luteal phases.
- Serum estradiol, progesterone, and urea nitrogen were measured pre-, during, and post-exercise.
- Urinary and sweat urea nitrogen excretion were quantified.
Main Results:
- Estradiol and progesterone were significantly higher in the mid-luteal phase.
- No significant changes in serum urea nitrogen were observed during exercise or between phases.
- Total urea nitrogen excretion (urine + sweat) was significantly higher in the mid-luteal phase compared to menses.
Conclusions:
- Exercise during the mid-luteal phase leads to greater protein catabolism than during menses.
- Hormonal milieu, in conjunction with exercise, likely drives increased protein use in the mid-luteal phase.