Hormonal Influences on Skeletal Muscle Function in Women across Life Stages: A Systematic Review

Skeletal muscle function is vital for locomotion, posture, and metabolism, significantly impacting overall health and preventing falls, morbidity, and mortality, especially in elderly populations. This systematic review investigates the influence of hormonal fluctuations on skeletal muscle function across different life stages in women, including adolescence, the reproductive years, and menopause. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify relevant studies. This review includes 45 studies that met the inclusion criteria, examining the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones in muscle metabolism, strength, and recovery. The findings highlight significant stage-specific hormonal impacts on muscle function, revealing how puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause uniquely affect muscle health. Effective hormonal and non-hormonal interventions tailored to each life stage were identified, offering insights for optimizing muscle function and health management in women. This synthesis aims to bridge the gaps in understanding the hormonal regulation of muscle function, providing a foundation for future research and guiding clinical practices.