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Menstrual Health and Sports Performance Research; Do We Need to Broaden Our Approach?
Dionne A Noordhof1, Georgie Bruinvels2, Robert P Lamberts3
1Centre for Elite Sports Research, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science,Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Research on female athletes
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Growing interest in menstrual health and sports performance.
- Current research predominantly focuses on eumenorrheic menstrual cycles.
- Limited understanding of menstrual health in diverse athletic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- Advocate for a broader research approach in female athletes' menstrual health.
- Critique the focus on eumenorrheic cycles due to limited generalizability.
- Identify knowledge gaps and propose improved methodologies for menstrual health research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and commentary on existing research.
- Analysis of the impact of menstrual cycle phases on performance variables.
- Discussion of methodological challenges in tracking menstrual cycles.
Main Results:
- Current research on menstrual cycle phases and athletic performance is limited in generalizability.
- High prevalence of menstrual disturbances and hormonal contraceptive use affects findings.
- Challenges exist in accurately tracking menstrual cycles in athletes.
Conclusions:
- Broadening research beyond eumenorrheic cycles is crucial.
- Improved methodologies can enhance understanding of female athletes' menstrual health.
- Provides practical, evidence-based information for athletes and support teams.
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