Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and Perceived Impact in Female Volleyball Players

Research on the influence of the menstrual cycle on female athletic performance remains limited. This study investigated menstrual cycle characteristics, menstrual disorders, and phase-specific variations in perceived performance among female volleyball players.

Eighty-four recreational and competitive athletes (M = 25.62 ± 6.43 years) completed a comprehensive survey between March and April 2025, including a modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) assessing physical and psychological well-being, perceived sport performance, training quality, and motivation across the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases.

Perceived sport performance differed significantly across phases, with the highest scores in the follicular phase (M = 1.70 ± 1.51), followed by the luteal (M = 0.88 ± 1.13) and menstrual (M = 0.64 ± 1.00) phases (p < 0.001). Perceived performance impairments were greatest during menstruation and lowest in the follicular phase. Motivation exhibited a similar trend, peaking in the follicular (M = 1.74 ± 1.55) and declining during menstruation. Menstrual disorders were reported by 75% of participants, and 59.5% experienced dysmenorrhea. Knowledge scores (M = 11.13/18) indicated a moderate understanding of menstrual physiology.

These findings demonstrate significant menstrual phase-related variations in subjective performance and motivation, emphasizing the importance of menstrual cycle awareness, athlete education, and individualized, phase-based training strategies to optimize performance and support female athlete welfare.