Menstrual Cycle and Injury Risk: How Periods Affect Menstruating Athletes

August 5, 2024

When it comes to sports, we often focus on training, diet, and equipment, but have you ever wondered how your menstrual cycle affects your athletic performance? Spoiler alert: it’s pretty fascinating! Recent research has shed light on how hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle impacts female athletes, particularly their risk of injury and cognitive functions.

Hormonal Changes and Injury Risk

The menstrual cycle involves fluctuating hormone levels that can affect various bodily functions. For menstruating athletes, these hormonal changes might increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Injuries in fast-paced sports could be influenced not just by physical factors but also by cognitive changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle.

Cognitive Performance Throughout the Cycle

The Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health at University College London conducted a study where 394 participants, including menstruating women, men, and women on contraception, explored how cognitive processes might change throughout the menstrual cycle. Participants completed cognitive tests measuring reaction times, attention, visuospatial functions, and timing anticipation twice, 14 days apart.

What Were The Results?

• No Difference Between Genders: Overall, there was no significant difference in reaction times and accuracy between men and women, whether they were menstruating or on contraception.
• Menstruation Phase: Regularly menstruating athletes performed better during menstruation than during any other phase. They had faster reaction times, fewer errors, and more consistent performance.
• Luteal Phase Lag: Performance dropped during the luteal phase (the time between ovulation and before your period starts), with slower reaction times and poorer timing anticipation. This phase also saw an increase in errors during the predicted ovulatory phase.
• Self-Perception vs. Reality: Despite these performance trends, many menstruators felt their self-reported mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms were all worse during the menstruation phase (a.k.a. they actually performed better during this phase).

Implications for Female Athletes

These findings suggest that cognitive functions, such as spatial awareness and reaction times, fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, performance may improve, while it may decline in the luteal phase. Understanding these patterns can help in developing strategies to mitigate injury risks associated with cognitive fluctuations.

Practical Tips for Menstruating Athletes

• Track Your Cycle: Keeping a detailed record of your menstrual cycle can help you understand how it affects your performance.
• Plan Training Accordingly: Schedule intense training or competitions during phases when your cognitive performance is likely to be at its best.
• Stay Aware: Acknowledge how you feel and perform during different phases and adjust your activities to minimize injury risks.

Disclaimer: This blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional service.