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International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2021The effect of the menstrual cycle on physical performance is being increasingly recognised as a key consideration for women's sport and a critical field for further... (Review)
Review
The effect of the menstrual cycle on physical performance is being increasingly recognised as a key consideration for women's sport and a critical field for further research. This narrative review explores the findings of studies investigating the effects of menstrual cycle phase on perceived and objectively measured performance in an athletic population. Studies examining perceived performance consistently report that female athletes identify their performance to be relatively worse during the early follicular and late luteal phases. Studies examining objective performance (using anaerobic, aerobic or strength-related tests) do not report clear, consistent effects of the impact of menstrual cycle phase on physical performance. Overall sport performance can be influenced by both perceived and physical factors. Hence, to optimise performance and management of eumenorrheic female athletes, there is a need for further research to quantify the impact of menstrual cycle phase on perceived and physical performance outcomes and to identify factors affecting variability in objective performance outcomes between studies.
Topics: Athletes; Female; Follicular Phase; Humans; Luteal Phase; Menstrual Cycle; Sports
PubMed: 33572406
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041667 -
Cells Apr 2022Migraine is a major neurological disorder affecting one in nine adults worldwide with a significant impact on health care and socioeconomic systems. Migraine is more... (Review)
Review
Migraine is a major neurological disorder affecting one in nine adults worldwide with a significant impact on health care and socioeconomic systems. Migraine is more prevalent in women than in men, with 17% of all women meeting the diagnostic criteria for migraine. In women, the frequency of migraine attacks shows variations over the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and the use of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can unveil or modify migraine disease. In the general population, 18-25% of female migraineurs display a menstrual association of their headache. Here we present an overview on the evidence supporting the role of reproductive hormones, in particular estrogens, in the pathophysiology of migraine. We also analyze the efficacy and safety of prescribing exogenous estrogens as a potential treatment for menstrual-related migraine. Finally, we point to controversial issues and future research areas in the field of reproductive hormones and migraine.
Topics: Adult; Estrogens; Female; Headache; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Male; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation; Migraine Disorders; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35456034
DOI: 10.3390/cells11081355 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Sep 2021Optimal nutrition is an important aspect of an athlete's preparation to achieve optimal health and performance. While general concepts about micro- and macronutrients... (Review)
Review
Optimal nutrition is an important aspect of an athlete's preparation to achieve optimal health and performance. While general concepts about micro- and macronutrients and timing of food and fluids are addressed in sports science, rarely are the specific effects of women's physiology on energy and fluid needs highly considered in research or clinical practice. Women differ from men not only in size, but in body composition and hormonal milieu, and also differ from one another. Their monthly hormonal cycles, with fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, have varying effects on metabolism and fluid retention. Such cycles can change from month to month, can be suppressed with exogenous hormones, and may even be manipulated to capitalize on ideal timing for performance. But before such physiology can be manipulated, its relationship with nutrition and performance must be understood. This review will address general concepts regarding substrate metabolism in women versus men, common menstrual patterns of female athletes, nutrient and hydration needs during different phases of the menstrual cycle, and health and performance issues related to menstrual cycle disruption. We will discuss up-to-date recommendations for fueling female athletes, describe areas that require further exploration, and address methodological considerations to inform future work in this important area.
Topics: Athletes; Exercise; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Sports; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 34515972
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01508-8 -
Journal of Applied Physiology... Dec 2023Hormonal changes around ovulation divide the menstrual cycle (MC) into the follicular and luteal phases. In addition, oral contraceptives (OCs) have active (higher... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Hormonal changes around ovulation divide the menstrual cycle (MC) into the follicular and luteal phases. In addition, oral contraceptives (OCs) have active (higher hormone) and placebo phases. Although there are some MC-based effects on various physiological outcomes, we found these differences relatively subtle and difficult to attribute to specific hormones, as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate rather than operating in a complete on/off pattern as observed in cellular or preclinical models often used to substantiate human data. A broad review reveals that the differences between the follicular and luteal phases and between OC active and placebo phases are not associated with marked differences in exercise performance and appear unlikely to influence muscular hypertrophy in response to resistance exercise training. A systematic review and meta-analysis of substrate oxidation between MC phases revealed no difference between phases in the relative carbohydrate and fat oxidation at rest and during acute aerobic exercise. Vascular differences between MC phases are also relatively small or nonexistent. Although OCs can vary in composition and androgenicity, we acknowledge that much more work remains to be done in this area; however, based on what little evidence is currently available, we do not find compelling support for the notion that OC use significantly influences exercise performance, substrate oxidation, or hypertrophy. It is important to note that the study of females requires better methodological control in many areas. Previous studies lacking such rigor have contributed to premature or incorrect conclusions regarding the effects of the MC and systemic hormones on outcomes. While we acknowledge that the evidence in certain research areas is limited, the consensus view is that the impact of the MC and OC use on various aspects of physiology is small or nonexistent.
Topics: Female; Humans; Contraceptives, Oral; Menstrual Cycle; Hormones; Progesterone; Hypertrophy
PubMed: 37823207
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00346.2023 -
Nutrition Reviews Jun 2023Females are often underrepresented in the scientific literature, but awareness of the need for female-specific research is increasing. Review articles have been... (Review)
Review
Females are often underrepresented in the scientific literature, but awareness of the need for female-specific research is increasing. Review articles have been published on the effects of the menstrual cycle on aspects of exercise performance and physiology, yet to date no research has reviewed the effect of menstrual cycle phase on dietary energy intake. Fluctuations in endogenous sex hormones across the menstrual cycle influence a range of physiological processes, including those involved in nutritional status. Observational research typically quantifies female athletes' nutritional intakes at a single time point; however, this may provide inaccurate information if dietary intake fluctuates across the menstrual cycle. Similarly, this may have implications for interventional research, where dietary intake is often poorly controlled or monitored. This review aimed to synthesize the published literature on dietary energy intakes of naturally menstruating females in various phases of the menstrual cycle. The review critiques the relevant literature in light of recent publications on good practice for female research, explores the impact of the menstrual cycle on energy intake, identifies gaps within the evidence base, and informs future research. Overall, energy intake appears to be lower in the follicular phase compared with the luteal phase, with a particular decrease in the days leading up to and including ovulation. The magnitude of these fluctuations is not yet clearly quantifiable and most likely varies, both between individuals, and from cycle to cycle. This review notes the lack of high-quality research investigating the energy intakes of females across the menstrual cycle, and the very limited data available for female athletes and others who undertake large amounts of physical activity. It also highlights the need for researchers to take into consideration anovulatory cycles and the potential effects of premenstrual disorders on dietary intake.
Topics: Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Energy Intake; Luteal Phase; Diet; Eating
PubMed: 36367830
DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac094 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Jul 2022The authors present opinions based on their applied experiences of working with female athletes in combination with the existing evidence-based literature. Most of the...
The authors present opinions based on their applied experiences of working with female athletes in combination with the existing evidence-based literature. Most of the existing menstrual cycle research focuses on a few steady-state time points within the pre-defined menstrual cycle phases, yet this disregards the day-to-day hormonal changes that women have to accommodate to perform optimally and consistently. The traditional research models are inadequate for studying symptoms and symptom management, and ultimately for supporting athletes to perform well throughout the entirety of their cycle. As such, the monitoring of the day-to-day variation, particularly during the transitions between menstrual cycle phases appears to be an important "overlooked" consideration. This is particularly pertinent considering the known intra-individual and inter-individual variation in menstrual cycle characteristics. Anecdotal and research evidence supports the idea that athletes can use non-pharmacological solutions to mitigate negative menstrual cycle symptoms and do not need to "grit their teeth and roll with it". However, further research (including case studies) is needed in this important research area. Such knowledge should be and needs to be widespread amongst practitioners and athletes as they should not have to figure this out alone. As such, researchers and practitioners need to put more work into understanding symptom aetiology, symptom clusters and their relationship with hormonal changes, menstrual cycle phases and transitions, with potential for a profound impact on individual athlete health and well-being. In so doing, those working with female athletes need to continue building on the recent progress made in educating athletes and practitioners; for example, normalising the discussion of and about the menstrual cycle and all of its implications.
Topics: Athletes; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle
PubMed: 35486372
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01691-2 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Feb 2019Natural Cycle IVF (NC-IVF) with and without modifications is being increasingly performed. NC-IVF and conventional gonadotropin-stimulated IVF (cIVF) should not be... (Review)
Review
Natural Cycle IVF (NC-IVF) with and without modifications is being increasingly performed. NC-IVF and conventional gonadotropin-stimulated IVF (cIVF) should not be understood as competing treatments, but as complementary treatments with different target groups and to some extent other indications. NC-IVF is particularly interesting for couples who wish to save money, wish a treatment with as few risks as possible and for women who would like to avoid selection and cryopreservation of embryos. NC-IVF therefore contributes to the concept of individualized and patient-oriented therapy. The time to pregnancy is slightly longer than with conventional IVF. NC-IVF is particularly suitable for younger women and for women with a very low ovarian reserve. In this article, the principles of NC-IVF, i.e. monofollicular IVF without gonadotropin stimulation, are described and the technical differences to cIVF, advantages and disadvantages, perinatal outcome and indications for NC-IVF are highlightened.
Topics: Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Gonadotropins; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Pregnancy; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 30473207
DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.10.005 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Jun 2019Irregular menstrual cycles due to anovulation are well described in the first few years after menarche, but the normal developmental trajectory from anovulatory to... (Review)
Review
Irregular menstrual cycles due to anovulation are well described in the first few years after menarche, but the normal developmental trajectory from anovulatory to mature ovulatory cycles during adolescence remains undefined. In this article we review the very limited understanding of this final stage of female reproductive axis development and discuss why additional research in this area is critical to the health of women.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Menarche; Menstrual Cycle; Menstruation Disturbances
PubMed: 30772499
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2019.02.119 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2021The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of sex hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle on cardiorespiratory response to high-intensity interval...
The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of sex hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle on cardiorespiratory response to high-intensity interval exercise in athletes. Twenty-one eumenorrheic endurance-trained females performed an interval running protocol in three menstrual cycle phases: early-follicular phase (EFP), late-follicular phase (LFP) and mid-luteal phase (MLP). It consisted of 8 × 3-min bouts at 85% of their maximal aerobic speed with 90-s recovery at 30% of their maximal aerobic speed. To verify menstrual cycle phase, we applied a three-step method: calendar-based counting, urinary luteinizing hormone measurement and serum hormone analysis. Mixed-linear model for repeated measures showed menstrual cycle impact on ventilatory (EFP: 78.61 ± 11.09; LFP: 76.45 ± 11.37; MLP: 78.59 ± 13.43) and heart rate (EFP: 167.29 ± 11.44; LFP: 169.89 ± 10.62; MLP: 169.89 ± 11.35) response to high-intensity interval exercise (F = 4.300; = 0.018 and F = 4.648; = 0.013, respectively). Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio, breathing frequency, energy expenditure, relative perceived exertion and perceived readiness were unaltered by menstrual cycle phase. Most of the cardiorespiratory variables measured appear to be impassive by menstrual cycle phases throughout a high-intensity interval exercise in endurance-trained athletes. It seems that sex hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle are not high enough to disrupt tissues' adjustments caused by the high-intensity exercise. Nevertheless, HR based training programs should consider menstrual cycle phase.
Topics: Exercise; Female; Follicular Phase; Humans; Luteal Phase; Menstrual Cycle; Oxygen Consumption; Progesterone
PubMed: 33498274
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18030860 -
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia E... Nov 2018The aim of the present study was to assess the anthropometric measures, food intake and food cravings during the menstrual cycle of undergraduate students of the...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to assess the anthropometric measures, food intake and food cravings during the menstrual cycle of undergraduate students of the faculty of nutrition.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed with 27 students from a public university in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, who had their food intake evaluated through a 24-hour food recall, their nutritional status evaluated based on anthropometric measures, and food cravings evaluated using the Food Desire Questionnaire. Data were collected during an evaluation in the follicular phase (between the 5 and the 9 day of the menstrual cycle) and another in the luteal phase (LP) (between the 20 and the 25 day of the menstrual cycle). For food intake variables, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used, followed by the Tukey test. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the analysis of food cravings, considering a significance level of 5% ( < 0.05).
RESULTS
The desire for foods rich in sugar, salt, and fat, such as chocolate, pastries, snacks and desserts were higher ( < 0.05) during the premenstrual period, although it did not reflect neither a higher energy intake nor an alteration in the distribution of macronutrients. A higher intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and calcium was observed during the LP; however, without statistical difference between the groups. There were no differences either in the intake of any food group or in the anthropometric measurements ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Food cravings of nutrition students differed between the phases of the menstrual cycle; however, with no difference in food intake and in anthropometric measures.
Topics: Craving; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eating; Female; Humans; Menstrual Cycle; Nutritional Status; Young Adult
PubMed: 30485899
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1675831