Physical Exercise and the Menstrual Cycle

The menstrual cycle consists of a series of stages whose hormonal environment directly impacts performance during physical exercise. Do you want to know how to take advantage of these hormones? Read on!

Reviewed and approved by Nursing Daniel Baldó Vela.

Written by Daniel Baldó Vela

Last update: 30 May, 2022

The menstrual cycle begins with the manifestation of the typical vaginal bleeding and ends when it reappears during the next cycle. In between, a series of phases occur whose hormonal characteristics directly affect athletic performance. These are the changes that we’re concerned with when we talk about physical exercise and the menstrual cycle.

Roughly speaking, we can say that the menstrual, ovulatory, and premenstrual phases involve high physiological stress and affect athletic performance. In contrast, it seems that the phases immediately preceding and succeeding ovulation most benefit the practice of physical exercise.

Physical exercise and the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days and consists of the follicular phase (menstrual and preovulatory), ovulatory phase, and luteal (postovulatory and premenstrual) phase. In each of these phases, women present certain physical and psychological characteristics that are related to their hormonal levels and directly impact the practice of physical exercise.

Below, we’ll tell you what happens during each phase of the menstrual cycle, how they influence athletic performance, and what’s the best training option for each case.

Menstrual phase

This is the first phase of the cycle, which lasts about five days and is characterized by menstrual bleeding. At this stage, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels are low. Furthermore, as a result of the bleeding, blood iron levels drop and cardiac frequency increases at rest.

The changes we described can result in:

• Low mood.
• Sleep disorders.
• Fatigue.
• Increased perceived exertion.
• Fatigue threshold reduction.
• Increased risk of injury.
• Increased reaction time.
• Less coordination and dexterity.

During these days, it’s best to take it easy and give priority to your welfare above physical exercise. To maintain an active lifestyle and improve your mood, it’s advisable to include light and pleasant outdoor walks under the sunlight.

Preovulatory phase

Preovulation is the second phase of the follicular phase. This phase lasts about nine days. During this time, estrogen levels elevate. Consequently, the woman’s mood is optimal and the rapid use of energy (ATP and glycogen) is more efficient. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to do HIIT (high-intensity interval training) metabolic workouts.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the second phase of the cycle. It only lasts one day and may cause pain. Here, estrogen and testosterone are at their maximum concentrations and, as a result of this, the woman feels stronger than ever. During this phase, it’s best to opt for workouts focused on maximum force.

However, beware! The hormonal changes we described involve excess neuromuscular laxity that increase the risk of injury.

The luteal phase

This phase represents the onset of the end of the cycle and lasts about nine days. Here, in addition to a high concentration of estrogen, progesterone levels increase as well. Progestogens improve the use of fat as an energy fuel. Thus, you should ideally opt for low-intensity high-duration aerobic exercises, such as running, walking at a moderate intensity, and cycling, among others.

Premenstrual phase

The premenstrual phase is the last phase of the cycle. It precedes menstruation, lasts approximately five days, and is characterized by hormone level drops. Here, the so-called premenstrual syndrome often appears.

At this stage, stress levels are often high and there’s a worsened mood. This is due to drops in serotonin levels, associated with a drop in progesterone levels. Also, fluids are retained, the psychomotor skills necessary for proper performance are affected, and appetite increases. According to the characteristics of this last phase, it’s best to opt for activities that help release tension and keep you calm. Some good examples are yoga, tai chi, and pilates.

Conclusion

As you can see, each menstrual cycle phase has its own unique characteristics that directly impact the practice of physical exercise. Thus, it’s essential to coordinate physical exercise and the menstrual cycle to perform at your full capacity in the healthiest way possible.