The influence of the menstrual cycle on the practice of physical exercise: narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: The menstrual cycle (MC) is the second most important biological rhythm, regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and all the hormones involved in it. In addition to reproductive functions, it is speculated that changes in hormone production during different phases of the menstrual cycle may influence other physiological systems, which may have an impact on women’s physical performance. In this way, studying the influences of the menstrual cycle on physical exercises gains importance, since little is said about the organization of strategies and intervention for the performance of physical exercises that take into account the possible impacts and changes caused by the MC. Objective: To review the influence of MC in the practice of aerobic and resistance exercises. Material and method: The search for articles was carried out in the databases: PubMed and Google Scholar, from August to September 2021, without restriction on date and type of publication, and all articles in English and Portuguese were considered. The research was based on the phases of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic young women, who may or may not be athletes, but without known dysfunctions of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions: Hormonal fluctuations during MC may not significantly and directly affect the cardiorespiratory or musculoskeletal system during physical exercise, as there is the question of the biological individuality of each woman, as well as the relationship with the self-reported symptoms.