How the menstrual cycle affects sports performance: physiological, psychological and physical aspects

Abstract

Several aspects can be influenced by the menstrual cycle, and this can be decisive for sports performance. Objective: to point out the main aspects involved in the well-being of female athletes during the menstrual cycle, as well as to investigate a possible relationship with the POMS questionnaire to monitor training loads in women during menarche. Methodology: a search was conducted in the database of the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), containing the following keywords in English: POMS and sport (POMS and sports), dysmenorrhea (dysmenorrhea), menstrual cycle and sports (menstrual cycle and sports), menstrual cycle and performance (menstrual cycle and performance) and menstrual cycle and exercise (menstrual cycle and exercise) Conclusion: from the data and discussion presented, the POMS questionnaire can be a useful tool for monitoring loads, especially in relation to performance in female athletes. Psychological aspects are complex and it is necessary to monitor with the POMS, since it monitors possible signs of fatigue caused by training, competitions and, possibly, menstrual cycle.