The exploration of how hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle impact women's perception of running performance

Abstract

The menstrual cycle causes women’s hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to fluctuate. These hormonal changes influence physiological and psychological factors that may impact women’s perceived running performance. This 7-week study explored the relationship between the menstrual cycle and performance, perceived performance, and moods in eumenorrheic recreationally active runners. Six participants recorded their running distance, speed, pain, a moods survey, and the Modified Perceived Performance in Team Sports Questionnaire (PPTSQ) after performing at an RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) of 14-17. Participants ran 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 5 weeks. The data was analyzed using Welch’s unpaired t-tests and paired t- tests for running metrics (distance and speed). There were no significant differences seen in running distance, speed, or pain perception between follicular and luteal phases. The moods survey analysis revealed no statistically significant differences, besides a trend toward increased sadness during the luteal phase compared to the follicular (p = 0.0995). Perceived performance, exercise potential, exercise quality, and personal expectations increased significantly in the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase (p<0.05). These findings suggest that although no change was seen in objective markers of performance, perceived performance decreased during the luteal phase, and there was a trend toward increased sadness during the luteal phase. This exploration highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations to study how women’s exercise performance is impacted by their menstrual cycle.