Perceived impact of the menstrual cycle on sports performance in adolescent and adult women

Abstract Objective This study aimed to (a) assess how female athletes from various sports perceive the impact of their menstrual cycle on training and competition performance and (b) examine whether the sport type is associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives. Methods An online survey consisting of 37 questions was conducted among female athletes from different sports. In total, 257 athletes (mean age: 21.1 ± 6.0 years) completed the questionnaire. Results Overall, 40% of participants reported health complaints during their menstrual cycle, with a higher prevalence among athletes under 18 years of age (54%) compared to those over 18 (27%). A total of 53% ( n = 135) perceived a performance impact related to their menstrual cycle. Of these, 49% ( n = 66) reported performance decreases, particularly during menstruation, while 9% ( n = 12) reported increases, and 57% ( n = 77) noted fluctuations across different phases. Regarding contraceptive use, 49% ( n = 126) of all athletes reported using contraceptives; 6% used non-hormonal methods. Contraceptive use varied by sport type (e.g., 73% in aesthetic sports vs. 35% in team sports) but not by age group. Interestingly, 38.5% had not received medical information about associated risks or side effects. Conclusion The findings indicate that perceived performance decreases are most commonly reported during the menstruation phase. Contraceptive use patterns vary across sport disciplines, highlighting the potential role of sport-specific demands in reproductive health management. These insights underline the importance of individualized education and training adaptation strategies, particularly in youth and high-demand sports settings.