Resources to Guide Researchers in the Pursuit of High-Quality Sport Science Research in Women

Implementing a high-quality approach to the methodological classification and control of the ovarian hormone status of female participants in research is challenging and complex. These complexities have likely hindered the formulation of robust conclusions regarding the effects of the ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone) on sport science outcomes. We have therefore developed practical study design tools and resources to aid researchers in the pursuit of high-quality research in women. Specifically, this paper presents a tiered framework outlining varying levels of methodological classification and control of participant ovarian hormone status in exercise and performance studies involving postpubertal to premenopausal female participants. To support implementation, we also provide resources including a flowchart, participant prescreening questionnaire, and examples of applying the tiering system in practice. These tools will assist researchers in planning and study design that adopts appropriate classification and control of ovarian hormone status of its participants. These guides have been generated from our experiences of implementing a high-quality approach in the applied sports science setting. We discuss the balance between methodological rigor, practical constraints, participant burden, and the generalizability of findings. Ultimately, this paper provides resources to assist researchers in adopting high-quality, suitable approaches to studying female athletes, regardless of available resources thereby facilitating the correction of sex-based research biases in the literature.