Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Lower-Body Power Output in Active College-Aged Women

The menstrual cycle is a normal physiological process that may influence physical and psychological performance in women. Many women report feeling less powerful during their menstrual cycle, which may affect athletic performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the menstrual cycle affects lower-body power output in active college-aged women. METHODS: Twenty active women (18–25 years; M = 20.35 ± 1.98) participated in this study. All participants experienced regular menstrual cycles and were recreationally active or competitive athletes. Testing was conducted in the Texas Lutheran University Kinesiology Lab using a Biodex Dynamometer. After signing an informed consent, participants completed a five-minute dynamic warm-up and a practice trial of eight repetitions. Participants then performed one set of eight maximal repetitions on each leg to assess power output. Menstrual cycle phase was determined using self-report. Participants returned several weeks later during the opposite phase of their menstrual cycle to repeat identical testing. A paired, two-tailed t-test was used to analyze differences in power output between phases (α =0.05). RESULTS: Power output during the menstrual phase was lower compared to the non-menstrual phase; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.296). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that menstrual cycle phase did not significantly affect lower-body power output in active college women. While no statistically significant differences were observed, small variations in power output may still have practical implications for athletic performance. Future research should examine psychological symptoms and sport-specific performance measures across menstrual cycle phases.