Does the Menstrual Cycle Influence Aerobic Capacity in Endurance-Trained Women?

Abstract

Purpose: The aim was to study if aerobic capacity varies during different phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) in endurance-trained female athletes. Methods: Ten endurance-trained eumenorrheic women performed a submaximal test followed by an incremental test until exhaustion three times during one MC, early follicular phase (EFP), late follicular phase (LFP), and midluteal phase (MLP). During the submaximal test, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and utilization of fat and carbohydrates were analyzed; and, during the incremental test, VO_2peak, maximal heart rate, utilization of fat and carbohydrates, and RER were analyzed. Lactate levels were analyzed at rest, during the submaximal test, and after the incremental test. The anaerobic threshold was determined at RER = 1. Results: No significant differences (p < .05) between the MC phases were seen in a maximal heart rate or VO_2peak. Similarly, VO₂, heart rate, RER, fatty acid oxidation, and carbohydrate oxidation at 70, 80, 90, and 100% of VO_2peak did not differ significantly between MC phases. There were no significant differences between these phases in resting lactate before the test or during the submaximal tests, though there was a significant difference in lactate concentration 3 minutes after the incremental test between the EFP and the LFP (p = .043). Conclusion: This study did not display variations in physiological parameters between EFP, LFP, and MLP, indicating similar aerobic capacity despite hormonal variations. This knowledge may be useful when planning for competition in aerobic events.