Intern. J.

Neuroscience, 116:1549–1563, 2006

Copyright
C 2006 Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 0020-7454 / 1543-5245 online

DOI: 10.1080/00207450600675217

EFFECTS OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE ON SPORTS

PERFORMANCE
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NECIP FAZIL KISHALI

Physical Education and Sports High School
Atatürk University
Erzurum, Turkey

OSMAN İMAMOGLU
Yaşar Doğu Physical Education and Sports High School
For personal use only.

Mayıs University
Samsun, Turkey

DURSUN KATKAT
Physical Education and Sports High School
Atatürk University
Erzurum, Turkey

TULIN ATAN
PELIN AKYOL
Yaşar Doğu Physical Education and Sports High School
Mayıs University
Samsun, Turkey

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of menstrual cycle on female
athletes’ performance. Forty-eight teak-wondo athletes, 76 judoka, 81 volleyball,
and 36 basketball players (total 241) elite athletes participated in the study. A
questionnaire constituted from 21 questions about menstrual cycle applied. A

Received 24 March 2005.

Address correspondence to Necip Fazıl Kishali, Atatürk Üniversitesi, Beden Eğitimi ve Spor
Yüksekokulu, Erzurum 25240, Turkey. E-mail: [email protected]

1549
 1550 N. F. KISHALI ET AL.

one-way analysis of variance and scheffe tests were performed to assess differences
between sport branches about physical and physiological characteristics. Chi square
was used to evaluate the regularity of menstrual cycle, performance, and drug
taking. The mean age of teak-wondo athletes, judokas, volleyball and basketball
players were 20.71 ± 0.41, 16.91 ± 0.27, 21.22 ± 0.26, and 21.03 ± 0.63 years,
respectively. The menarche ages of the athletes were 13.92, 13.22, 13.75, 13.86
years, respectively. 27.8% participated in regional competitions, 46.1% participated
in just the national competitions, and 26.1% participated in the international
competitions. Whereas the menstrual disorder was seen in 14.5% of the athletes
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in normal time, during the intensive exercise this ratio was increased to 20.7%. It
was determined that during the competition 11.6% of the athletes used drug, 36.9%
had a painful menstruation, 17.4% did not have a painful menstruation, 45.6%
sometimes had a painful menstruation, and 63.1% of the athletes said that their pain
decreased during the competition. First 14 days after the menstruation began, 71%
of the athletes said that they felt themselves well. 71% of the athletes felt worst just
before the menstruation period, 62.2% of the athletes said that their performance
was same during the menstruation, and 21.2% said that their performance got
worse. Both in general and during the training the menstruation period of the
athletes was found to be regular (p < .01). Most of the athletes said that they have
a painful menstruation period, and during the competition their pain decreased.
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As a result of the questionnaire, during the training and competition the number
of athletes that did not use drugs were higher than the athletes that used drug
(p < .01). The number of athletes that felt good before and during the menstruation
were significantly higher (p < .05, p < .01). Between the menstruation periods the
athletes said that they felt better in the first 14 days than the second 14 days (p <
.01). When the non-menses period and menses period were compared the athletes
said that their performance did not change (p < .01). It has been concluded that the
menarche age was high in the athletes. It has found that the physical performance
was not affected by the menstrual period and the pain decreased during the training
and competition.

Key words: menstruation, sports performance

INTRODUCTION
The menstrual cycle is a complex physiological phenomenon (Kin et al.,
2000). Although no changes happen before or during menstruation in some
females, physical and physiological changes do happen in some females (Kin
et al., 2000). Although some females feel a decrease in their physical capacity
during menstrual cycle, olympic medal-winning performances have taken place
during all portions of the menstrual cycle (Fox et al., 1988; Fleck et al., 1990).
Oligomenorhea (irregular pattern) or amenorrhea (cessation extending beyond
90 days) could develop in the female athletes involved in high-intensity training
 SPORTS PERFORMANCE DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE 1551

(Hoeger et al., 1990). The exact cause of amenorrhea in female athletes is

unknown. The reason of this disorder could be excessive weight loss, changes
in body composition, insufficient nutrition, psychological stress, and intensive
training (Fox et al., 1988; Kimberly et al., 1998).
Menstruation pains are strong cramps in the lower part of the abdomen at
the first and second day of the menses. This situation is called dysmenorrhea
(Shangold, 1990). Increased production of the hormone prostaglandin is
associated with uterine cramping and is thought to be the cause of dysmenorrhea
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(Fleck et al., 1990). Exercise has not been shown to either cure or aggravate
painful menstruation but it has been shown to relieve menstrual cramps because
of improved circulation to the uterus. The decrease in menstrual cramps could
also be related to increased levels of endorphins produced during prolonged
physical activity that may counteract pain (Hoeger et al., 1990). Some females
say that their pain decreased when they exercised regularly (Shangold, 1990).
Athletes attained menarche later than non-athletes. The association of later
attainment of menarche and success in sports has been suggested to have two
main significances, one dealing with physiological aspects and the other with
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sociological aspects (Fox et al., 1988). The intense training during the puberty
years can cause menstrual disorders. As the longevity of sport age got shorter,
the menarche age could be high and the menstrual disorders could increase
(Uysal, 1996). From a medical standpoint, there is some disagreement reporting
sports participation during menses. Some physicians believe that participation
(training and competition) should not be allowed in those sports in which there
is a greater incidence of menstrual disorders (Fox et al., 1988).
This study Examined the effect of menstruation cycle on performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects. 241 female subjects consented to participate in this study; all members
of first league sports team in Turkey during the 2001–2002 seasons (for teak-
wondo, n = 48; for judo, n = 76; for volleyball n = 81, and for basketball, n =
36). Their age ranged from 15 to 26.
Assessment of Body Mass. Weight was measured using a levelled platform
scale (sensitivity 100 g). The subjects were weighted wearing shorts and a
tee shirt, and without shoes. Height was measured using a portable stadiometer
(sensitivity ± 0.25 cm). The subjects were measured distributed to both feet and
head positioned in the Frankfurt Horizontal plane. The body mass index (BMI)
was calculated by the formula BMI = weight (kg)/height2 (m). A questionnaire
 1552 N. F. KISHALI ET AL.

consisting of 21 questions containing some properties and situations about

menstrual cycle was applied to the athletes.
Statistical Analyses. Means and standard errors were calculated for each
sport branch. ANOVA and Scheffe tests were used to determine possible
significant physical and physiological differences among the sports branches.
Chi-square was used to evaluate regularity of menstrual cycle, performance,
and drug taking. Values are expressed as means ± Standard Error.
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RESULTS
Table 1 provides the anthropometric and descriptive data for variables according
to each sport branch. The mean ages of teak-wondo athletes, judokas, and
volleyball and basketball players were 20.71 ± 0.41, 16.91 ± 0.27, 21.22 ±
0.26, and 21.03 ± 0.63 years, respectively. The menarche ages of the athletes
were 13.92, 13.22, 13.75, 13.86 years, respectively. The status of participation in
training and competition, and status of place in competition during menstruation
(mens.) cycle is given in Table 2. 27.8% of athletes participated in the regional
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competitions, 46.1% participated in just the national competitions, and 26.1%

participated in the international competitions.
The regularity of the menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and the status of using
drugs are given in Table 3. Although the menstrual disorders were seen in
14.5% of the athletes in normal time, during the intensive exercise this ratio
was increased to 20.7%. It was determined that during the competition 11.6%
of the athletes used drugs, 36.9% had a painful menstruation, 17.4% did not
have a painful menstruation, and 45.6% sometimes had a painful menstruation.
63.1% of the athletes said that their pain decreased during the competition.
Both in general and during the training the menstruation period of the athletes
was found to be regular (p < .01). Most of the athletes said that they had a
painful menstruation period, and during the competition their pain decreased.
As a result of the questionnaire, during the training and competition the number
of the athletes that did not use drugs were higher than the athletes that used
drugs (p < .01).
The status of the performance before during and after the menstrual cycle
is given in Table 4.
For the first 14 days after the menstruation began, 71% of the athletes said
that they felt well. 71% of the athletes felt worse just before the menstruation
period, 62.2% of the athletes said that their performance was the same during
the menstruation, and 21.2% said that their performance got worse. The number
of athletes that felt good before and during the menstruation were significantly
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Table 1. The Anthropometric and descriptive data for variables according to each sport branches

Parameters Branches n Mean Std. Er. Min. Max. F ratio Scheffe

Age (year) Taek-wondo (1) 48 20.71 0.41 18 28 40.43∗∗ 2 < 1,3,4

Judoka (2) 76 16.91 0.27 13 24
Volleyball (3) 81 21.22 0.26 17 31
Basketball (4) 36 21.03 0.63 15 32
Height (cm) Taek-wondo (1) 48 166.04 0.97 152 183 35.21∗∗ 3 > 1,2∗∗
Judoka (2) 76 165.11 0.70 152 178 4 > 1,2∗∗
Volleyball (3) 81 173.84 0.68 152 185
Basketbol (4) 36 174.81 1.37 157 195
Weight (kg) Taek-wondo (1) 48 57.46 1.35 43 76 5.15∗ 4 > 1∗
Judoka (2) 76 59.70 1.18 40 98
Volleyball (3) 81 61.30 0.68 50 75
Basketball (4) 36 64.56 1.40 49 88
BMI (kg/m2 ) Taek-wondo (1) 48 20.81 0.43 16 28 5.79∗ 2 > 3∗
Judoka (2) 76 21.83 0.35 16 34
Volleyball (3) 81 20.25 0.15 17 24
Basketball (4) 36 21.03 0.21 19 23
Menarche age (year) Taek-wondo (1) 48 13.92 0.19 11 17 4.24∗ 1>2
Judoka (2) 76 13.22 0.13 11 16
Volleyball (3) 81 13.75 0.13 11 17
Basketball (4) 36 13.86 0.24 11 17
Pre-Mens. weight (kg) Taek-wondo (1) 48 57.46 1.38 44 76 5.89∗∗ 1 < 4∗∗
Judoka (2) 76 60.33 1.18 40 98
Volleyball (3) 81 61.75 0.71 50 75
Basketball (4) 36 65.32 1.45 49 88
Post Mens. weight (kg) Taek-wondo (1) 48 57.02 1.36 43 76 5.77∗∗ 4 > 1.2∗
Judoka (2) 76 59.45 1.17 40 98
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Volleyball (3) 81 61.23 0.69 50 75

Basketball (4) 36 64.53 1.41 49 88

∗ p < .05; ∗∗ p < .01.

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1554 Table 2. The status of participation to training and competition, and status of place in competition during menstruation cycle

Taek-wondo Judoka Volleyball Basketball Total

Answers n % n % n % n % n %

Number of weekly training 3 days 20 41.67 8 10.53 16 19.75 2 5.56 46 19.1

4 days 10 20.83 16 21.05 10 12.35 3 8.33 39 16.2
5 days 6 12.50 8 10.53 17 20.99 11 30.56 42 17.4
6 days 12 25.00 44 57.89 38 46.91 20 55.56 114 47.3
Duration ofdaily training 1 hour 2 4.17 — 0 1 1.23 — — 3 1.2
1.5 hours 14 29.17 10 13.16 20 24.69 5 13.89 49 20.3
2 hours 31 64.58 53 69.74 42 51.85 27 75.00 153 63.5
More than 2 hours 1 2.08 13 17.11 18 22.22 4 11.11 36 14.9
Number of mens. per year 0–4 times 0 0.00 1 1.32 1 1.23 0 0.00 2 .8
5–8 times 1 2.08 4 5.26 1 1.23 0 0.00 6 2.5
9–11 times 14 29.17 31 40.79 19 23.46 11 30.56 75 31.1
12–15 times 31 64.58 38 50.00 60 74.07 25 69.44 154 63.9
More than 15 2 4.17 2 2.63 0 0.00 0 0.00 4 1.7
times
Participation in training Always 31 64.58 51 67.11 71 87.65 34 94.44 187 77.6
during mens. Sometimes 15 31.25 24 31.58 10 12.35 2 5.56 51 21.2
None 2 4.17 1 1.32 — — 3 1.2
Participation in competition Always 46 95.83 74 97.37 78 96.30 34 94.44 232 96.3
during mens. Sometimes 2 4.17 2 2.63 3 3.70 2 5.56 9 3.7
None — — — — — 0
Place in competitions Regional 4 8.34 14 18.42 33 40.74 16 44.44 67 27.8
National 26 54.16 29 38.15 44 54.33 12 33.33 111 46.1
International 18 37.5 33 43.43 4 4.93 8 22.23 63 26.1
Place in competitions during Taken medal 29 60.42 44 57.89 21 25.92 11 30.55 105 43.6
mens. No medal 19 39.58 32 42.11 60 74.08 25 69.45 136 56.4
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Table 3. The regularity of the menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and the status of using drugs

Taek-wondo Judoka Volleyball Basketball Total

n % n % n % n % n % Chi-square Significance

Status of the mens. Regular mens. (1) 27 56.25 28 36.84 52 64.20 17 47.22 124 51.5 49.36 1 > 2,3∗∗
in normal time Irregular mens. (2) 6 12.5 13 17.11 10 12.35 6 16.67 35 14.5 3 > 2∗∗
Sometimes irreg (3) 15 31.25 35 46.05 19 23.46 13 36.11 82 34.0
During the high Regular mens. (1) 23 47.92 26 34.21 37 45.68 17 47.22 103 42.7 18.58 2 < 1,3∗∗
intensive Irregular mens. (2) 9 18.75 16 21.05 14 17.28 11 30.56 50 20.7
training Sometimes irreg (3) 16 33.33 34 44.74 30 37.04 8 22.22 88 36.5
Dysmenorrhea Painful (1) 22 45.84 28 36.85 28 34.56 11 30.55 89 36.9 30.18 2 < 1,3∗∗
during mens. Painless (2) 11 22.91 11 14.47 12 14.82 8 22.22 42 17.4
Sometimes painful (3) 15 31.25 37 48.68 41 50.62 17 47.23 110 45.6
Feeling pain during Decreasing (1) 26 54.16 45 59.21 57 70.37 24 66.67 152 63.1 120.61 1 > 2,3∗∗
mens. Not decreasing (2) 19 39.58 24 31.57 22 27.17 11 30.56 76 31.5 2 > 3∗∗
İncreasing (3) 3 6.26 7 9.22 2 2.46 1 2.77 13 5.4
Using drugs during Yes (1) 4 8.33 4 5.26 9 11.11 6 16.66 23 9.5 212.85 2 > 1,3∗∗
training No (2) 37 77.08 67 88.15 61 75.30 22 61.12 187 77.6
Sometimes (3) 7 14.58 5 6.57 11 13.59 8 22.22 31 12.9
Using drugs during Yes (1) 5 10.42 6 7.89 11 13.59 6 16.66 28 11.6 255.05 2 > 1,3∗∗
competition No (2) 38 79.16 66 86.84 65 80.24 28 77.78 197 81.7
Sometimes (3) 5 10.42 4 5.26 5 6.17 2 5.56 16 6.6
Using drugs to Yes (1) 2 4.17 — — 2 2.47 — — 4 1.7 401.88 2 > 1,3∗∗
delay mens. No (2) 43 89.58 74 97.36 75 92.59 35 97.22 227 94.2
Sometimes (3) 3 6.25 2 2.64 4 4.94 1 2.78 10 4.1
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∗∗ p<.01
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Table 4. Feeling about the performance before, during, and after the menstrual cycle

Taek-wondo Judo Volleyball Basketball Total

Answers n % n % n % n % n % Chi-square Significance

Feeling before mens. Better (1) 3 6.25 7 9.22 8 9.87 6 16.66 24 10.0 172.69 1 < 3∗
Good (2) 36 75 58 76.31 55 67.91 27 75 176 73.0 2 > 1,3∗∗
Worse (3) 9 18.75 11 14.47 18 22.22 3 8.34 41 17.0
Feeling during mens. Better (1) 5 10.42 7 9.21 17 21.98 11 30.55 40 16.6 91.38 2 > 1,3∗∗
in competition Good (2) 32 66.66 56 73.68 46 56.79 16 44.45 150 62.2
Worse (3) 11 22.92 13 17.11 18 22.23 9 25 51 21.2
Feeling good among First 14 days (1) 34 70.83 46 60.53 66 81.48 25 69.44 171 71.0 182.27 1 > 2∗∗
mens. Second 14 days (2) 14 29.17 30 39.47 15 18.52 11 30.56 70 29.0
Period of feeling Just before mens. (1) 34 70.83 46 60.53 66 81.48 25 69.44 171 71.0 92.52 3 < 1,2∗∗
worse During mens.(2) 14 29.17 30 39.47 15 18.52 11 30.56 70 29.0
Just after mens. (3) 34 70.83 46 60.53 66 81.48 25 69.44 171 71.0

∗ p < .05; ∗∗ p < .01.

 SPORTS PERFORMANCE DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE 1557

higher (p < .05, p < .01). Between the menstruation periods the athletes
said that they felt, better in the first 14 days than the second 14 days (p < .01).
Evaluation of the performance is given in Table 5. When the non-menses period
and menses period were compared the athletes said that their performance did
not change (p < .01).

DISCUSSION
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It has been determined that females who began sports in the early ages (Uysal,
1996) attained menarche later and menstruation disorders of these females
increased. The age at which menarche began was significantly higher in the
American female athletes than in her non-athletic counterpart. High school
and college athletes attained menarche significantly later than non-athletes, and
various groups of national and Olympic athletes attained menarche significantly
latter than the high school or college athletes. On the other hand, age of
menarche for Hungarian athletes has been found to be little affected by athletic
competition (Fox et al., 1988). Although average menarche age of Belgium
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gymnasts is 15.6 ± 2.1 years, the average menarche age of girls in the general
population is 13.2 ± 1.2 years (Claessens et al., 1992). Kovalcikova (1989)
examined ages of menarche and status of the menstrual cycle in three groups
of top level volleyball players and non-athletes. He found that age of menarche
was later in athletes than non-athletes. The menstrual cycle in the three groups
was associated with relatively slighter complications. Kin et al. (2000) have
found the menarche age 13.61 years in 103 athletes and 13.25 years in 99
sedentary girls. The mean menarche age was 12.29 years in non-athletes (Fox
et al., 1988). In the present study the mean menarche ages were 13.92 ±
0.19 years in teak-wondo athletes, 13.22 ± 0.13 years in judokas, 13.75 ±
0.13 year in volleyball players, and 13.86 ± 0.24 years in basketball players.
Results of the study showed that the athletes attained menarche later than
sedentaries and the Kin et al. (2000) study group and earlier than Claessens and
et al. (1992) study group. Some physical and physiological characteristics of
athletes were found significantly different between sport branches (p < .05, p
< .01). The menarche age of teak-wondo athletes and judokas were found to be
significantly different (p < .05). The group that attained menarche latest were
the teak-wondo athletes; the earliest were the judokas. It was determined that
high-intensity training delayed menarche age (Dusek, 2001). Intense exercise
had been reported to delay menarche when the sports activity was begun before
puberty (Kin et al., 2000, Broso & Subrizi, 1996). The average number of
menses per year for joggers was 10.32 (5–30 miles per week) for runners 9.16
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1558

Table 5. Evaluation of performance

Taek-wondo Judoka Volleyball Basketball Total

Performance n % n % N % N % n % Chi-square Significance

During mens. Better (1) 5 10.42 7 9.21 17 21.98 11 30.55 40 16.6 91.38 2 > 1,3∗∗
Same (2) 32 66.66 56 73.68 46 56.79 16 44.45 150 62.2
Worse (3) 11 22.92 13 17.11 18 22.23 9 25 51 21.2
First day of mens Better (1) 4 8.33 10 13.16 20 24.69 11 30.56 45 18.7 23.93 1 < 2,3∗∗
Same (2) 22 45.83 34 44.74 37 45.68 10 27.78 103 42.7
Worse (3) 22 45.83 32 42.11 24 29.63 15 41.67 93 38.6
Second day of mens Better (1) 20 41.67 27 35.53 37 45.68 17 47.22 101 41.9 58.39 3 < 1,2∗∗
in respect to first Same (2) 25 52.08 40 52.63 35 43.21 15 41.67 115 47.7
day Worse (3) 3 6.25 9 11.84 9 11.11 4 11.11 25 10.4
3 days after onset Better (1) 15 31.25 19 25.00 22 27.16 13 36.11 69 28.6 114.16 2 > 1,3∗∗
of bleeding Same (2) 30 62.50 48 63.16 54 66.67 21 58.33 153 63.5 1 > 3∗∗
Worse (3) 3 6.25 9 11.84 5 6.17 2 5.56 19 7.9
13 days after onset Better (1) 21 43.75 29 38.16 30 37.04 12 33.33 92 38.2 115.98 2 > 1,3∗∗
of bleeding Same (2) 26 54.17 45 59.21 49 60.49 22 61.11 142 58.9 1 > 3∗∗
Worse (3) 1 2.08 2 2.63 2 2.47 2 5.56 7 2.9

∗∗ p < .01.
 SPORTS PERFORMANCE DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE 1559

(more than 30 miles per week), and for controls 11.85 (Fox et al., 1988). In
the present study 63.9% of the athletes menses 12 times, 31.1% of the athletes
have 9–11 times in a year.
In some studies a relationship was determined between menstrual disorders
with training intensity and training amount. A group of 381 girls, 12 up to
19 years old, engaging in competitive sports (athletics, basketball, dancing,
gymnastics, swimming, skiing, tennis, volleyball) was examined. Delay of
menarche and longer frequency of menstrual disorders, found among athletes,
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turned out to be directly proportional to the amount of time devoted to training

and to the kind of performed sports (Trivelli et al., 1995). In one study menstrual
function was assessed comparatively in different categories of 155 Nigerian
athletes, aged 13–19 years, and 135 non-athletes, aged 12–18 years, who
answered questionnaires and were interviewed. Menstruation was more regular
and normal in the non-athletes (44%) than the athletes (21%) (Triola, 1988). Kin
et al. (2000) assessed menstrual function of 103 athletes and 99 non-athletes
aged 12–25 years. 54.37% of athletes and 72.73% of non-athletes have a regular
menstrual cycle. Türkmen (2000) found that 17% of athletes have an irregular
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menstrual cycle. In the present study 51.5% of athletes had a regular menstrual
cycle, 14.5% an irregular menstrual cycle, and 34% a sometimes irregular
menstrual cycle. In this study ratio of regular menstruation was lower than the
Kin et al. (2000) study but the results were almost similar.
More menstrual dysfunction was found who in high-intensity training in
96 athletes and participated in team sports. It was found that the menstrual
function returned to normal by decreasing the training intensity or stopping
the training for a while (Uysal, 1996). Menstrual cyclicity is influenced
by prior and concomitant exercise intensity and duration in long-distance
runners, gymnasts, ballet dancers, fencers, and rowers. Oligomenorrhea and
amenorrhea develop more in athletes than non-athletes but the doctors could
not show any reason. These dysfunctions could happen as a result of hormonal
and body function changes during high-intensity training (Shangold, 1990;
Wierrani, 2000). Excessive loss of body weight and body fat ratio causes the
irregular menstrual cycle and amenorrhea. Training and competition stress also
cause these dysfunctions. The athletes that participated in the present study
said their menstrual cycle was affected a little from high-intensity training.
Although 14.5% of the athletes have menstrual disorders in a normal time, this
ratio increased to 20.7% during the intensive training. According to the present
results it was seen that menstrual disorder increased with high-intensity training.
It was determined that the pain affects the performance so the athletes
have to calculate the time of their menstrual cycle and if necessary they
 1560 N. F. KISHALI ET AL.

have to delay their menstrual cycle. For this aim analgesics, non-stereoidal
antiinflamtore could be used for few days (Uysal, 1996). The athletes who have
an irregular menstrual cycle could not calculate the menses time so using the
drugs the wrong time could affect the performance negatively. The number of
the athletes that use drug during competitions was low (11.6%) in the study.
Özdemir and Küçükoğlu (1993) examined the effects of menstruation on speed
and endurance, and found the performance did not decrease. But the dysmenor
athletes’ endurance performance was negatively affected. In the same study they
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found that 68.6% athletes did not have a pain, 31.4% of athletes had painful men-
struation. Kin and et al. (2000) found 70.87% of the athletes had painful men-
struation and 29.3% athletes did not have pain. In the study 36.9% of the athletes
had painful menstruation, 17.4% didn not have pain and 45.6% of the athletes
sometimes had pain. In the present study ratio of the athletes that did not have
the pain during menstruation was lower from Özdemir and Küçükoğlu (1993)
and Kin et al. (2000) study. The source of this difference could be the number of
the answer alternatives. Although the answer alternatives of the questionnaire
were three, their alternatives were two. In the present study 63.1% of the athletes
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indicated their pain decreased during competition. To decrease the pain 9.5% of
the athletes use drugs during training and 11.6% used drugs during competition.
Just 1.7% of athletes used drugs to delay their menses. Dusek (2001) used ques-
tionnaires to determine the dysmenorrhea in 72 active female athletes and 96
sedentary control group not engaged in any sports activity aged between 15 and
21. They found prevalence of dysmenorrhea was twofold lower in athletes than
in the control group. Anecdotal accounts and unsystematic reports suggested
that women who exercise experience fewer pre-menstrual symptoms and less
severe dysmenorrhea than women who are sedentary (Choi et al., 1995; Prior et
al., 1992). Women who frequently exercised may be to some extent protected
from deterioration of mood before and during menstruation (Choi et al., 1995).
When the effects of menstrual cycle on performance was examined some
researchers found negative effects (Wilson et al., 1991) but some researchers
did not find negative effects on performance (Quadagno et al., 1991). However,
Olympic medal–winning performances have taken place during all portions of
the menstrual cycle (Fox et al., 1988; Fleck et al., 1990). 37% of the athletes
who participated in the 1964 Olympic Games said that they thought their
performances were not negatively affected by their menstrual cycle (Kin et al.,
2000). Lebrun et al. (1995) examined the effects of menstrual cycle phase
on four selected indices of athletic performance; aerobic capacity, anaerobic
capacity, isokinetic strength, and high-intensity endurance. They found the
 SPORTS PERFORMANCE DURING MENSTRUAL CYCLE 1561

cycle phase did not impact significantly on the majority of the performance tests
and cardiorespiratory variables (Lebrun et al., 1995). Kin et al. (2000) asked
athletes the affect of menstrual cycle on performance and 50.49% of the athletes
answered that their performance was not affected, 49.51% of the athletes
answered their performance was affected. 70% of the athletes had same or
better performance, 30% of the athletes performed worse (Reer, 1994). Female
athletes reporting poorer performance during menstruation, a large percentage
were endurance athletes (e.g., tennis players and rowers). Performances for
Int J Neurosci Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by Ondokuz Mayis Univ. on 03/30/11

volleyball and basketball players and swimmers and gymnasts were better
than the endurance athletes, but were still below normal. Performances by
track-and-field athletes, especially sprinters were not affected nearly so much
by menstruation as were the performances by other athletes. Gold-medal
performances have been reported in swimming and track and field (Fox et al.,
1988). The best performance is performed after the menstrual period and 15th
day of the menstrual cycle first (14th day after menses). Many investigators
have documented evidence to suggest that the pre-menstrual phase is often
associated with decreased performance (Eston, 1984; Fraccaroli, 1980; Nöcker,
For personal use only.

1980). In the study 71% of athletes feel themselves good in the first 14 days
after the menses began. When it was asked when they feel worse 49% of the
athletes answered just before the menses. 62.2% of the athletes said that their
performance is the same, 21.2% of the athletes said that their performance is
worse during the menstrual cycle. The ratio of athletes said their performance
was worse in the first day of menses 38.6%. This ratio decreased 10.4% in
the second day of menses in respect to first day. During the menstrual cycle
most of the athletes evaluated their performance same with normal time. In the
present study, after 3 days and 13 days after the onset of bleeding the ratio of the
athletes evaluated their performance “worse,” was low. In one study, metabolic
and cardiovascular responses were determined at rest and during exercise on 8
trained female athletes and 9 untrained females during the following 3 phases
of the menstrual cycle: 7 days after ovulation (pre-menstrual phase), 3 days
after the onset of bleeding (menstrual phase) and 13 days after the onset of
bleeding (postmenstrual phase). None of the responses, either at rest or during
exercise was significantly affected by the different phases of the cycle (Fox
et al., 1988). Özdemir and Küçükoğlu (1993) found that speed and endurance
were not affected by the menstrual period if athletes have no pain. Türkmen
(2000) have found that menstrual cycle period did not negatively affect the
sportive performance (vertical jump, 20 m sprint, reaction time, and hand grip
strength) of 30 athletes and 30 sedentaries.
 1562 N. F. KISHALI ET AL.

It was concluded that the menarche age was high in the athletes. It has
found that the physical performance was not affected by the menstrual period
and the pain decreased during the training and competition.

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