Mid Sweden University

Some research studies have suggested that prescribing certain types of training during specific phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) will lead to enhanced physiological adaptations, reduced health risks and improved performance. However, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that the quality of the existing evidence for organizing training around MC phases is generally quite poor, and that responses to phase-based training interventions vary between (and even within) individuals (McNulty et al. 2020). As such, general recommendations for training according to the MC are not considered appropriate. Similar findings have been presented in a related systematic review and meta-analysis that looked at the effects of hormonal contraceptive (HC) use on athletic performance, with a lack of high quality scientific studies currently available and a great deal of between-study variation reported (Elliott-Sale et al. 2020). In both of these studies, individualised approaches are recommended. In sports performance environments, an individualized approach to working with female athletes in relation to their hormonal cycles requires knowledge, resources and well-developed interpersonal relationships between athletes and coaches (Höök et al. 2021). However,a number of recent studies have reported that knowledge about the female hormonal cycle is typically poor among athletes and coaches (e.g., Solli et al. 2020; Larsen et al. 2020). Those topics poorly understood include the physical and psychological effects of hormonal fluctuations, typical MC symptoms, effects of HC use and the long-term health implications of amenorrhea, which is often normalised in weight-bearing and aesthetic sports. Moreover, athletes and coaches perceive female hormonal issues to be uncomfortable, awkward, embarrassing and taboo to talk about. A lack of MC monitoring and related documentation is also common, even at an elite level. Despite this lack of knowledge, avoided discussions and poor routines regarding female hormonal cycles, athletes and coaches have reported a desire to learn, communicate and monitor more. With organized structures and forums specifically relating to female hormonal issues currently lacking within applied sport settings, sports federations and athlete/coach development pathways, educational and communication models have been proposed to guide the process (Clarke et al. 2021; Höök et al. 2021). This lecture will highlight recent advances in research relating to knowledge, communication and applied practice relating to female hormonal cycles, as well as frameworks for supporting female athletes in the pursuit of athletic excellence. While the science is complex and the application in sport settings is challenging, simple practices including monitoring, testing, feedback and continuous adjustment can have an impact on athlete performance, health and well-being.