Self-Reported Performance and Hormonal-Cycle-Related Symptoms in Competitive Female Athletes.

Introduction: The present scientific consensus is that the menstrual cycle (MC) and hormonal contraceptive (HC) cycle only influence performance trivially. Nevertheless, athletes perceive changes in performance that they associate with different phases of their hormonal cycle.

Methods: A total of 959 female athletes completed a questionnaire, of which 750 were included in the present analysis.

Importance of strength training for sustaining performance and health in military personnel.

The physical capacity of male and female warfighters is challenged on the modern battlefield by heavy loads and high-intensity work. When designing training programmes for warfighters, approaches for developing strength and power alongside endurance must be considered. Strength training often requires facilities that may not be available during deployments while multiple stressors may impair or decrease overall performance.

Resting Energy Expenditure, Metabolic and Sex Hormones in Two Phases of the Menstrual and Hormonal Contraceptive Cycles.

Introduction: Resting energy expenditure (REE) may fluctuate during the menstrual cycle (MC), due to the physiological effects of estradiol (E2) and progesterone. This study examined changes in REE and metabolic hormones (leptin, ghrelin, thyroid hormones), and dietary intake in two hormonally distinct groups, naturally menstruating women (NoOC) and women using monophasic combined oral contraceptives (COC).

Methods: Measurements included REE by indirect calorimetry, body composition by bioimpedance, and blood samples for hormone analysis in the early follicular and midluteal phases of the MC in the NoOC group ( n = 38) or the active and inactive phases of the COC cycle (COC; n = 19).

Beyond Menstrual Dysfunction: Does Altered Endocrine Function Caused by Problematic Low Energy Availability Impair Health and Sports Performance in Female Athletes?

Low energy availability, particularly when problematic (i.e., prolonged and/or severe), has numerous negative consequences for health and sports performance as characterized in relative energy deficiency in sport.