majority athletes They have a big disadvantage that can affect them during training and competition: menstruation. It is clear that the typical discomfort of menstruation can make it difficult to manage. But that is not all. They themselves report that their performance usually deteriorates during bleeding. Logic immediately leads to the idea that this is a hormonal problem. Therefore, a group of scientists from University College London I recently wanted to check to what extent hormones influence sports results. What did they learn about menstruation in female athletes it was amazing.
Another prerequisite that led to the start of the study was the confirmed fact that female athletes usually suffer more injuries than his comrades. This may also be due to hormones. It is known that they affect the brain differently throughout the cycle and that this may influence cognitive activity. Possible deterioration of the condition spatial cognition During certain phases of the cycle, this can cause female athletes to menstruate, leading to more injuries. Especially those who practice speed sports.
There are many hypotheses, but to get answers it was necessary to conduct an in-depth investigation. So these scientists conducted a study that they didn’t expect.
Brain changes during menstruation in female athletes
Menstruation in female athletes and anyone else who menstruates can cause changes in the brain. It has even been observed that during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, hormones cause changes in volume gray and white matter.
This may be due to injury. Perhaps more than the second hypothesis, which points to the influence of hormones on ligaments and tendons. These scientists wanted answers, so they conducted a study in collaboration with 241 athletes. Among them were 96 men, 105 menstruating women, and 47 women taking contraceptives. and therefore they did not have a normal menstrual cycle.
They all had to undergo a series of cognitive tests on a computer, in which mental processes necessary for an athlete. This involves thinking and reacting quickly, paying attention, and processing spatial information. The tests were carried out at intervals of two weeks.
After analyzing the results, it was clear that although cognitive function deteriorated during the follicular phase, at the end of the cycle and during ovulation, just before bleeding, the maximum peak in female athletes occurred during menstruation. This was an amazing fact because it contradicted everything folk beliefs. In fact, even those who reported feeling worse with many of the typical menstrual symptoms reached their peak performance.
Big limitation
It should be noted that this study of menstruation in female athletes has a serious limitation. Moreover, individual differences could not be established in all phases of the menstrual cycle. The tests were done at intervals of 2 weeks, but the menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days. Thus, differences could only be established within these two weeks and between some athletes and others.
Therefore, it would be necessary to repeat the study over time to establish these individual differences. At least now we know that sex hormones do influence athletic performance. Is it true that menstruation in female athletes It even turned out to be useful, but it shouldn’t make us forget what happens in the rest of the cycle. Injuries may be associated with this, so it is important to take this into account in order to find solutions and prevent them as much as possible.
Finally, as one might think, no, injuries do not occur because women are inferior athletes. If a cis man had to run, throw a javelin, or swim while suffering from menstrual cramps, ovulation pain, or all the psychological consequences of premenstrual syndrome, he probably wouldn’t think that way.
Source: Hiper Textual
