Women’s experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on strength training performance – a conventional content analysis

Abstract Background During the menstrual cycle, hormones vary greatly and can affect physical performance during training. However, research regarding women's experience of strength training performance during the different phases of the menstrual cycle appears to be limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore women's experience and perception of strength training performance during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods In this study, a qualitative study design was used where five women of childbearing age (24–32 years) with experience in strength training kept an exercise diary during a menstrual cycle. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using qualitative conventional content analysis, with an inductive approach. Results From the analysis, four overarching themes describing the content of the text emerged: “Varying mental and physical experiences in the early follicle phase", "Peak performance during the late follicle phase", "Breakpoint at ovulation" and "Varying mental and physical experiences during the luteal phase". Conclusion In conclusion, from the woman's perspective, performance in strength training seems to be dependent on the different phases of the menstrual cycle but the experiences vary between individuals. Thus, it may be important to be aware of the performance alteration during one’s individual cycle to best adapt the training. In addition, the results of this study highlight the need for a holistic approach in understanding and managing both the physiological and psychological problems that can occur during the different phases of the menstrual cycle.