Understanding how menstrual cycle phases affect training load in female athletes

Identifying Periods of High Training Load Considering the Menstrual Cycle Phases in Elite and Non-elite Female Athletes Using Measures of Strength, Fatigue, Injury, Psychological Parameters, Serum Circulating Metabolites and the Intestinal Microbiome

Observational Wingate Institute · NCT06377306

This study looks at how different phases of the menstrual cycle affect training and performance in female athletes to see if it can help create better training plans for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexFemale
SponsorWingate Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Netanya)
Trial IDNCT06377306 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between menstrual cycle phases and training loads in both elite and non-elite female athletes. By recruiting 200 competitive premenopausal female athletes, the study will track various performance metrics, hormonal responses, and health indicators over a year. Participants will be assessed at three different training load phases to evaluate how these factors influence athletic performance, injury prevalence, and overall health. The findings could help tailor training programs to better suit female athletes' physiological needs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include competitive premenopausal female athletes, both elite and non-elite, who engage in regular physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant, lactating, or have medical conditions affecting performance may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved training strategies and health outcomes for female athletes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited longitudinal data specifically addressing this topic, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the impact of hormonal fluctuations on athletic performance.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elite athletes are defined as participating and competing at national and/or international level at their sports.
* Non-elite athletes are defined as performing at least 3 hours of physical activity per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently pregnant or lactating or planning a pregnancy in the following year.
* Regular drug use which may affect performance, including but not limited to performance enhancing drugs.
* Any medical diagnosis, including recent or current injury, which could affect performance and/or health under the discretion of the study team.

Where this trial is running

Netanya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Menstrual CycleAthletesPhysical ActivityMenstrual cycleTraining loadMicrobiomeElite athletes
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.