PX7 Training · Articles

Research · 3 min read · 2026-10-12

Should you train around your menstrual cycle?

A meta-analysis of 78 studies found at most a trivial effect of cycle phase on performance, and no basis for general rules.

Should you train differently depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle? The idea has become popular, but what does the research say? A large meta-analysis looked at all the available studies.

What the researchers did

Researchers collected 78 studies that measured exercise performance in women with regular cycles in two or more phases of the cycle. They compared performance in the early follicular phase, the days around and just after the start of a period, with the other phases.

What they found

Performance might be slightly lower in the early follicular phase, but the effect was trivial. The differences between studies were large, and the quality of the evidence was rated low.

Because of this, the researchers concluded that general guidelines for training across the cycle cannot be given. They recommended a personal approach based on how each woman responds.

What it means for you

There is no need to plan your training around your cycle unless you notice that it affects you. If certain days regularly feel harder, it is reasonable to make a session easier or move it. Many women run well throughout the cycle, including on race day.

Severe pain, very heavy bleeding or missed periods are worth discussing with a doctor, especially if you train a lot.

What the study can't tell you

The studies included women with regular cycles, not women using hormonal contraception. Most studies were small, and performance was measured in many different ways.

How we use it

PX7 Training asks how you feel before a session and how hard it felt afterwards. If you are more tired on some days, say so, and the next sessions take it into account.

Source

Written by Jørgen Larsen for PX7 Training.