Influence of menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive phases on strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion

The primary aim of the study was to assess differences in strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion across phases of the menstrual cycle [MC; early follicular (eFP), late follicular (lFP), and mid-luteal phase (mLP)] and oral contraceptives [OCs; active pill phase (aPP) and nonactive pill phase (nPP)]. The secondary aim was to analyze the influence of fluctuating serum 17β-estradiol and progesterone concentrations on these parameters in naturally menstruating women. Thirty-four women (21 with a natural MC and 13 using OCs) completed three or two experimental sessions, respectively. Mean propulsive velocity (MPVmean) and total number of repetitions (REPtotal) were assessed during a power [3 × 8 at 60% 1RM (one-repetition maximum)] and hypertrophy squat loading (3 sets to failure at 70% 1RM), respectively. Changes in bench press and squat MPV at 60% 1RM in response to the loadings were used as surrogates for nonlocal and local fatigue, respectively. Total blood lactate accumulation (BLAA) and markers of perceived exertion were assessed in each session. No significant differences between any of the MC or OC phases were observed for MPVmean, REPtotal, nonlocal and local fatigue, and markers of perceived exertion (all P > 0.050). A higher intraindividual 17β-estradiol concentration was significantly associated with a lower MPVmean (P = 0.019). BLAA was significantly higher in the lFP than in the mLP (P = 0.019) and negatively associated with the intraindividual progesterone concentration (P = 0.005). Although 17β-estradiol may negatively influence the MPV, it appears that fluctuations of both sex hormones across the MC and OC phases are not prominent enough to induce significant or practically relevant changes in the assessed parameters.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although a high intraindividual 17β-estradiol concentration was associated with a lower movement velocity, markers of strength performance and surrogates for nonlocal and local fatigue remained unaffected by MC and OC phases. Blood lactate accumulation was significantly reduced in the mLP. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the impact of the MC phases varies greatly among individuals. Individuals with high fluctuations in sex hormone concentrations may experience relevant changes in the assessed parameters.