REVIEW ARTICLE
MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
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1
FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Rehasport Clinic, Poland
2
Department of Physiotherapy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland
3
Women’s Football Science Research Group, Polish Football Association, Poland
Submission date: 2025-05-16
Acceptance date: 2025-08-04
Publication date: 2025-11-26
Issue Rehabil. Orthop. Neurophysiol. Sport Promot. 2025;51(2):39-45
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ABSTRACT
The menstrual cycle (MC) remains an underexplored yet potentially significant factor affecting the health, performance, and injury risk of female football players. This paper summarizes the physiological effects of hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle and their possible
impact on training adaptation, match performance, and recovery. Particular attention is given to the association between menstrual dysfunction, low energy availability (LEA), and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), a condition that increases the risk of stress fractures and impairs bone health. Despite growing interest in integrating MC monitoring into sports science and coaching practices, methodological challenges – such as inter-individual variability and the lack of standardized tracking protocols – limit its routine application. Nonetheless, there
is increasing momentum toward personalized training and injury prevention strategies that consider menstrual cycle phases as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting female footballers. This paper underscores the need for continued research and practical integration of MC-related insights to promote athlete health and optimize performance in women’s football.