Date

8-29-2025

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Justin Kilian

Keywords

Menstrual Cycle, Female Athletes, Movement Velocity, Hormonal Contraceptive, Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms

Disciplines

Sports Sciences

Abstract

This study examined the psychological and physiological impacts of menstrual cycle phase and hormonal contraceptive (HC) use on barbell back squat and bench press velocity, handgrip strength, and countermovement jump height. The aim was to determine whether HC use and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms affected performance during menstruation, the late follicular phase (LFP), or the mid-luteal phase (MLP). Fourteen college-aged female athletes (N = 14) were divided into HC users (n = 7), and naturally menstruating, eumenorrheic individuals (n = 7). Movement velocity data was assessed using RepOne linear position transducers, jump height with the Just Jump mat, and grip strength with the Jamar Dynamometer. Non-HC users displayed significantly faster squat mean velocity (MV) during MLP at 40% 1RM (p = 0.02). PMS-positive participants (n=5) displayed significantly faster MV and mean peak velocity (MPV) in multiple squat and bench press conditions (p = 0.001- 0.03). Perceived exertion was higher in non-HC users during LFP bench (p = 0.03) and varied by PMS status during menstruation. These findings suggest movement velocity and strength remain relatively stable across the menstrual cycle, regardless of HC use. Limitations include small sample size; future studies should include larger cohorts and account for PMS-related symptoms.

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