Effects of menstrual cycle phases on muscle strength and hypertrophy in eumenorrheic women practicing resistance training: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119754Keywords:
Menstrual Cycle, Resistance Training, Women, Eumenorrheic, hypertrophy, muscle strengthAbstract
Objective. This study aimed to compare the effects of menstrual cycle phases on strength and hypertrophy in eumenorrheic women who practice resistance training (RT).
Methods. The methodology followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with searches conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and the CAPES Journal Portal using the descriptors “Muscle Strength,” “Menstrual Cycle,” “Fertile Period,” “Follicular Phase,” “Luteal Phase,” and “Resistance Training.” Studies were included if they involved healthy adult eumenorrheic women practicing RT and whose protocols investigated MC, strength, and hypertrophy. After applying the eligibility criteria, 12 articles were included. Methodological analysis used the TESTEX tool.
Results. It was found that the luteal and follicular phases have the potential to promote greater strength and hypertrophy gains, possibly due to the predominant hormonal combination. In addition, training periodization strategies based on MC phases were shown to optimize strength and performance outcomes, as evidenced in studies that adapted RT frequency and intensity according to the MC. Furthermore, some studies did not find statistically significant differences between phases, which may be related to methodological limitations such as small samples, variations in intervention protocols, and lack of rigorous cycle monitoring.
Conclusion. It is concluded that the luteal and follicular phases demonstrate greater potential for muscle hypertrophy gains due to the predominant hormonal combination in these periods, and that further investigations are needed regarding muscle strength gains.
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