Menstrual cycle (MC) symptoms and disorders are common among females, with higher prevalence rates observed in competitive athletes. However, many women are physically active at recreational levels and might be also affected by MC health issues. To date, little is known about how physical activity intensity and training volume impact MC health in this broader, under-researched group. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association of physical activity and menstrual health among active Swiss females of reproductive age. Between May and June 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among females (≥ 18 years) who were neither pregnant nor using hormonal contraceptives. Self-reported data on MC health, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), oligomenorrhea, and secondary amenorrhea, were collected. Binary logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between leisure-time physical activity, overall training volume, and MC health. A total of 719 females were included (mean age = 29.2 ± 8.2 years; BMI = 22.5 ± 3 kg/m2; moderate to vigorous physical activity = 367 ± 296 min/week; mean training volume = 4.8 ± 4 h/week; average MC length = 29.4 ± 8.9 days). The prevalence rates were 15.9% for PMS, 17.8% for oligomenorrhea, and 2.9% for secondary amenorrhea. No associations of physical activity and training volume were observed for PMS and secondary amenorrhea. Higher levels of light physical activity were associated with a greater prevalence of oligomenorrhea (OR = 1.028, 95% CI: 1.005 - 1.053). The association was small in magnitude and model fit (R2 < 0.2). Our findings suggest no clinically relevant association between MC health and physical activity as well as training volume in recreationally active females. Longitudinal research is needed to verify these results and inform guidelines to support menstrual health among active females.
Kubica et al. (Mon,) studied this question.