Purpose: Despite evidence of phase-dependent performance variations during the menstrual cycle (MC) and potential impairments under oral contraceptives (OC) use, findings remain inconsistent. We studied psycho-physiological and performance fluctuations using a feasible, standardized monitoring battery. Methods: Twenty-two naturally-menstruating women and six OC-using women performed standardized tests in specified phases (MC: early follicular (EFP), ovulatory (OP), midluteal (MLP); OC: early inactive pill (EIPP), late inactive pill (LIPP), mid-active pill phase (MAPP)). Testing included the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS), heart rate time series assessment at rest and during 15-minute submaximal cycling with three intensity stages, including blood lactate testing and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Motor performance was assessed via handgrip strength and countermovement rebound jumps. Results: SRSS subscales emotional balance (EB; p=0.038) and emotional imbalance (EI; p=0.031) were significantly affected by MC phase, with lower EB (3.23 vs. 4.08, p=0.034, d=-0.55) and higher EI (2.66 vs. 1.77, p=0.039, d=0.57) in EFP compared to OP. In OC, all subscales except EI showed substantial deterioration in EIPP compared to LIPP or MAPP (d>0.80; inferential statistics not reported due to low sample size). RPE during submaximal cycling showed significant MC effects (p < 0.001), with higher RPE in EFP vs. OP for the first stage (11.9 vs. 11.3, p=0.024, d=0.59). Substantial higher RPE during first stage was also observed for OC in EIPP compared to LIPP (d=1.55). No further significant phase effects were found. Conclusions: EFP and EIPP were linked to higher RPE during submaximal cycling, increased stress, and lower recovery in SRSS. These findings emphasize the role of hormonal fluctuations in psychological outcomes, highlighting the need for individualized monitoring to optimize training and recovery.
Schaffarczyk et al. (2025) studied this question.