Menstrual Cycle Characteristics and Perceived Impact in Female Volleyball Players

Background: Research on the influence of the menstrual cycle on female athletic performance remains limited. This study investigated menstrual cycle characteristics, menstrual disorders, and phase-specific variations in perceived performance among female volleyball players. Methods: Eighty-four recreational and competitive athletes (M = 25.62 ± 6.43 years) completed a comprehensive survey between March and April 2025, including a modified Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) assessing physical and psychological well-being, perceived sport performance, training quality, and motivation across the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases. Results: Perceived sport performance differed significantly across phases, with the highest scores in the follicular phase (M = 1.70 ± 1.51), followed by the luteal (M = 0.88 ± 1.13) and menstrual (M = 0.64 ± 1.00) phases (p < 0.001). Perceived performance impairments were greatest during menstruation and lowest in the follicular phase. Motivation exhibited a similar trend, peaking in the follicular (M = 1.74 ± 1.55) and declining during menstruation. Menstrual disorders were reported by 75% of participants, and 59.5% experienced dysmenorrhea. Knowledge scores (M = 11.13/18) indicated a moderate understanding of menstrual physiology. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate significant menstrual phase-related variations in subjective performance and motivation, emphasizing the importance of menstrual cycle awareness, athlete education, and individualized, phase-based training strategies to optimize performance and support female athlete welfare.