Date of Award

7-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Health and Human Performance

Program

Exercise Science (MS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Lukus Klawitter

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hormone fluctuations and inconsistencies across the menstrual cycle paired with a shortage of literature on female physiology in exercise have made understanding on female exercise performance troublesome. Performance-based research has fallen behind and the increase in women participation and current evidence does not warrant general guidance on modulating specific exercise across the menstrual cycle. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of estrogen and progesterone on muscle strength, rate of force development, and fatiguability. METHODS: Nineteen recreationally active and eumenorrheic females (25.3 ± 5.8 yrs, 73.4 ± 12.2 kgs) volunteered to participate in the study. Maximal force, rate of force development, and fatiguability of handgrip and knee extensor strength were measured in both the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Menstrual cycle phase or circulating hormone levels showed no consistent effects on maximal strength, RFD, or fatigue outcomes. While few hormone-related trends emerged, particularly involving estrogen and its interaction with progesterone, these effects were inconsistent and did not replicate across outcome measures. CONCLUSION: No reliable evidence was discovered that menstrual cycle phase or associated hormone fluctuations significantly affect isometric strength or fatigue in eumenorrheic women, supporting individualized, rather than phase-based, approaches to training and performance evaluation.

Access Type

Open Access

Additional Files
Cassidy Wisler (1).pdf (30 kB)
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