MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASE (LUTEAL) PROMOTES GREATER THERMOREGULATORY STRESS AND CARDIOVASCULAR STRAIN

Tladi, D. M., Cosio-lima, L., Cayer, T. L., & Paolone, V. (2003). Effects of the menstrual cycle on the sweating response of women in a hot environment. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1105.

Female athletes (N = 7) wearing a vinyl sauna suit performed a 60-min treadmill run at 60% VO2peak. Tests were conducted at midfollicular and midluteal phases of the menstrual cycle.

Significantly higher rectal, mean body, and mean skin temperatures and heart rate were recorded during the luteal phase.

Implication. Thermoregulation and cardiovascular strain were affected by the menstrual phase. The luteal phase fostered the most stress.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.