Menstrual cycle is vital health marker not a tool to measure sport performance, expert says
The menstrual cycle should be viewed as a vital health marker for women in sport, not a definitive training tool, and myths around menstrual cycle phase-based training need to be challenged, according to a leading researcher in female health and exercise.
Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale spoke at the Women’s Sport Strategic Summit this week, outlining the growing narratives that are influencing women in sport despite the scientific evidence to support them.
The summit, which coincides with the UEFA Women’s European Championships in Switzerland, was hosted by FIFPRO and The World Players Association and brought together international leaders and researchers in women’s sport.
Elliott-Sale, Professor of Female Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, delivered a presentation on “The menstrual cycle as a health rather than a performance tool”, which challenged growing narratives that frame the menstrual cycle as something that affects an athlete’s performance in various ways despite insufficient evidence to support this view.
Through her research, Prof. Elliott-Sale is aiming to dispel the myths around menstrual cycle phase-based training, also known as cycle syncing, which have been amplified in the media.
She has outlined how the menstrual cycle should be viewed as a vital health marker, not a definitive training tool, promoting a science-led, health-first approach to menstrual cycle tracking.
Prof. Elliott-Sale said: “A woman’s menstrual cycle does not solely dictate how they train, compete, or fuel or determine if and when they get injured. There is not enough credible data at present to support these views.
“Thankfully, menstrual cycles are no longer a taboo topic in sport. However, their potential impact should not be overstated. Instead, menstrual cycles, and other ovarian hormone profiles, should be embedded within the sporting environment using a pragmatic evidence-based approach.”
Prof. Elliott-Sale is the Head of Manchester Met’s Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport, which launched in 2024.
Bringing together research staff, PhD candidates and global partners such as the UK Sports Institute, Arsenal Women, Sale Sharks and UEFA, the Centre is the UK’s first dedicated centre focused on enhancing health, performance, policy and research tailored to girls and women in sport.
Prof. Elliott-Sale’s invitation to speak at the Women’s Sport Strategic Summit reflects Manchester Met’s growing reputation in women’s sport research and its commitment to athlete health and success.
With the summit taking place during the UEFA Women’s EURO’s, Manchester Met is also celebrating the success of Esme Morgan, a Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) student at the University, who is part of the England Lionesses squad.
Currently playing professionally in the NWSL for Washington Spirit in the United States, Esme’s selection marks a proud moment for both her career and the University.
This is a particularly meaningful achievement for Esme, who missed out on England’s historic UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 victory due to a serious leg and ankle injury.
To learn more about the Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport and its work in women’s health and performance, please visit the website.
