Impact of Menstrual Cycle Edema on Athletic Performance

Study Overview

Recent research has explored the relationship between athletic agility and menstrual water retention among college-aged women. Edema, commonly referred to as water retention, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in body tissues or cavities. Notably, around 10% of Japanese female athletes experience lower limb edema related to their menstrual cycles, yet its impact on athletic performance remains underexplored.

Hormonal Influences on Edema

Previous studies indicate that the hormones estrogen and progesterone significantly affect sodium regulation and fluid retention in tissues, which in turn influences menstrual cycle-related edema. The recent study, published in the journal Public Library of Science, aimed to assess fluid retention in the calf muscles of female students throughout their menstrual cycles and its potential effects on athletic performance.

Methodology of the Study

Participant Selection

The study involved 13 healthy adult Japanese women aged 20 to 25 years, all of whom had regular menstrual cycles, engaged in normal physical activity, and were not using oral contraceptives or other medications.

Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Researchers categorized the menstrual cycle into five distinct phases: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, early luteal phase, and late luteal phase.

Use of MRI Imaging

To investigate edema, the researchers utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Edema is characterized on an MRI by an increase in T2 signal intensity. The study measured T2 signal intensity in calf muscles twice daily throughout the menstrual cycle, alongside calf circumference measurements. Morning evaluations included calf circumference, hormone blood samples, and T2 signal intensity, while afternoon assessments focused on athletic performance and additional calf measurements.

Findings on Edema and Athletic Performance

Body Composition and Activity Levels

The study found no significant changes in body composition or levels of physical activity and energy expenditure across different menstrual cycle phases. This indicated that participants did not engage in high-intensity activities that would typically induce edema. Additionally, calf circumference measurements in the morning and afternoon showed no significant differences.

Conclusions on Menstrual Cycle Influence

The absence of significant findings suggests that calf edema was not linked to physical activity or illness but rather influenced by the menstrual cycle. The researchers hypothesized that occurrences of edema may be directly or indirectly related to progesterone and estrogen, potentially hindering both injury treatment in clinical settings and athletic performance.

Study Limitations

A noted limitation was the relatively small participant size, prompting the need for future studies with larger cohorts to achieve a more accurate evaluation of the parameters studied. Furthermore, it was challenging to differentiate whether edema resulted from hormonal fluctuations or exercise responses.

Final Thoughts

In summary, edema experienced during the menstrual cycle may significantly impact athletic performance in female students. Notably, leg edema increased during the menstrual phase in the afternoon, occurring independently of subjective symptoms.

Reference

Sawai, A., Tochigi, Y., Kavaliova, N., Zaboronok, A., Warashina, Y., & Mathis, B. et al. (2018). MRI reveals menstrually-related muscle edema that negatively affects athletic agility in young women. PLOS ONE, 13(1), e0191022.