Exploring the relationship between nutritional intake and menstrual cycle in elite female athletes

Introduction

Preserving optimal menstrual cycle function plays a vital role in safeguarding female reproductive health (Rogan & Black, 2022). The menstrual cycle encompasses a multifaceted sequence of events that primes the uterus for potential pregnancy. It is categorized into two primary phases, namely the follicular and luteal phases, distinguished by the onset of menstruation, follicular maturation, ovulation, and the formation of the corpus luteum (Reed & Carr, 2000).

Nevertheless, solely dividing the menstrual cycle into these two phases does not offer sufficient insight to comprehensively grasp the diverse hormonal fluctuations that transpire within them. Consequently, researchers frequently employ sub-phases, such as follicular, ovulatory, early luteal, and late luteal phases, to categorize the menstrual cycle with greater precision (Hirschberg, 2012). These sub-phases are characterized by notable shifts in hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) (McLay et al., 2007). The menstrual cycle commences with the follicular phase, triggered by the onset of menstruation. During this initial phase, ovarian follicles gradually mature in response to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) released by the pituitary gland. As these follicles develop, the production of estrogen increases. This estrogen surge exerts a profound influence on diverse bodily systems, encompassing metabolism, thermoregulation, and neurotransmission. Furthermore, heightened estrogen levels prompt the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH), a pivotal trigger for ovulation. Subsequent to ovulation, in the early luteal phase, the secretion of progesterone commences, accompanied by sustained estrogen production. Simultaneously, the secretion of FSH and LH is repressed. As the menstrual cycle progresses into the late luteal phase, the corpus luteum, once vibrant, initiates regression. Consequently, levels of both estrogen and progesterone gradually wane.

Moreover, it is widely recognized that both estrogen and progesterone influence feeding behavior. Estrogen is thought to have appetite-suppressing effects, whereas progesterone has been demonstrated to increase appetite, particularly when combined with estrogen (Devries et al., 2006; Elliott-Sale et al., 2021; Giersch et al., 2020). Research conducted on the non-athlete individuals in the general population has indicated a noteworthy reduction in energy intake during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle compared to the luteal phase. These variations are attributed to the hormonal effects observed during this period (Elliott-Sale et al., 2021; Giersch et al., 2020; Kammoun et al., 2017; Barr, Janelle & Prior, 1995; Cheikh Ismail et al., 2009). To clarify, during the follicular phase, we anticipate a decrease in appetite attributed to estrogen’s influence. Conversely, in the early luteal phase, we expect a notable increase in appetite due to the combined effects of estrogen and progesterone. However, during the late luteal phase, while the impact of these hormones is somewhat diminished, the presence of menstrual cramps might further dampen the appetite. Indeed, prior investigations have unveiled a noteworthy rise in nutrient consumption during the initial half of the luteal phase when contrasted with the follicular phase within the broader female population (Bowen & Grunberg, 1990; Tucci et al., 2009; Martini et al., 1994; Tarasuk & Beaton, 1991).

However, fluctuations in energy intake during the menstrual cycle can exert a considerable influence on the sports performance of female athletes. Hence, it is imperative to examine the variability of energy intake across the menstrual cycle within this population. It is widely recognized that the menstrual cycle can impact athletic performance (Freemas et al., 2021; Lebrun et al., 1995) as well as exercise metabolism (Oosthuyse & Bosch, 2010). Moreover, it is well-established insufficient energy intake, considering the elevated energy expenditure of female athletes, could lead to menstrual and other physiological dysfunction (Miyamoto, Hanatani & Shibuya, 2021a). However, despite the unique challenges faced by female athletes in this aspect compared to their male counterparts, there is a dearth of research in sports science that specifically focuses on female athletes (Carmichael et al., 2021; Cowley et al., 2021). Consequently, it remains unclear whether the impact of sex hormones on energy intake is significant among female athletes.

The objective of this study was to examine variances in nutrient intake throughout the menstrual cycle among female elite athletes. Considering the augmented energy expenditure associated with physical exercise, top-level athletes possess higher greater energy demands compared to the general population. Therefore, we hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in nutrient intake during the menstrual cycle. To assess the validity of this hypothesis, the current study scrutinized the dietary intake and menstrual cycles of 122 female athletes, encompassing individuals competing at the international level. These data were subjected to analysis through a generalized linear mixed model. This study would provide fundamental data for developing measures to maintain the condition of female athletes.

Methods

Results

Macronutrient intake

The mean energy intake of all athletes was 2,626.1 kcal (95% CI [2,532.6–2,719.7 kcal]) (Fig. 1) During the dietary survey period, 61 of 122 athletes were in the follicular phase, 40 were in the early luteal phase, and 21 were in the late luteal phase. The mean energy intake for these phases was 2,732.6 kcal (95% CI [2,601.5–2,863.8 kcal]), 2,492.7 kcal (95% CI [2,322.6–2,662.8 kcal]), and 2,571.1kcal (95% CI [2,379.3–2,762.9 kcal]), respectively (Table 2).

Table 2:

Nutritional intake during the menstrual cycle.

Explanatory variables	Total	Follicular	Luteal early	Luteal late	F value	p value
95% CI	n = 122	n = 61	n = 40	n = 21
Energy (kcal/day)	2,626.1	2,732.6	2,492.7	2,571.1	1.574	0.212
95% CI	[2,532.6–2,719.7]	[2,601.5–2,863.8]	[2,322.6–2,662.8]	[2,379.3–2,762.9]
CHO (g/day)	343.8	360.6	319.2	342.3	1.886	0.157
95% CI	[328.7–359.0]	[338.2–382.9]	[294.5–343.8]	[308.8–375.7]
Protein (g/day)	112.0	116.3	107.2	108.7	1.213	0.301
95% CI	[107.3–116.7]	[109.6–122.9]	[98.6–115.7]	[99.3–118.2]
Fat (g/day)	84.9	87.1	82.9	82.6	0.562	0.572
95% CI	[81.2–88.7]	[81.6–92.5]	[76.1–89.7]	[75.2–89.9]
Ca (mg/day)	831.8	885.9	776.8	799.6	1.007	0.369
95% CI	[767.3–896.4]	[779.1–992.7]	[689.0–864.7]	[656.3–902.8]
Fe (mg/day)	12.5	13.2	11.7	12	1.322	0.271
95% CI	[11.8–13.2]	[12.2–14.1]	[10.4–13.0]	[10.7–13.4]
Fiber (g/day)	16.6	17.2	15.6	16.3	0.734	0.497
95% CI	[15.6–17.5]	[15.7–18.7]	[14.1–17.2]	[14.4–18.1]
Vitamin B1 (mg/day)	1.77	1.8	1.67	1.85	0.724	0.487
95% CI	[1.37–1.87]	[1.66–1.94]	[1.51–1.84]	[1.57–2.13]
Vitamin B2 (mg/day)	2.13	2.17	2.07	2.12	0.004	0.962
95% CI	[1.98–2.27]	[0.95–2.38]	[1.83–2.30]	[1.74–2.51]
Vitamin C (mg/day)	181.3	178.5	179.9	191.9	0.498	0.609
95% CI	[164.6–197.9]	[154.7–202.3]	[151.2–208.5]	[149.9–233.9]

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16108/table-2

Note:

Total: Encompassing the entire dataset, this category includes all 122 athletes who were part of the study. Follicular: This category includes 61 athletes whose study period falls within the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Luteal Early: The category includes 40 athletes whose study period falls within the initial half of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Luteal Late: The category includes 21 athletes whose study period falls within the latter half of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

The mean protein intake was 112.0 g (95% CI [107.3–116.7 g]). The mean protein intake per body mass (Pro/BM) was 1.8 g/kg (95% CI [1.7–1.9 g/kg]). Among the athletes, Pro/BM values of 1.0 or above, 1.5 or above, and 2.0 or above were found in 122, 88, and 43 athletes, respectively. The mean carbohydrate (CHO) intake was 343.8 g (95% CI [328.7–359.0 g]). The mean CHO intake per body mass (CHO/BM) was 5.6 g/kg (95% CI [5.3–5.8 g/kg]). CHO/BM values of five or above, and six or above were found in 70 and 44 athletes, respectively.

Discussion

This study stands as a pioneering endeavor in elucidating the intricate interplay between the menstrual cycle and nutritional intake among female athletes, encompassing those of elite caliber. As such, we consider this contribution to hold substantial significance in the field. The present study revealed no significant variation in nutritional intake among female elite athletes throughout the menstrual cycle. This finding diverges from numerous studies conducted on the general female population, which have consistently demonstrated higher nutrient intake during the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (Bowen & Grunberg, 1990; Tucci et al., 2009; Martini et al., 1994; Tarasuk & Beaton, 1991). Moreover, feeding behavior is known to be influenced by both estrogen and progesterone, with estrogen speculated to suppress appetite and progesterone recognized for increasing appetite in the presence of estrogen (Hirschberg, 2012; McLay et al., 2007; Devries et al., 2006). Previous research has also highlighted that during the luteal phase, when both estrogen and progesterone levels rise, food intake tends to be elevated, particularly for sweet foods, while during the follicular phase, when estrogen levels rise alone, food intake decreases (Bowen & Grunberg, 1990; Racine et al., 2012, 2013; Klump et al., 2013, 2008).

The female body is highly susceptible to the influence of sex hormones, as they play a vital role in maintaining optimal reproductive function. Surprisingly, the current study discovered no significant alterations in nutritional intake throughout the menstrual cycle among the selected group of female elite athletes. These findings imply that the impact of the menstrual cycle on nutritional intake might be mitigated in female athletes due to their heightened energy requirements resulting from rigorous daily training.

Furthermore, previous research has indicated that athletes experience increased cortisol secretion due to the heightened stress associated with exercise (Schaal, Van Loan & Casazza, 2011).

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is widely recognized as the primary mediator of physiological stress responses and may play a role in the connection between stress and food intake. When a perceived threat or challenge arises, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released from the hypothalamus, triggering the subsequent release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, and ultimately leading to the release of glucocorticoids (GCs) from the adrenal cortex (Tsigos & Chrousos, 2002). Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol in humans and corticosterone in animals, promote glucose availability by stimulating protein breakdown, gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis, thus facilitating energy mobilization and adaptation. While cortisol is acknowledged for its contribution to increased adiposity during periods of energy surplus, it also serves as a critical catabolic hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex in response to prolonged exercise, starvation, glycogen depletion, and stress (Schaal, Van Loan & Casazza, 2011). Consequently, in athletes, cortisol secretion in response to stress may be a significant factor influencing appetite. This could potentially account for the relatively modest impact of sex hormone secretion, which fluctuates with each menstrual cycle, on appetite. In athletes, the secretion of cortisol induced by exercise can be regarded as a factor contributing to anxiety and the sustenance of elevated nutrient intake. Notably, heightened levels of psychological anxiety have been documented among female athletes with comparable profiles (Miyamoto, Hanatani & Shibuya, 2022).

The results of the present study found no significant changes in nutritional intake with the menstrual cycle in female athletes, including top-level female athletes. While the mechanisms enabling female athletes to uphold elevated nutrient intake while circumventing the influences of sex hormone production linked to the menstrual cycle remain ambiguous, we contend that this study holds noteworthy significance in its examination of nutrient intake patterns across each menstrual cycle among female athletes. Nevertheless, the underlying causal connections remain uncertain, and for a more precise comprehension of the impact of the menstrual cycle on nutrient consumption, forthcoming research should encompass assessments of sex hormone levels and pinpoint the ovulation timeframe. An inherent constraint within the study design was the inability to directly assess blood levels of female hormones in concordance with the natural menstrual cycle. We posit that a more comprehensive discourse could have ensued had these specific measurements been incorporated. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the study’s chosen design effectively facilitated the collection of data from a diverse cohort of female athletes, encompassing individuals of elite standing. Despite these limitations, the present study provides valuable insights into the relationship between the menstrual cycle and nutritional intake in female athletes, which may guide future research in this area.

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