The recovery process across the menstrual cycle in recreational female athletes: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The relationship between post-exercise inflammation and menstrual cycle (MC) phases in female athletes is poorly understood. This study assessed recovery, measured via high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), after game days in recreational female athletes and whether it differed by MC phase.

Methods

Nineteen participants provided demographic and MC data and underwent point-of-care blood testing for hs-CRP on game day (GD) - 1, + 1, + 2, and + 3 on two occasions (n = 119 data collection days). Four MC phases were estimated using ovulation tests and self-reported bleed data. Random-effects regression models examined associations between GD and hs-CRP, and possible interactions between GD and MC. Backwards stepwise regression included the covariates; age, s

SUBMITTER: Parsons EN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12647198 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature