The hygiene cycle influences the physical health and mental status of an athlete; therefore, it influences performance. The energy increase and decrease regulate the female’s stamina, endurance, and recuperative abilities and the periods are called follicular phase and luteal phase. In the follicular phase, positive changes are recorded in the state of insulin sensitivity, as well as muscles gain strength and endurance, and muscle discomfort is decreased. This phase is preferably fitted for high-intensity training and strength exercises as the estrogen level is on the rise.
On the other hand, the progesterone-dominated phase called the luteal phase makes women feel tired and sluggish and also retain water. At the same time, flexibility exercise can be used by athletes as it becomes important during this period as compared to power and strength exercises that are likely to be used for most of the training programs during the anabolic phase. Trainers, coaches, and other healthcare practitioners should know these differences that help an appropriate training program that will provide benefits especially in the improvement of the athlete’s performance and at the same time, promote health and welfare.
Other general concerns also include nutrition, fluid intake, and sleeping patterns taken about the menstrual cycle. It can only be suggested that dietary choices can alleviate symptoms such as bloating and fatigue; besides, water intake influences the general functioning of the body. Some form of good sleep hygiene must be advocated for as sleep helps in the recovery process and sharpening of the mind.
Looking at the athletes’ needs during their different phases of the menstrual cycle, the benefits of the females’ performance and health can be enhanced. Self-care programs that allow exercising taking into account the menstrual cycle can prevent injuries and maintain high performance as well as have positive effects on athletes’s health in the long term. The female physiology is cyclic and, therefore, training programs must be oriented accordingly for the best result to be achieved.