Trends in menstrual cycle symptoms, physical activity avoidance, and hormonal contraceptive use in a general population of adult women

• Published in: Sexual & reproductive healthcare 2023-06, Vol.36, p.100853-100853, Article 100853
• Main Authors: Doohan, Meg A, King, Neil, White, Melanie J, Stewart, Ian B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Colic - chemically induced; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined - adverse effects; Exercise; Female; Hormonal Contraceptives; Humans; Lethargy - chemically induced; Low Back Pain; Menstrual Cycle; Middle Aged; Physical Activity; Symptoms; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1877-5756; 1877-5764
• DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100853

•In a non-elite population, almost half of the entire sample (48.1%) were using some form of female hormonal contraceptive method.•90% of all respondents regularly experienced adverse menstrual related symptoms.•Menstrual symptoms were commonly identified as an influential factor in avoiding exercise engagement. Research examining symptoms and side effects of the menstrual cycle on physical activity performance and participation has almost exclusively focussed on elite and athletic populations. The current study aimed to i) identify any differences in symptomatic experiences of the menstrual cycle between hormonal contraceptive users and non-users, ii) gain insight into hormonal contraceptive use, iii) describe perceived symptomatic influences on physical activity engagement, and iv) identify perceived levels of knowledge and understanding around the menstrual cycle. Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 881 adult females aged between 18 and 55 years. Questionnaire items related to hormonal contraceptive use, habitual physical activity levels, experiences and symptoms of the menstrual cycle, and sources of information resulting in knowledge and understanding of the menstrual cycle. Results: More than half of all participants (52%) identified themselves as being recreationally active, and the most commonly reported menstrual symptoms were abdominal cramps, lethargy, abdominal bloating, lower back pain, and heavy bleeding. Of all respondents, 48.1% were using some form of hormonal contraception, 66% of which were using a version of a combined oral contraceptive pill. Discussion: Consistent with previous studies, 90% of respondents regularly experienced adverse menstrual symptoms, including abdominal cramps, lethargy, abdominal bloating, lower back pain, and heavy bleeding. Menstrual symptoms were frequently identified as influential factors in the avoidance of, and reduced performance in, physical activity. Almost half of all participants were using some form of hormonal contraception, a noticeably larger proportion than has been previously documented in studies examining non-athletic populations.