Female athletes may face an increased risk of injury during menstruation, according to research ⁣tracking professional soccer players. A four-year study (2019-2023) following 33 athletes ‌in Liga F, the top Spanish women’s soccer league, revealed a considerably higher incidence of lower limb injuries when they occurred during a player’s menstrual period. The study encompassed 852 menstrual cycles and documented 80 lower limb injuries.

Increased Severity and Prolonged ​Recovery

The data showed that injuries sustained *during* menstruation were not only more frequent but ⁢also more severe and required longer recovery times.​ Specifically,soft tissue injuries – affecting muscles,tendons,and ligaments – occurred more than three‌ times as often ​when coinciding with menstruation. This suggests a critical window of vulnerability for‌ athletes.

Researchers emphasize that hormonal fluctuations aren’t the sole cause of injuries. However, they can significantly influence both the severity of an injury and the speed of recovery. Lower estrogen levels​ can impede muscle ‌repair, while increased fatigue, pain, and sleep‌ disruption can compromise neuromuscular ​control -​ the efficient communication between the brain and muscles.Moreover, iron deficiency, common during menstruation, ​can reduce endurance and delay healing.

Inflammation, which can be heightened during menstruation, also plays a role. Increased inflammation can exacerbate tissue damage, prolonging the recovery process.

Simple Adaptations for Injury Prevention

Fortunately, relatively minor adjustments to training regimens can definitely help mitigate these risks. Implementing longer warm-up routines, adjusting training load based on the ‍menstrual ‍cycle, and prioritizing additional recovery support can all contribute to reducing injury severity. These proactive steps empower athletes to‌ work *with* their bodies, rather than against them.