Does your period affect how fast muscles recover? small study investigates

NCT ID NCT07322874

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Chariklia K. Deli Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether the phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular vs. luteal) changes how well muscles recover after intense exercise. Fifteen healthy women did downhill running and a time trial in each phase, then had blood tests and strength measures over 72 hours. The goal was to see if recovery differs between phases, which could help personalize training and recovery strategies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help tailor exercise and recovery advice based on menstrual cycle phases.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to all women. It looks at short-term recovery markers, not long-term health outcomes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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