You may hear that ovulation is your strongest week. A review of the research found mixed results and concluded it's too early to say that cycle hormone changes meaningfully affect strength or training results. The authors suggest tailoring training to the person rather than the cycle phase, so lift in a way that fits how you feel.
FitnessOvulation3 min read
Is Ovulation Really Your Strongest Week?
Research hasn't shown that any phase of your cycle is clearly your strongest.
Sources
- Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Colenso-Semple et al.)Current evidence shows no influence of women's menstrual cycle phase on acute strength performance or adaptations to resistance exercise training (2023)
- Sports Medicine (McNulty et al.)The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2020)
General wellness information, not medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your health.