Each woman has different characteristics of menstrual cycle. The main problem is the
determination of period in which the measuring would be carried out, so that the results could be
directly linked to a certain hormone or phase of the menstrual cycle. Generally it could be said
that menstrual cycle does not influence muscle contractility and maximum oxygen consumption,
lactate level, heart rate, breathing volume, hemoglobin levels. Therefore, women who compete in
anaerobic and aerobic sports do not have to adjust competition schedules to their menstrual cycle.
On the other hand the increase of body temperature in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle,
possible cardiovascular strain in this phase, influence of progesterone on the respiratory center,
the rise of breathing frequency and volume can have negative influence on long-term intensive
sport activities. For this sort of activity female athletes are recommended to adjust their
competition schedule to menstrual cycle.