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Cycle-syncing: How menstruation changes athletes' training

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Julia Richter
August 4, 2026

Cycle-syncing is changing sports training. New research shows athletes can adapt workouts to energy levels, recovery needs and menstrual phases.

Many women adapt their training to their menstrual cycle - from recreational athletes to competitive sportswomen. But what does the science say? How athletes use their cycle, why experts prefer the term "cycle-aware training," and the roles played by hormones, recovery, performance and mental well-being.

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