Menstrual Phase–Related Variations in Velocity Metrics and Fatigue Responses During Multiset Resistance Training in Eumenorrheic Females

Abstract

Yeh, K-T, Cheng, H-C, Tsai, S-H, Yu, P-H, Kuo, Y-C, and Liu, H-W. Menstrual phase–related variations in velocity metrics and fatigue responses during multiset resistance training in eumenorrheic females. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—This study examined the effects of menstrual cycle phases on movement velocity, physiological stress, and perceptual responses during resistance exercise in females. Eleven recreationally active eumenorrheic females performed 3 sets of squats, bench presses, and deadlifts at 70% 1RM (7 reps, 120-second rest) during the early follicular (EF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases, confirmed via hormone analysis. Objective measures included barbell velocity, blood lactate, and cortisol; subjective measures included rating of perceived exertion (RPE), repetitions in reserve (RIR), and session-RPE. Mean, fastest, and last velocities were higher in ML for squat and bench press ( p < 0.05), whereas velocity loss was greater in EF for bench press ( p = 0.002). Rating of perceived exertion was elevated and RIR reduced in EF for bench press and deadlift, with no difference in session-RPE. Blood lactate concentrations and delta changes were significantly higher in EF ( p < 0.05), whereas cortisol declined similarly across phases despite higher basal values (phase effect) in EF ( p < 0.05). Estradiol and progesterone concentrations were positively correlated ( p < 0.05) with mean velocity in both squat and bench press using repeated-measures correlation ( r _rm ) (0.728–0.790), and with fastest squat velocity ( r _rm = 0.800–0.811). These findings suggest that menstrual cycle phases may influence acute exercise responses and may inform individualized resistance training. Mid-luteal phase was associated with greater movement velocity, reduced perceptual fatigue, and lower lactate accumulation, potentially reflecting the modulatory roles of estradiol and progesterone. Autoregulatory strategies (e.g., RPE, RIR, velocity) may help account for daily and phase-related variations in performance.