Higher rating of perceived exertion and lower perceived recovery following a graded exercise test during menses compared to non-bleeding days in untrained females

Conclusion: The untrained female participants perceived greater exertion during GXT and impaired recovery following GXT in EF compared to O and ML. These results may be attributed to either a drop in female sex hormone concentrations or discomfort associated with menses. The male participants did not exhibit any changes over time. Future studies using subjective parameters such as perceived exertion to track the internal load of training in the naturally menstruating female population should consider menses.
Source: Frontiers in Physiology - Category: Physiology Source Type: research