UEFA consensus statement on menstrual cycle tracking in women's football

Abstract

Menstrual cycle tracking is increasingly recognised as an important aspect of supporting female athletes. However, its application in football remains inconsistent and under-researched. This consensus statement, initiated by the Union of European Football Associations Medical and Anti-Doping Unit, provides evidence-informed guidance on best practices for menstrual cycle tracking in women's football. Developed using the RAND-UCLA appropriateness method, the consensus involved a multidisciplinary expert panel that reviewed the literature and reached agreement on 82 statements across five key domains: the rationale for tracking, meaningful metrics, appropriate methods, implementation strategies and methodological considerations for research. The consensus underscores that while current evidence linking menstrual cycle phases to performance or injury risk remains inconclusive, tracking can support athlete well-being by identifying menstrual irregularities, managing symptoms and enhancing player education and autonomy. Practical recommendations are provided for measuring cycle characteristics, ovulation, hormonal profiles and symptoms, whereas ethical and cultural considerations are emphasised. This statement aims to promote standardised, athlete-centred tracking protocols and establish priorities for practice and future research in female football.

Keywords: Consensus; Female; Women.

Figure 1. Menstrual cycle phases and corresponding hormonal profiles. Phase 1 (early follicular): low oestrogen and low progesterone. Phase 2 (late follicular): peak oestrogen with a slight rise in progesterone. Phase 3 (early luteal): oestrogen levels higher than Phase 1 but lower than those in Phases 2 and 4, with moderately increased progesterone. Phase 4 (mid-luteal): oestrogen levels higher than those in Phases 1 and 3 but lower than that in Phase 2, with progesterone level >16 nmol∙L⁻¹.