Does Menstrual Cycle Affect Elite Weightlifters? New Study with Paul Schatz

Does Menstrual Cycle Affect Elite Weightlifters? New Study with Paul Schatz

From Evidence Strong | Weightlifting Science by Evidence Strong

April 22, 2026 · 15 min · Episode 137

About this episode

The episode discusses a study on the impact of the menstrual cycle on strength performance in elite female weightlifters.

🏋️‍♀️ Extended version of this interview: https://www.patreon.com/posts/menstrual-cycle-and-strength-154135570 🏋️‍♀️ Paul Schatz conducted a six-month study with elite German female weightlifters, measuring their menstrual cycle and strength performance. It's such an interesting study because, although the study sample is relatively small, the research methods are solid. Paul is a PhD student at the German Sports University investigating the influence of the menstrual cycle on performance in athletes. Enjoy! Original research paper: Schatz P, Ullrich F, Siegert F, Legerlotz K, Diel P, Isenmann E. Interactions between menstrual cycle, training load and strength performance in elite female weightlifters. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2026 Jan 16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244026000034 ❤️ Join Evidence Strong Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/evidencestrong ▶️ Watch the episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9L-_m0WGD_7xV0sf87Zy7oMVDdtqR3bG 🖼️ Weightlifting research infographics: https://evidencestrong.com ✉️ Follow Paul Schatz: 🔹 https://www.instagram.com/fit_byscience 💪 Follow Evidence Strong: 🔹…

People in this episode

Host: Evidence Strong

Guest: Paul Schatz

Topics covered

  • menstrual cycle
  • weightlifting
  • athlete performance
  • elite sports
  • research study

Keywords

  • menstrual cycle
  • weightlifting
  • elite athletes
  • strength performance
  • Paul Schatz

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: German Sports University

Books & works: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport

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