Author(s): COLLOMP, K., SCHIANO-LOMORIELLO, S., CASTANIER, C., BUISSON, C., ERICSSON, M., TEULIER, C., BOUGAULT, V., Institution: UFR STAPS, Country: FRANCE, Abstract-ID: 278

INTRODUCTION:
The normal menstrual cycle (NMC) and/or hormonal contraception may significantly affect females’ health, daily activities, quality of life and performance notably through perception of menstrual symptoms. The use of non-drug therapies, including regular physical activity, is reported to limit these symptoms during both the premenstrual and menstrual phases, in combination with hormonal contraception and not. However, there is currently insufficient information to propose a consensus regarding the best physical activity type, frequency, intensity or program to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. The aim of this study was thus to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) on female students self perception of their menstrual cycle symptoms.
METHODS:
This research was approved by the Paris-Saclay Ethics of Research Committee (CER-Paris-Saclay-2021-098). Participants were recruited through student services of the Universities of Orleans and Paris-Saclay via mailing lists and on social media. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) female student between 18 and 28 years of age; 2) healthy with no chronic therapeutic treatment except for menstrual symptoms. From December 2021 to March 2022, female students (n = 834) completed an online questionnaire to assess their PA level (Group 1: non-active; Group 2: moderate physical activity; Group 3: high physical activity; Group 4: very high physical activity), menstrual status or contraception use, self-reported diet and medication, impact on engagement in some social activities, and self-assessment of perceived mental and physical symptoms during the week prior to menses (PM) for students with a normal menstrual cycle (NMC), and the week of menses (ME) for normal menstrual cycle students and those using combined hormonal contraception.
RESULTS:
Whatever the conditions (PM and ME, NMC and CHC), fewer self-perceived symptoms and self-reported alteration in fat intake were reported by the students in Group 4, and more analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication use was reported by Group 1. Fewer self-perceived symptoms were also found in CHC vs NMC female students for all physical activity levels, but in a more marked way when associated with very high physical activity. In addition, less university and sports practice absenteeism was observed with high and very high physical activity.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the perception of menstrual cycle symptoms was lower with very high physical activity, as with combined hormonal contraception. Moreover, female students training more than 5 h/week also reported less university absenteeism and impairment in physical activities. Further studies are necessary to establish the causal link of physical activity and combined hormonal contraception on menstrual symptoms.