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The Journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology"Journal HistoryAims and ScopePolicies on Conflict of Interest, Human and Animal Rights, and Informed ConsentEditorial ProcessData sharing statementAdvertising PolicyThe Process for Handling Cases Requiring Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of ConcernEditorial BoardEditorial CounsilInformation for ProfessionalsNewsContacts
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Obstetrics and Gynegology2026№2

Women’s reproductive health and sports

DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2026.10

Ermakova D.M., Rakhmonova F.S., Dolgushina N.V.

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia

This literature review summarizes the data on the effects of the menstrual cycle, energy availability, use of sex hormone preparations, and pregnancy on adaptation to physical activity. The impact of estradiol and progesterone on the metabolism of macronutrients, neuromuscular function, cardiorespiratory reactions and thermoregulation is examined. The obtained data provide the foundation for nutrition planning and training strategies, taking into account reproductive function. It has been shown that the variability in performance is often influenced by the severity of menstrual symptoms and psycho-emotional factors. The article analyzes the female athlete triad, which is a component of the relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) syndrome and is a leading phenotype for menstrual function disorders among professional athletes. It also discusses approaches to the clinical stratification of the risks for developing REDs. The impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its potential impact on body composition in female athletes is explored in this paper. The study presents the data on the frequency of hormonal contraception use by this group of women and findings on its influence on the effectiveness of training and competitions. The article covers the characteristics of physical activity for athletes during pregnancy, as well as the impact of professional-level sports on the course and outcomes of pregnancy. The importance of standardized screening and personalized guidance for women involved in sports is emphasized.
Conclusion: Due to the growing number of women involved in sports, both at an amateur and professional level, the issues related to the menstrual cycle, the use of sex hormone preparations and their influence on metabolism, training effectiveness, stress adaptation and productivity have become of increasing scientific and practical interest.

Authors’ contributions: Ermakova D.M. – validation of the research concept, collection, analysis and systematization of literature data, writing and editing the text of the article; Rakhmonova F.S. – collection and analysis of literature data; Dolgushina N.V. – developing the concept and design of the research, scientific consulting, critical revision of the manuscript text, approval of the final version of the article.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
For citation: Ermakova D.M., Rakhmonova F.S., Dolgushina N.V. Women’s reproductive health and sports.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2026; (2): 54-62 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2026.10

Keywords

normal menstrual cycle
female athletes
relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs)
female athlete triad
functional hypothalamic amenorrhea
polycystic ovary syndrome
bone mineral density
hormonal contraception in female athletes
pregnancy in female athletes
Full text (in Russian)

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Received 16.01.2026

Accepted 05.02.2026

About the Authors

Daria M. Ermakova, PhD, Senior Researcher, obstetrician-gynecologist, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4, d_ermakova@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8558-4687
Farzona S. Rakhmonova, PhD student, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997, Moscow, Russia, Ac. Oparin str., 4, f_rakhmonova@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6615-9426
Nataliya V. Dolgushina, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Deputy Director for Research, Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparin str., 4, n_dolgushina@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1116-138X
Corresponding author: Daria M. Ermakova, d_ermakova@oparina4.ru

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