The body’s ability to utilize certain macronutrients for energy appears to fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. When estrogen is elevated during the follicular phase, carbohydrates are used more readily, and glycogen storage may be reduced. Conversely, when progesterone is elevated during the luteal phase, there is a greater breakdown of protein, increased utilization of fat, and a slight increase in basal metabolic rate.[1][2] Whether altering dietary macronutrient intake alongside these metabolic shifts is advantageous for health outcomes — including fertility, exercise performance, and menstrual-related symptoms — requires further research.
References
- ^Daniel R Moore, Jennifer Sygo, James P MortonFuelling the female athlete: Carbohydrate and protein recommendationsEur J Sport Sci.(2022 May)
- ^Michaela M Rogan, Katherine E BlackDietary energy intake across the menstrual cycle: a narrative reviewNutr Rev.(2023 Jun 9)