Women are affected by hormonal fluctuation due to the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle can have profound effect on women's mood and sense of well being. Many women develop cramps, nausea, and fatigue in conjunction with menstruation, sometimes accompanied by feelings or irritability and depression. Compounding matters, significant fluid retention and cravings for sweets are frequently associated with the premenstrual period, thereb inducing temporary weight gain and edema. These symptoms can be detrimental to a women's psyche and hance make it difficult, if not impossible, to train with any degree of intensity during this time. Brad Schoenfeld