When Are Women Most Likely to Get Injured in Sports?

As the visibility of female athletes continues to rise, a concerning pattern has emerged—women seem to be at a higher risk of injury in sports compared to men. While research is still underway to determine whether this trend holds true across the board, one factor science has confirmed is that the female menstrual cycle plays a significant role in injury risk. The good news is that recent studies are empowering women to better manage this risk and continue performing at their best.

Research has already shown that women are far more likely than men to suffer an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury. Women playing soccer are 2.8 times more likely to tear their ACL than men, and in basketball, they are 3.5 times more likely. One of the reasons for this is biological: women typically have thinner cruciate ligaments than men. While hormones have long been considered a possible contributing factor to these higher injury rates, only recently have studies begun to explore the connection between hormonal fluctuations and injury risk in depth.

Female Athletes and Hormones: A New Understanding

A groundbreaking study focusing on Women’s Super League soccer players has revealed that women are six times more likely to suffer a muscle injury in the days leading up to their menstrual period. Dr. Georgie Bruinvels, a senior author of the study from University College London, noted, “We did this long-term monitoring study, which is rare in women’s sports. It's groundbreaking to link injury data with menstrual cycles, and it's surprising that more people aren't conducting similar research.”

Interestingly, the study found that women were least likely to be injured during their period, contrary to the common assumption that menstruation is the riskiest time for injury. In fact, the pre-menstrual phase, which occurs in the days leading up to menstruation, showed a six-fold increase in injury risk.

Empowering Coaches and Athletes

This new knowledge is invaluable for athletes, coaches, and teams looking to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. As women’s sports, including soccer and basketball, continue to grow in popularity, understanding these cycles can help make better decisions about when players are most physically capable. With the financial stakes high in professional sports, knowing when a player is at peak fitness could make a crucial difference.

“It’s often portrayed in the media that injuries are most likely to happen during menstruation, but this study shows that it’s actually the pre-menstrual phase that carries the highest risk,” said Dr. Bruinvels. “This research helps break down the taboos surrounding the menstrual cycle, promoting a more nuanced understanding of female athletic health.”

Dr. Bruinvels emphasizes the need for a more positive narrative around female athletes and their unique physiological needs. “Women are different—more variable than men—but we can do something about it. Let’s support female athletes better by understanding their bodies and working with them to minimize injury risks,” she said.

By fostering better conversations between athletes and coaches, and breaking the stigma surrounding the menstrual cycle, we can create a more supportive environment for female athletes to thrive.