Effects of the menstrual cycle on excess postexercise oxygen consumption in healthy young women.

The effects of the menstrual cycle on excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) were studied in seven healthy young women aged 18 to 20 years. EPOC, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and energy expenditure during exercise (EEDE) in the fasting state were measured in the follicular and luteal phases. On the experimental days, subjects exercised for 60 minutes on a bicycle ergometer at an intensity of 60% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) followed by rest for 6 hours. The EPOC and RMR were significantly higher (P < .05) and the postexercise respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was significantly lower (P < .05) in the luteal phase versus the follicular phase, whereas differences in the EEDE and basal and exercise RER were negligible in both phases. Fat oxidation during the experimental period was significantly greater in the luteal phase (P < .05). These results suggest that exercise in the luteal phase results in greater postexercise energy expenditure and fat utilization than in the follicular phase.