Editorial: Measure do not guess: a call to action to end assumed and estimated menstrual cycle phases in research

Burden, Richard J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2811-5454, Altini, Marco, Ferrer, Eva, Flood, Tessa R ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8897-0957, Lewin, Gary, Nimphius, Sophia, Phillips, Stuart M and Elliott-Sale, Kirsty J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1122-5099 (2024) Editorial: Measure do not guess: a call to action to end assumed and estimated menstrual cycle phases in research. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 10 (2). e002095.

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Abstract

Several studies have been published in the last year using assumed or estimated menstrual cycle phases. These phases are ‘generated’ solely on regular menstruation. As more of these studies are published, founded on data that was not actually measured, it becomes imperative to grasp the difference between what is measured versus what is assumed or estimated. We need to measure, not guess, to draw valid and meaningful conclusions in a research topic that is riddled with considerable debate over contradicting outcomes. Hence, this editorial is a call to action directed at editors and reviewers. It is intended to raise the quality, practical implications, application and integrity of future studies investigating the effect of menstrual cycle phases on a given outcome. We do not intend to focus on individual papers but want to ensure that female populations can use their reproductive data accurately and effectively.