Comparative effects of resistance training and aerobic exercise on ovulation and female reproductive physiology

Authors

  • Olajumoke Oyedoyin
    Department of Health Education and Promotion, Pogil College of Health Technology Oke Eri, Via Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, Nigeria
    Department of Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Minas Gerais, Brazil

Keywords:

Resistance training, Aerobic exercise, Ovulation, Reproductive health, Exercise physiology

Abstract

Physical exercise plays an important role in reproductive health, particularly through its influence on the hypothalamic--pituitary--ovarian (HPO) axis and ovulation. Although both resistance training (RT) and aerobic exercise (AE) benefit women's health, their comparative effects on ovulatory function remain unclear. This narrative review evaluates the differential effects of RT and AE on ovulatory function from a sports physiology perspective, with emphasis on training type, intensity, and frequency. Literature was identified through major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with a focus on exercise and female reproductive health. The evidence suggests that RT and AE may have beneficial but distinct effects on ovulatory function mediated by metabolic and hormonal mechanisms. Moderate- to high-intensity AE has been reported to improve body mass index (BMI), insulin sensitivity, and menstrual regularity, whereas RT may support muscle development, androgen regulation, and metabolic health. However, excessive exercise or insufficient energy intake can disrupt gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility and suppress gonadotropins, which may lead to menstrual dysfunction. Overall, AE has more consistent evidence for improvements in BMI and menstrual-cycle regularity, while RT shows promising but still emerging benefits for androgen regulation and metabolic health. These findings may guide women, healthcare providers, and policymakers in tailoring exercise choices to protect women's ovulatory and reproductive health. Future studies should prioritise comparative exercise trials, diverse populations, and the incorporation of nutritional factors.

Dimensions

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Published

2026-06-10

How to Cite

Comparative effects of resistance training and aerobic exercise on ovulation and female reproductive physiology. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 460. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.460

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2, August 2026

Section

HEALTH & MEDICAL SCIENCES SECTION
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Olajumoke Oyedoyin

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Comparative effects of resistance training and aerobic exercise on ovulation and female reproductive physiology. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 460. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.460

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