Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the influence of menstrual cycle (MC) phases on vertical jump performance (countermovement jump and squat jump height) in female football players. Design: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (ID1035357). Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO). Studies were included if they involved female football players, assessed vertical jump performance, and compared performance across MC phases. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified Downs & Black checklist for non-interventional studies. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Substantial heterogeneity was observed regarding MC phase determination procedures, sample characteristics, and testing protocols. Although some studies reported higher vertical jump height values during the follicular or ovulatory phases, no statistically significant differences were found. Conclusions: Current evidence is insufficient to determine whether MC phases influence vertical jump performance in female football players. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to methodological limitations in MC phase determination and low statistical power. Future research should aim to standardize protocols, use objective hormonal verification, and recruit larger samples. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251035357, PROSPERO: CRD420251035357.
© Copyright 2026 Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. Frontiers Media. All rights reserved.