L-menthol is a cyclic monoterpene derived from aromatic plants, which gives a cooling sensation upon application. With this in mind, L-menthol is beginning to be considered as a potential ergogenic aid for exercise and sporting competitions, particularly in hot environments, however female-specific research is lacking. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize available literature relating to topical application of L-menthol and provide commentary on avenues of consideration relating to future research developments of topical L-menthol in female athletes. From available studies in male participants, L-menthol topical application results in no endurance exercise performance improvements, however decreases in thermal sensation are observed. Mixed results are observed within strength performance parameters. Several genetic variations and single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in relation to sweat production, fluid loss and body mass changes – factors which may influence topical application of L-menthol. More specifically to female athletes, genetic variations relating to sweat responses and skin thickness, phases of the menstrual cycle, and body composition indices may affect the ergogenic effects of L-menthol topical application, via alterations in thermogenic responses, along with differing tissue distribution compared to their male counterparts. This narrative review concludes that further development of female athlete research and protocols for topical application of L-menthol is warranted due to physiological and genetic variations. Such developments would benefit research and practitioners alike with further personalized sport science strategies around phases of the menstrual cycle and body composition indices, with a view to optimize ergogenic effects of L-menthol.

L-薄荷醇是一种源自芳香植物的环状单萜，使用后会产生清凉感。考虑到这一点，L-薄荷醇开始被认为是锻炼和体育比赛的潜在增效剂，特别是在炎热的环境中，但缺乏针对女性的研究。本叙述性综述的目的是总结与 L-薄荷醇局部应用相关的现有文献，并就与女运动员局部 L-薄荷醇未来研究发展相关的考虑途径提供评论。根据对男性参与者的现有研究，L-薄荷醇局部应用不会导致耐力运动表现改善，但观察到热感觉下降。在强度性能参数内观察到混合结果。已经确定了与出汗、体液流失和体重变化相关的几种遗传变异和单核苷酸多态性，这些因素可能会影响 L-薄荷醇的局部应用。更具体地说，对于女运动员来说，与出汗反应和皮肤厚度、月经周期阶段和身体成分指数相关的遗传变异可能会通过生热反应的改变以及与对照组相比的不同组织分布，影响局部使用左旋薄荷醇的增效作用。给他们的男性同行。这篇叙述性评论的结论是，由于生理和遗传变异，有必要进一步发展女运动员研究和局部应用 L-薄荷醇的方案。这些进展将使研究人员和从业者受益，围绕月经周期阶段和身体成分指数制定进一步的个性化运动科学策略，以优化 L-薄荷醇的强效作用。