Menstruation remains an underrepresented topic in athletics despite being a natural experience for female athletes. Female athletes undergo cramps, leaks and tiredness in silence. However, this trend changes as they come forward to share their period-related issues. The 2024 Paris Olympics is considered the defining moment as there was equal male and female representation for the first time in Olympic history. However, the fight for inclusion was not limited to the number of female athletes. For many years, a silent battle has continued, but with changing times, the new generation of female athletes is more vocal about it and sees their menstrual cycles not as a weakness but as their strength. Read on to learn real stories of period challenges faced by women in sports.
Almost a decade back, swimmer Fu Yuanhui spoke about a sporting taboo and became an overnight sensation in China and elsewhere. The Chinese missed a medal in the medley relay and came fourth. After the match, in an interview, she told the journalist she had her period the previous day and felt tired and weak and could not perform her best. But what warmed people's hearts was that she did not give that as an excuse but displayed her honesty. It sparked a global debate, and many more athletes broke their silence and spoke about this sensitive topic. Later, athletes like Clarisse Agbegnenou (Judo champion), Nze Minko (French Handball player) and many other Olympic medalists called for practical solutions, making the menstrual cycle a discussion point one not to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
A middle-distance athlete, Sarah was always scared of her periods as she feared crippling cramps and leaks. She had to skip practising on these most difficult days. Luckily, she had a lady coach with whom she opened up. Both shared their experiences, and that made Sarah feel powerful. Together, they created a training strategy that was more period-awareness. The plan had rest days during her luteal phase (days with exhaustion and cramps) and high-intensity workouts in the follicular phase. With the help of this strategy, Sarah overcame her ‘period nervousness' and set her personal best time at the next event. It shows that periods do not have to be limiting; all it needs is plans to overcome period discomfort.
A French Judoka has won many titles, including the World title, European Title, and Olympic medals in 2016, 2020 and 2024. She is also the brand ambassador for a French menstrual underwear company. Determined to do away with the taboo of female athletes and menstruation, she spoke about specific things in sports that need tackling, including periods. She talked about how complicated it was wearing white Juodgi during periods. Although female Judokas still have to wear white, Clarisse's openness has helped break the silence.
Figure skater Meite took things further and created a YouTube channel allowing many female athletes to share their period experiences. From USA's Ashley Cain-Gribble to gymnast Youna Dufournet to Judoka Assmaa Niang, they all shared how they powered through their periods and achieved what they set out to.
Not only have Olympic athletes spoken out about menstruation, but it is also gaining traction in team events. Great Britain's footballer Beth Mead declared that it is impractical to wear white at 'the time of the month'. Many football teams switched to wearing dark-coloured shorts in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Ireland's rugby team was also permitted to wear dark shorts for the 2023 Championships. Even Wimbledon allowed its tennis players to wear dark undershorts, a first in the tournament's 146-year history.
Many female athletes, like Brazilian wrestler Aline Silva, are fighting for gender equality in sports through the Mempodera organisation. The organisation aims to provide poor women in underdeveloped countries free access to hygiene products.
According to experts, fluctuations in sex hormones are linked with muscle activation, inflammation, metabolism and body composition, which impact athletic performance. Additionally, inflammation increases post-ovulation and is at its maximum during periods. This peak may lead to lower performance in many sportswomen.
Every woman is unique, and so is her period experience. For some, it is painless and comfortable, and for others, it can be painful with PMS symptoms and excess flow that impacts life. While exercise can help ease some menstrual symptoms, it can also affect performance in varying degrees.
It has been researched that the follicular phase, which begins on Day 1 of the period and lasts for about two weeks, is the best time for peak performance. Due to low progesterone and estrogen levels, she feels strong and can do her best. Recovery is also faster, and it is the best time to exercise or practise, as the body has energy at its disposal.
Ovulation starts 14 days after the first day of periods, and testosterone and estrogen levels are high. The luteal phase lasts between 12 and 24 days and can go up to 35 days. It is harder to reach high efforts and challenging to build muscle; blood is thicker, and there is increased bloating.
Additionally, there is a medical condition called exercise amenorrhoea, which is an absence of periods for varying lengths of time. Intense exercise and low body weight cause the body to think it is in starvation. It typically happens when exercise is not coupled with appropriate nutritional intake.
Lack of knowledge about the impact of periods on a woman's athletic performance prevents women from knowing their body physiology. Athletic performance and menstruation are tricky as they impact bone and muscle growth, energy levels and much more. Starting conversations on this topic can help them identify where they need more support. Top women athletes have started the spark; it is for the others to keep the light going.
