Interview study, 2020
How does the menstrual cycle affect female elite athletes?
Most athletes reported menstrual symptoms that they felt harmed their performance. Two-thirds took medication to try to feel better during their cycle.
What they did
Fifteen international female rugby players participated in one-on-one interviews about their experiences with the menstrual cycle and how it affected their sport. Interviews were recorded and analyzed to find common themes.
What they found
Ninety-three percent of athletes reported menstrual cycle symptoms. Thirty-three percent reported heavy menstrual bleeding. Sixty-seven percent felt that menstrual symptoms harmed their sports performance. Two-thirds took medication to manage their symptoms. Common symptoms mentioned were period pain, heavy bleeding, low energy, worry, being easily distracted, and changing emotions.
What it means for you
Menstrual symptoms significantly affect how elite female athletes train and compete. This study was small (15 athletes) and qualitative, so results may not apply to all athletes. The findings show that athletes and coaches often do not understand the menstrual cycle.
93%
reported menstrual cycle symptoms
67%
felt symptoms harmed performance
33%
reported heavy menstrual bleeding
About the study
- Original title
- How the menstrual cycle and menstruation affect sporting performance: experiences and perceptions of elite female rugby players
- Authors
- Findlay RJ, Macrae EHR, Whyte IY et al.
- Journal
- British journal of sports medicine
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Interview study
- What was tested
- None. Athletes described their existing experiences with the menstrual cycle.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101486
Topics
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