In sports, where toughness, perseverance, and fortitude are valued highly, there is a conspicuous lack of discussion about a normal part of female physiology: menstruation. Periods are still a taboo subject, cloaked in secrecy and stigma, even though they are inevitable and have an effect on sports performance.
Women must manage menstrual cycles while juggling the demands of training and competition, whether they are novice athletes or elite competitors.
However, conversations regarding periods are frequently restricted to seclusion or ignored completely, leaving female athletes to deal with this element of their health on their own.
In addition to maintaining the shame associated with menstruation, the unwillingness of athletes to discuss periods openly also feeds misconceptions and false information about the topic.
They may worry about being judged or treated unfairly by coaches, teammates, or rivals, many female athletes have feelings of shame or embarrassment over their periods.
As a result, people could turn to controlling their menstrual cycles on their own without the availability of sufficient resources or help.
Performance potential can be affected by this, which also negatively affects women’s emotional and physical health.
It's time to end the stigma and shatter the taboo, fostering an atmosphere where female athletes are empowered to honestly talk about and take care of their menstrual health requirements without feeling guilty or afraid.
Menstrual-related symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and mood swings can significantly impact an athlete's ability to train effectively and perform at their best during competitions.
Without proper support and understanding, female athletes may struggle to manage these symptoms, leading to missed opportunities and compromised performance outcomes.
Normalising conversations and support for women in sports and periods begins with education and awareness.
Coaches, trainers, and sports organisations can play a pivotal role by providing comprehensive information about menstrual health and its impact on athletic performance.
A commitment to promoting women's health and wellbeing in sports can also be shown by putting in place procedures and policies that address the particular requirements of menstruating athletes.
A few examples of these include granting access to menstrual products, modifying training plans, and providing time off when necessary. By cultivating a climate of awareness, compassion, and inclusiveness, we can enable female athletes to confidently manage their menstrual health and maximise their performance both on and off the playing field.
A ground-breaking policy requiring all cricket clubs in England and Wales to supply free sanitary products in both men's and women's restrooms was adopted by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2019.
The goal of this programme was to remove any shame or financial burden associated with providing necessary menstruation products to female cricket players and fans.
This actionable measure is a potent illustration of the kind of tangible steps sports organisations can take to support gender parity in athletics and meet the menstrual health requirements of women participating in sports.
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