The research was carried out by Dr Natalie Brown – working on behalf of Sport Wales, the Welsh Institute of Performance Science and Swansea University – together with Laura Weightman (1500m Olympian and coach) and Pippa Woolven (former GB athlete and founder of Project RED-S) in collaboration with the Women’s Sport Trust Unlocked Programme.
Dr Brown said: “Periods are still a taboo subject within elite sport and are continuing to have a negative impact on females competing at the top-level. These survey findings once again highlight the need for everyone within sport to create an open and supportive environment where the menstrual cycle and periods can be spoken about without worries of awkwardness, shame or embarrassment.
“The research tells us that there are gaps in knowledge around the menstrual cycle, and what can help athletes to manage their symptoms, so we’ve recently created a new e-learning module to help coaches and athletes learn more about the subject.”
The new online-module about the menstrual cycle can be accessed here, while this video and website are other useful resources.
Commenting on the latest findings, Owen Lewis, Sport Wales’ Assistant Director Sport System Strategy and Services, said: “This research demonstrates the importance of national governing bodies opening up conversations around the impact of the menstrual cycle and supporting their staff and volunteers to become more knowledgeable. The lived experiences captured by this research can really help us to better understand and cater for women and girls’ needs, and make appropriate changes which have the participant at their heart.
“With these findings in mind, together with the recent research into the barriers to progression into sporting pathways in Wales, I would urge all of our partners to consider what their current mechanisms are for listening to their participants’ voices and understanding their needs.”
Key tips for coaches and athletes
- Improve your understanding: The menstrual cycle is a biological process controlled by hormones. Symptoms are common for athletes to experience as a result of the menstrual cycle, but everyone’s experience will be unique.
- Important indicator of good health: The menstrual cycle is an important indicator for good health and performance. Athletes should seek medical advice if periods stop or do not start by age 16.
- It’s good to talk: Talking can be the best approach to the management of symptoms. Coaches and athletes should try and openly talk about the menstrual cycle both to optimise training and competition performance.
- Use of language is important: Don’t talk with euphemisms. Use the words ‘periods’ and ‘menstrual cycle’.
- Supportive environment: Avoid displaying feelings of awkwardness. Create support systems and initiate the conversation.
- Monitoring: Suggest individuals track their menstrual cycle and symptoms for at least three months to increase self awareness and self management.
- Facilities: Think about access to toilets during training and competition along with the availability of menstrual products.
