The Momma Clan

The Silent Weight of Menstruation: How Periods Impact Female Athletes’ Performance.

The Paris 2024 Olympics have been a stage for incredible athletic feats, but they’ve also highlighted the often-overlooked challenges that female athletes face. One such challenge came to light when India’s star weightlifter, Mirabai Chanu, narrowly missed winning a bronze medal by just one kilogram. What made this loss even more poignant was her revelation that she was on the third day of her menstrual cycle during the competition. This brings to the forefront a critical issue that many female athletes contend with but rarely discuss openly: the impact of menstruation on athletic performance.

The Physical Impact of Menstruation on Athletes

Menstruation is a natural biological process, but it can significantly affect a woman’s physical capabilities, particularly in high-performance sports. During the menstrual cycle, especially in the days leading up to and during menstruation, many women experience a range of symptoms that can hinder their performance. These include:

1. Fatigue: The hormonal changes during menstruation can lead to increased fatigue. Lower levels of iron due to blood loss can also contribute to feelings of tiredness, making it harder to maintain the energy levels required for intense physical activity.

2. Muscle Weakness: Studies have shown that oestrogen levels, which fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, can influence muscle strength. During menstruation, some women may experience a slight decrease in muscle power and endurance, which is critical in sports like weightlifting.

3. Pain and Discomfort: Cramps, headaches, and general discomfort are common during menstruation. For athletes like Chanu, who need to maintain peak physical condition, these symptoms can be particularly debilitating.

4. Coordination and Focus: Hormonal fluctuations can also impact cognitive functions, including coordination and focus. In precision sports, even a slight lapse in concentration can be the difference between winning and losing.

The Psychological Toll

Beyond the physical challenges, menstruation can also take a psychological toll on athletes. The pressure to perform at the highest level, combined with the discomfort of menstrual symptoms, can lead to increased stress and anxiety. For many athletes, the fear of underperforming due to their period is a real concern, and this can compound the stress they already face in competitive environments.

Mirabai Chanu’s near miss at the Paris Olympics serves as a poignant reminder that menstruation is not just a private issue—it’s a public one that can influence outcomes on the world stage. Her experience underscores the need for greater awareness and support for female athletes dealing with these challenges.

Breaking the Silence: Addressing Menstruation in Sports

The conversation around menstruation in sports has been historically muted, often shrouded in stigma and discomfort. However, as more athletes like Chanu speak out, there’s a growing recognition of the need to address this issue openly and without shame. Here are some steps that can be taken to support female athletes:

1. Education and Awareness: Coaches, trainers, and sports organisations need to be educated about the impact of menstruation on athletic performance. This includes understanding how different phases of the menstrual cycle can affect training and competition.

2. Personalised Training Programs: Athletes can benefit from training programs tailored to their menstrual cycles. By adjusting the intensity and type of workouts based on where an athlete is in her cycle, it’s possible to optimise performance and reduce the risk of injury.

3. Access to Medical Support: Female athletes should have access to medical professionals who can help manage the symptoms of menstruation. This could include dietary advice, pain management strategies, and hormonal treatments if necessary.

4. Mental Health Support: The psychological impact of menstruation on athletes should not be overlooked. Mental health support, including counselling and stress management techniques, can help athletes cope with the additional pressures they face during their menstrual cycles.

5. Open Dialogue: Finally, there needs to be an open and honest dialogue about menstruation in sports. By normalising the conversation, we can reduce the stigma and ensure that female athletes receive the support they need.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

Mirabai Chanu’s experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics is not unique, but it is a powerful reminder of the challenges female athletes face. As we celebrate their achievements, we must also recognize the barriers they overcome, including the silent weight of menstruation. By addressing this issue head-on, we can create a more equitable and supportive environment for all athletes, ensuring that their performance is determined by their talent and hard work, not by the timing of their menstrual cycle.

In conclusion, as we look to the future, it’s crucial that the sports community—athletes, coaches, medical professionals, and fans alike—work together to support female athletes in managing the impact of menstruation. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to perform at their best, regardless of the time of the month. Mirabai Chanu’s story is a call to action, and it’s time we listened.

—

This blog aims to shine a light on the intersection of menstruation and athletic performance, encouraging a broader discussion and fostering greater understanding and support for female athletes everywhere.

-Dr. Arwa Saifi