The Unique Challenges and Progress of Female Athletes: The Menstrual Cycle
The Unique Challenges and Progress of Female Athletes:
The Menstrual Cycle
Introduction
The realm of sports has witnessed transformative strides in gender equality, yet female athletes still face distinct challenges rooted in societal norms, physiological differences, and historical biases in research and training methodologies. This article highlights the multifaceted barriers and advancements in supporting female athletes, shedding light on topics from underrepresentation in sports science research to the physiological intricacies that influence training and performance. The article synthesises these insights to provide a detailed narrative on the state of female athletics today.
The Gender Gap in Sports Science Research
Historical Context
Female athletes have long been underrepresented in sports science research. A 2015 survey revealed that only 4% of studies in leading sports science journals focused exclusively on women. By 2020, this figure rose to a mere 6%, despite growing awareness of the unique needs of female athletes.
The male-dominant research paradigm, often referred to as the "default male" model, assumes that findings from male subjects are universally applicable. However, this approach neglects the physiological complexities introduced by the female menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations, and differences in skeletal and muscular structures.
Society and sports have advanced significantly beyond outdated notions that women lack the strength or ability to engage in athletics. Over the past century, countless achievements have demonstrated that women are just as capable as men across all sports disciplines. However, achieving true equality in opportunities requires a comprehensive understanding of both male and female physiology. Unfortunately, these physiological differences are often overlooked in medical and sports science research due to the perceived complexity they introduce, hindering efforts to fully optimise training and health strategies for female athletes.
Although it is challenging to fully measure the benefits of a deeper understanding of female-specific factors in sports performance, it is highly likely that such knowledge would have led to greater participation rates and faster progress in performance outcomes. The lack of research and understanding compromises the safety and well-being of female athletes. For instance, their unique physical and biomechanical characteristics increase their vulnerability to joint injuries and concussions. Furthermore, their reproductive health can be adversely affected by inadequate nutritional intake and energy availability, which, in turn, negatively impacts bone health and overall physical resilience.
Consequences for Female Athletes
Training Inefficiencies: Protocols based on male physiology fail to account for hormonal influences on energy metabolism, recovery, and coordination.
Injury Risks: Female athletes face higher incidences of joint injuries, such as ACL tears, due to biomechanical and hormonal factors.
Missed Opportunities: Ignoring female-specific physiology limits the potential for optimised training and peak performance.
Physiological Factors: The Menstrual Cycle and Beyond
Hormonal Influences
The menstrual cycle is a cornerstone of female physiology, profoundly affecting training and performance:
Follicular Phase (Days 1–14):
Elevated oestrogen levels enhance muscle recovery and motivation.
Ideal for high-intensity strength training.
Luteal Phase (Days 15–28):
Progesterone increases fat metabolism and core temperature, favouring lower-intensity aerobic activities.
Coordination may decline due to neurochemical shifts.
Implications for Training
Tailoring training to the menstrual cycle has shown significant benefits. Research suggests that distributing strength sessions more heavily in the follicular phase can yield strength gains up to 40% greater compared to even distribution.
The BBC Elite British Sportswomen’s Survey (2020) revealed that 60% of sportswomen reported their athletic performance being negatively impacted by their menstrual cycle, with many citing missed training sessions or competitions as a result. For example, British tennis player Heather Watson attributed symptoms of her menstrual cycle to her early exit from the 2015 Australian Open. Conversely, some athletes, like Paula Radcliffe, have achieved incredible feats despite their period, such as her record-breaking World Marathon in 2002 on the first day of her cycle.
This diversity in experiences underscores the individuality of menstrual cycles and their effects, making it clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to managing their impact is inadequate. Although discussions about menstruation have become more frequent with the aid of social media, stigma persists. In some social contexts, menstruation remains a taboo subject, which further inhibits open conversations.
The survey also found that 40% of athletes did not feel comfortable discussing their periods with their coaches. This discomfort often stems from a lack of knowledge and understanding among coaches and trainers, who may avoid these critical conversations altogether. Consequently, many athletes experience disruptions in their training due to symptoms like cramping, bloating, and pain. If such symptoms were caused by more widely accepted issues like knee injuries or migraines, they would likely be addressed more proactively.
Recognising this gap, organisations like the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and The Well HQ are working to destigmatise discussions about menstruation and educate athletes, coaches, and trainers. By fostering awareness and understanding, these efforts aim to provide better support for female athletes and minimise the unnecessary impact of menstrual cycles on performance and participation.
Discussing menstrual health with a coach or trainer can be challenging for many women, as it involves sharing deeply personal information. The ease of such conversations often hinges on the nature and trust within the athlete-coach relationship. Emma Ross (cited in Finch, 2019) highlights another key barrier: female athletes may resist addressing these topics for fear of appearing "different." Having fought hard for equal opportunities, prize money, and access to resources, many female athletes prefer to be recognised solely as athletes and not defined or treated differently due to their reproductive system.
Reframing the narrative around menstrual cycles is therefore crucial, both in sports and broader society. A period is more than just a monthly inconvenience; it is a vital indicator of overall health. A regular and healthy menstrual cycle signifies a well-functioning body and should be celebrated as a positive aspect of female physiology. The hormones associated with the cycle play essential roles in physical development, resilience, and psychological well-being, underscoring their importance in the context of athletic performance and general health.
Barriers to Participation
Puberty and Dropout Rates
The transition through puberty presents unique challenges for female athletes:
Hormonal changes increase fat deposition and alter body proportions, impacting confidence and performance.
Cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation and body image discourage sports participation.
Statistics reveal that by age 12, only 8% of girls meet physical activity guidelines, compared to nearly double that for boys. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions, such as skill-focused training during adolescence to build competence and resilience.
Societal and Cultural Factors
Slater and Triggerman (2010) highlighted that one of the primary reasons young females drop out of sports is peer pressure. Among adolescents, sport is often perceived as neither "cool" nor "feminine," with socialising frequently taking precedence over physical activity. Additionally, concerns about body image and the discomfort caused by certain sportswear exacerbate this issue, making participation less appealing. To combat these barriers, Sport England launched the This Girl Can campaign, aimed at breaking down stereotypes and challenging the notion that sports are unfeminine or uncool. This initiative works to empower young females to embrace physical activity without fear of judgement or societal expectations (Forsyth and Roberts, 2019).
Advances in Female Athlete Support
Technology and Research
Recent collaborations, such as those between the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and professional teams, demonstrate a commitment to understanding female physiology. Innovations like Hormonix, a device for tracking hormone levels, enable athletes and coaches to align training with hormonal cycles.
Notable Achievements
The past decade has marked unprecedented success for women in sports:
England's Lionesses won Euro 2022, drawing record-breaking crowds.
Female athletes like Rachel Blackmore and Fallon Sherrock shattered barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports.
Rachel Blackmore is an Irish jockey who made history in 2021 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National, one of the most prestigious events in horse racing. She achieved this feat riding Minella Times, breaking a 173-year tradition of male-dominated victories.
Fallon Sherrock, an English darts player, became a global sensation in 2019 when she made history as the first woman to win a match at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship. She defeated Ted Evetts in the first round and followed up with a win over Mensur Suljović in the second round.
The Path Forward
Addressing Research Gaps
To better serve female athletes, sports science must prioritise:
Female-Specific Studies: Expanding research on menstrual cycles, pelvic health, and injury prevention.
Inclusion of Diverse Subjects: Ensuring representation across age groups, ethnicities, and activity levels.
Education and Awareness
Coaches, trainers, and athletes must foster open dialogue about menstruation, nutrition, and health. Normalising these conversations can dismantle taboos and empower athletes to make informed decisions.
Expanding Opportunities
Investing in female sports at all levels—from grassroots to elite—will ensure sustained growth and inclusivity. Equal access to resources, sponsorships, and media coverage remains pivotal.
Conclusion
The journey of female athletes underscores both progress and persisting inequalities. Addressing physiological, societal, and research barriers will require sustained effort and collaboration. By embracing the unique needs of women in sports, the future promises not only equality but also excellence in athletic performance.
