Word of advice for women athletes: Things you need to know about your periods

Having your periods coinciding with a big game or competition isn’t just annoying for female athletes, it is a legit problem. Stats show that by the age of 14, menstruating women drop out of sports. This is a typical figure in almost all parts of the globe because being on periods experiencing the cramps and playing sports don’t go hand in hand. However, there’s research suggesting that if athletes know about their body, they can improve their performance even when they are on your periods. Simple things like using a reusable period cup and prior athletic training can aid athletes in learning their menstrual cycle inside out which can gradually help in improving their sports performance. 

All about playing sports on your period

The human body has complex hormones and during the menstrual cycle, the hormones in the female body cause a series of changes. Things like cramps, body aches, or worries about leaking can affect young athletes before they start their first periods. The early stages of puberty are marked by a radical change in body shape, that makes young girls feel clumsy. When periods start, and their body keeps holding them back, there is a lot less time left to think between menstrual cup price and training practice.

How do the menstrual phases affect my performance as an athlete?

Menstrual cycles can vary a lot depending on the different conditions of athletes. For example not taking care of the body and high stress can shorten the cycle. To avert this think about more relaxed times during your training schedule. Athletes that don’t get better sleep often notice their cycle getting longer. If this happens with you then the follicular phase is getting longer. To make your cycles normal again the best way is to get enough rest. 

However, in some athletes, the luteal phase can also get shorter due to overtraining. This is called a luteal defect. Make sure to get checked for progesterone insufficiency and ovulation. Do consider lifestyle changes during this period, like adjusting your training sessions for better efficiency and less hard work, ensure to eat enough, and do get plenty of sleep.

For gains in strength or aerobic training the follicular phase is best so push yourself to the threshold of exhaustion during days 1-14. Ovulation is uncertain because of the estrogen surge, so be cautious and train as much as your body permits; don’t strain yourself. The 15-28 day phase or the luteal phase is when you can trade in your high-intensity training sessions for steady workouts. 

Cessation

Being a female athlete is tough, but the toughest part is learning to make your body perform at high efficiency during your cycles. It is natural for your cycle to affect your training or your game. Believe it or not, but there are plenty of amazing athletes who menstruate and a lot of them also make it work despite when the training theory is based on non-menstruators.

Using cycle knowledge and switching to conventional products like a reusable period cup can help women athletes to make the most out of their training. So, think bigger, find different menstrual cup prices, be comfortable during your periods and make a name for yourself in the world of sports.