Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu recently revealed that her menstrual cycle impacted her performance at the Paris Olympics, where she narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting event. Chanu admitted feeling weakened by her period, sparking a broader conversation about how menstruation affects athletes.
Chanu’s openness about her experience highlights a challenge many female athletes face, though the topic remains under-researched. In addition to Chanu, several other sportswomen have shared how their menstrual cycles influence their athletic performance.
Athletes Discuss Menstrual Impact
In 2016, Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui disclosed her period during the Rio Games, attributing her performance in the 4×100-meter medley relay to feeling “weak and tired.” Her candidness was met with widespread praise for breaking the silence around menstruation.
Similarly, American gymnast Aly Raisman has spoken about managing period pain during competitions, noting that the combination of nerves and menstruation can be particularly challenging. Israeli marathon runner Lonah Chemtai Salpeter experienced severe cramps during the Tokyo Olympics, forcing her to pause her race.
Recent Olympic competitors have also addressed the impact of menstruation on their performance. For instance, Wu Yanni from China attributed her sixth-place finish in the 100 meters hurdles to her period affecting her performance.
Understanding Menstruation’s Effect on Performance
The menstrual cycle, which includes phases like menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal, can present various symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These factors can affect an athlete’s training and competition performance.
Research has indicated that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can influence inflammation, muscle activation, and body composition. For instance, inflammation peaks during menstruation and ovulation, potentially reducing perceived performance.
A study by UCL and the University of Bath found that female footballers are more prone to muscle injuries during the pre-menstrual and early luteal phases. The research highlighted that these athletes felt their performance was negatively impacted during these times.
Additionally, British Olympic athlete Eilish McColgan reported withdrawing from a race due to period-related issues, including a muscle injury.
Managing Menstruation as an Athlete
Many athletes use period tracking apps, such as “Fit For Women,” to align their training schedules with their menstrual cycles. Others may use hormonal contraceptives to delay or control their periods, though these methods can also bring side effects like nausea and mood swings.
Experts suggest that athletes should prioritize rest and recovery during their menstrual cycle. Proper hydration, a balanced diet, and iron-rich foods can help manage symptoms and prevent anemia. Performance coaches can support athletes by accommodating their menstrual needs and ensuring adequate nutrition and rest.
Dr. Priyanka Sharma of Fortis Hospital emphasized that managing period-related fatigue and maintaining energy levels are crucial for athletes. Dr. Astha Dayal of CK Birla Hospital suggested listening to one’s body and allowing extra rest as needed.
Overall, while menstruation continues to be a challenging factor for female athletes, increased awareness and support can help mitigate its impact on performance.