Managing Menstrual Cycles in High-Level Female Athletes

Impact of Low Body Fat on M*

High-level athletes, particularly those in sports requiring extreme leanness, often maintain very low body fat percentages. This can lead to a condition known as amenorrhea, where m*********** stops. This phenomenon is more common in sports like gymnastics, ballet, and long-distance running. The body's energy reserves are so low that it prioritizes vital functions over reproductive health.

However, the majority of Olympic athletes do not need to be so lean that they stop menstruating. These athletes manage their periods like most women, using pads or tampons and pushing through their training and competitions.

Competing While on Period

Many high-level athletes are accustomed to competing while on their period, with some not experiencing any performance differences at different cycle points. For instance, Dawn Scott, a former athletic trainer for the US Women's National Team, made players track their menstrual cycles. She created individualized training and nutrition plans based on their cycle phases, optimizing performance and minimizing discomfort.

Despite this, there is initial evidence suggesting that female athletes are more likely to get injured at certain points in their menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can affect muscle injury rates, making it essential for athletes to be aware of their cycle and adjust their training accordingly.

Hormonal Birth Control and Period Management

Various forms of hormonal birth control or other medications are used by some athletes to manage periods and period symptoms. Birth control shots that prevent periods for up to three months are a common method among athletes to avoid m*********** during important events. Similarly, some athletes use birth control pills to stack them up and avoid periods for extended periods.

However, affordability, access, and hormonal issues can prevent some women from using hormonal birth control methods. For those who can, the use of hormonal birth control to manage periods is common among women who do not want to deal with m*********** during vacations or sporting events.

Heavy Exercise and Menstrual Cycles

Heavy exercise can change or stop menstrual cycles due to low energy levels and hormonal issues, commonly associated with malnutrition. Initial stages of heavy training might temporarily stop menstrual cycles, but they typically resume after a short period. Some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle frequency and symptoms due to regular heavy exercise.

The fine margins between success and failure in sports can be influenced by whether an athlete starts their period around the time of their event. For example, a Chinese swimmer once mentioned that she did not medal because she started her period the day before her event.

Personalized Period Management Strategies

Each athlete determines the best course of action for managing their period based on their personal needs and circumstances. Many women, including athletes, simply deal with their periods using pads and tampons, managing cramps and nausea. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) likely provides period products to athletes at no charge, ensuring they have access to necessary supplies.

Management of menstrual cycles is a personal choice, and athletes adopt various strategies to handle their periods based on what works best for their bodies. Whether through hormonal birth control, individualized training plans, or simply pushing through, female athletes continue to excel despite the challenges posed by their menstrual cycles.