Breaking Period Stigma Through the Women’s World Cup

Today’s blog is geared specifically toward the realm of women’s sports. 

It comes as no surprise to anyone that women athletes undergo highly-rigorous training regimens, given they are playing at the highest echelons of their sport. Yet, the stereotype that female athletes are simply “small” male athletes persists throughout the athletic community. Thus, training protocols are often designed on the basis of research conducted on male cohorts. 

Overly intense training regimens can cause athletes to stop having periods, which, ironically, is considered an insignia of honor among athletes. There exists a persisting taboo of menstruation even in the sporting world. High performance sporting cultures continually push the notion that the absence of menstruation produces an ideal elite athlete. What they fail to acknowledge is the detrimental health concerns that can arise as a result of over-exertion in athletic training schedules, specifically a condition called RED-S, a relative energy deficiency in sport with symptoms including irregular, reduced performance and recurrent illnesses. 

Athletics has always been a major part of my life, and as a female in the realm, I find it nothing short of imperative to raise awareness, to men and women alike, and positive support regarding menstruation, which, after all, is a naturally-occurring bodily process. 

Some short-term change has been rendered through movements such as a “I’m an athlete. Period.” campaign, which aims to promote positive menstrual health. A notable member of this movement is decorated Australian swimmer, Cate Campbell, who has undergone massive repercussions in her performance whilst managing her menstrual cycles. She suffered a near career-ending injury due to the lack of women’s health professionals guiding her career. To manage her periods, there was a contraceptive placed in her arm; a botched attempt to get the bar caused permanent nerve damage. Campbell now uses her social media platforms to spread widespread awareness regarding this eminent issue. 

With the women’s world cup underway, it is more important than ever to break menstrual stigmatization, silence, and taboo.