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Abstract
<p class="first" id="d9764566e87">The purpose of the current study was twofold (a)
to examine elite female athletes'
experiences of their menstrual cycle, with a focus upon the impact on training and
competition performance and (b) the openness of conversation pertaining to the menstrual
cycle with coaching and support staff. Following receipt of institutional ethical
approval, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 elite female
athletes (25.5 ± 4.7 years) from multiple sports. Results revealed athletes' experiencing
a natural menstrual cycle reported physical symptoms alongside mood disturbances and
reduced motivation to train. The decision to actively control the menstrual cycle
was often triggered by a desire to reduce the effect on competition, to lessen anxieties
about making required weight or reduce distraction to manage during competition. Athletes
indicated an openness to talk about the menstrual cycle to other females, however,
there was variation in the comfort athletes experienced regarding talking to male
coaches. Overall, the findings highlight the need to educate elite athletes and coaches
on the menstrual cycle, considering it in the same light as other physiological functions
in sport to improve health, well-being, and performance. Furthermore, providing education
on how to construct positive conversations, equipping individuals with the correct
terminology, and confidence to talk about the menstrual cycle will reduce some reservations
identified through improved knowledge and understanding.
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