Female Athletes and Menstruation

Menstruation topics have long been stigmatized both in the general population and in sport settings. 41%–66% of women athletes reported that their menstrual cycle negatively affects their training and sports performance. It has been suggested that the menstrual cycle can impact sports performance in various ways, as reproductive hormones influence cardiovascular, respiratory, thermoregulatory, and metabolic parameters.


What should athletes know about the menstrual cycle?

Some athletes, especially those in sports that focus on leanness strongly believe that getting to a state at which they are not having periods (amenorrhea) will help them to perform. In fact, amenorrhea can be a sign of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), a syndrome of poor health and underathletic performance that happens when athletes do not obtain enough fuel through food to support the energy needs of their daily lives and training.


How does energy availability impact bone health?

This will greatly affect bone mineral density if athletes experience low energy availability in the long run and will increase the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. For optimal performance in sports and daily life, athletes should eat sufficient nutritious foods to have energy for exercise, growth, and development. They also need energy for normal physiological functions, including a normal menstrual cycle.


How are bone health and menstrual cycles related?

Menstrual cycle is closely tied to bone mineral density. Healthy levels of estrogen and other hormones help build strong bones and keep them from breaking down. When athletes don’t get enough energy for their body’s normal functions due to over-training or lack of proper nutrition, their hormones can become disrupted, which can ultimately harm their bone and reproductive health.

At PopoMama, we understand the unique challenges athletes face, especially when it comes to managing menstrual health and performance. Our products include nourishing Chinese herbal tea for menstrual cramps that are crafted to provide natural relief during your cycle. As a trusted provider of period supplement for women in Malaysia, we focus on supporting your overall well-being. Here are our top 3 best selling products that have proven effectiveness: 5 in 1 Red Date, 9 in 1 Ba Zhen and Super Shake.


References: 

  1. G. Bruinvels, R. Burden, A. McGregor, K. Ackerman, M. Dooley, T. Richards, C. Pedlar. Sport, exercise and the menstrual cycle: Where is the research? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (2017), pp. 487-488.


  1. N. Brown, C. Knight. Elite female athlete's experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on training and sport performance Forrest (nee Whyte), L. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports (2020), pp. 1-18, 10.1111/sms.13818


  1. R.J. Findlay, E.H. Macrae, I.Y. Whyte, C. Easton. How the menstrual cycle and menstruation affect sporting performance: Experiences and perceptions of elite female rugby players Forrest (nee Whyte), L. J. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54 (18) (2020), pp. 1108-1113, 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101486

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