The days leading up to ‘that time of the month’ are full of bloating, cramps, sugar cravings and mood swings; it’s a week no woman looks forward to. But what about for professional athletes, for women on the world sporting stage?
This week Britain’s number one tennis player, Heather Watson went down in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, and it was a big deal.
Not because she lost (even though it was an upset) but because she put her poor performance down to the unfortunate timing clash the tour had with her menstrual cycle.
And all of a sudden, the world seemed to sit up and realise that yep, elite sportswomen have periods and yep, maybe it’s something that needs to be discussed.
Top Comments
i competed yesterday in long distance dragon boat race with a mixed crew while having my monthly crimson tide. This sport includes lots of upper body, abdominal and leg power. So i decided to take ibuprofen and extra iron and B vitamins boost 1 hr before the race starts. It was a major long distance race and I cant let the team down by taking it less than how we do train, we all have to give equal effort plus extra aggro because it's a competition. We can't drop off the power in the boat or we lose seconds. It was a struggle because i can feel the discomfort and blood loss, but mind over matter I guess. Thankfully, we managed to finish first and fastest. I didn't feel any period cramps during the race as my whole body is too focused on the course, but yeah I did feel lactic acid attacks every now and then (specially the leg and glutes bit) like everybody else in the boat. I felt like fainting and dizzy only when i got home after the race so I went to bed early. I guess i did pushed myself hard enough that day. it was a struggle but it was worth it. :)
I have always thought they "cheated" around with the pill to have it early or late so the important games/races wouldn't be ruined by that fucking plague.