Dealing with your period as a young woman is demanding. Proper education and resources are necessary for girls to understand their bodies. Young athletes, in particular, may struggle with irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or iron deficiency. When I was 13, the first feeling about having my period was an embarrassment. Talking about it seemed taboo, and I never received comprehensive sex education. Periods usually begin about two years after a girl’s breasts start growing, with the average girl getting her first period around 12 years old. This age is also when children or teenagers begin to take sports more seriously. There’s a lot of room for growth by coaches and schools to support young women starting or dealing with their periods.
I think all female athletes would empathize with my experience that your period affects how you feel. As a female athlete, periods can impact the way they perform due to cramps, headaches, or other symptoms of menstrual pain. I find it hard to believe that most high schools don’t have free period products. I would argue that if men got period – period products would be more available and accessible. A girl’s menstrual cycle can be impacted by many different factors: injury risks, sleeping habits, and nutrient and vitamin levels. Education on all these aspects of a woman’s menstrual cycle is essential to establish common understanding and respect. Talking about periods must be normalized for girls to receive their support, especially in athletic competitions.
Periods indicate a healthy hormone cycle and are very influential on fertility levels. Having a “regular” period can be a struggle for girls putting intense pressure on their bodies and minds. To perform at one’s best, women have to take care of their bodies and understand the importance of hormone levels. I had never heard of hormone levels until I was 18, unaware hormones are influenced by my period and impact how my body feels. Some girls and women may miss their period entirely, and it’s not a good sign. Missing a period is an indicator that your body is not functioning correctly. Women in this situation may deal with low immunity, low bone density, and fertility issues in the future. The risk of injury or lifelong health issues honestly feels very scary. I hope I can provide female athletes with a glimpse into how our menstrual cycles can impact performance.