“Everyone was sort of just like ‘ew’”: Adolescent athletes’ experiences of menstruation in sport

References

• Adam, M. E., Bristow, A., Neely, K. C., & Erlandson, M. C. (2022). Do women athletes’ experiences of menstrual function and dysfunction vary across competition levels? A mixed methods exploration. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 63, 102270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102270
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Armour, M., Parry, K., Al-Dabbas, M. A., Curry, C., Holmes, K., MacMillan, F., Ferfolja, T., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Self-care strategies and sources of knowledge on menstruation in 12,526 young women with dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS One, 14(7), e0220103. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0220103
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Armour, M., Parry, K. A., Steel, K., & Smith, C. A. (2020). Australian female athlete perceptions of the challenges associated with training and competing when menstrual symptoms are present. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 15(3), 316–323. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954120916073
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• BBC News (UK) [@BBCNews] (2022). August 19). "People don’t always talk about it… if it was a men’s issue we’d have a million different ways to combat things" GB [Video attached] [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/BBCNews/status/1560591322117013504?s=20
   Google Scholar
• Bell, A. F., Knight, C. J., Lovett, V. E., & Shearer, C. (2022). Understanding elite youth athletes’ knowledge and perceptions of sport psychology. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 34(1), 155–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2020.1719556
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Blagrove, R. C., Bruinvels, G., & Pedlar, C. R. (2020). Variations in strength-related measures during the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23(12), 1220–1227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2020.04.022
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
   Google Scholar
• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. SAGE Publications.
   Google Scholar
• Brown, N., & Knight, C. J. (2022). Understanding coaches’ and practitioners’ experience and support provision in relation to the menstrual cycle. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 17(2), 235–243. 174795412110585. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541211058579
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brown, N., Knight, C. J., & Forrest, L. J. (2021). Elite female athletes’ experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on training and sport performance. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 31(1), 52–69. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13818
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Brown, N., Williams, R., Bruinvels, G., Piasecki, J., & Forrest, L. J. (2022). Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Menstrual Cycle Education and Support in UK Schools. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, 3, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2022.827365
   Google Scholar
• Bruinvels, G., Burden, R., Brown, N., Richards, T., & Pedlar, C. (2016). The Prevalence and Impact of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia) in Elite and Non-Elite Athletes. PLOS One, 11(2), e0149881. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0149881
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bruinvels, G., Goldsmith, E., Blagrove, R., Simpkin, A., Lewis, N., Morton, K., Suppiah, A., Rogers, J. P., Ackerman, K. E., Newell, J., & Pedlar, C. (2021). Prevalence and frequency of menstrual cycle symptoms are associated with availability to train and compete: a study of 6812 exercising women recruited using the Strava exercise app. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55(8), 438–443. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102792
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Castro, E. A., Rael, B., Romero-Parra, N., Alfaro-Magallanes, V. M., Rojo-Tirado, M. A., García-de-Alcaraz, A., Cupeiro, R., & Peinado, A. B. (2022). Influence of oral contraceptive phase on cardiorespiratory response to exercise in endurance-trained athletes. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : The Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception, 27(4), 308–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/13625187.2021.2021176
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Clark, M. I., Spence, J. C., & Holt, N. L. (2011). In the shoes of young adolescent girls: understanding physical activity experiences through interpretive description. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 3(2), 193–210., (2), https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2011.572180 https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2011.572180
   Google Scholar
• Clarke, A., Govus, A., & Donaldson, A. (2021). What male coaches want to know about the menstrual cycle in women’s team sports: Performance, health, and communication. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 16(3), 544–553. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954121989237
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Critchley, H. O. D., Babayev, E., Bulun, S. E., Clark, S., Garcia-Grau, I., Gregersen, P. K., Kilcoyne, A., Kim, J.-Y J., Lavender, M., Marsh, E. E., Matteson, K. A., Maybin, J. A., Metz, C. N., Moreno, I., Silk, K., Sommer, M., Simon, C., Tariyal, R., Taylor, H. S., Wagner, G. P., & Griffith, L. G. (2020). Menstruation: science and society. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 223(5), 624–664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2020.06.004
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Department of Education (2022). Period product scheme for schools and colleges in England. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/period-products-in-schools-and-colleges/period-product-scheme-for-schools-and-colleges-in-england
   Google Scholar
• Elliott-Sale, K. J., McNulty, K. L., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Hicks, K. M., Thomas, K., Swinton, P. A., & Dolan, E. (2020). The Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Exercise Performance in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 50(10), 1785–1812. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01317-5
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ergin, E., & Kartal, A. (2020). Menstrual Cycle and Sporting Performance Perceptions of Elite Volleyball Players. International of Applied Exercise Physiology, 9, 57–64.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (2022). 2022 - 2024 Code of Points. https://www.gymnastics.sport/publicdir/rules/files/en_WAG%20CoP%202022-2024.pdf
   Google Scholar
• Findlay, R. J., Macrae, E. H. R., Whyte, I. Y., Easton, C., & Forrest (Née Whyte), L. J. (2020). How the menstrual cycle and menstruation affect sporting performance: experiences and perceptions of elite female rugby players. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(18), 1108–1113. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2019-101486
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Höök, M., Bergström, M., Sæther, S. A., & McGawley, K. (2021). Do Elite Sport First, Get Your Period Back Later.” Are Barriers to Communication Hindering Female Athletes? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 12075. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212075
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hrozanova, M., Klöckner, C. A., Sandbakk, Ø., Pallesen, S., & Moen, F. (2021). Sex differences in sleep and influence of the menstrual cycle on women’s sleep in junior endurance athletes. PLOS One, 16(6), e0253376. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253376
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• International Olympic Committee (2022). Gender Equality & Inclusion Report 2021. https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/Beyond-the-Games/Gender-Equality-in-Sport/2021-IOC-Gender-Equality-Inclusion-Report.pdf?_ga=2.228851354.703344698.1651567558-2117787404.1651567558
   Google Scholar
• Janssen, I., & LeBlanc, A. G. (2010). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 7(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-7-40
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kroshus, E., Sherman, R. T., Thompson, R. A., Sossin, K., & Austin, S. B. (2014). Gender Differences in High School Coaches’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Communication About the Female Athlete Triad. Eating Disorders, 22(3), 193–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640266.2013.874827
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McHaffie, S. J., Langan-Evans, C., Morehen, J. C., Strauss, J. A., Areta, J. L., Rosimus, C., Evans, M., Elliott-Sale, K. J., Cronin, C. J., & Morton, J. P. (2022). Normalising the conversation: A qualitative analysis of player and stakeholder perceptions of menstrual health support within elite female soccer. Science & Medicine in Football, 6(5), 633–642. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2022.2145349
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• McNulty, K. L., Elliott-Sale, K. J., Dolan, E., Swinton, P. A., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Thomas, K., & Hicks, K. M. (2020). The Effects of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 50(10), 1813–1827. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01319-3
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Modena, R., Bisagno, E., Schena, F., Carazzato, S., & Vitali, F. (2022). How Do Elite Female Athletes Cope with Symptoms of Their Premenstrual Period? A Study on Rugby Union and Football Players’ Perceived Physical Ability and Well-Being. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(18), 11168. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811168
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Neely, K. C., & Holt, N. L. (2014). Parents’ perspectives on the benefits of sport participation for young children. The Sport Psychologist, 28(3), 255–268. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2013-0094
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2021/1/section/1/enacted
   Google Scholar
• Plan International UK (2018). Break the Barriers: Girls’ Experiences of Menstruation in the UK. https://plan-uk.org/file/plan-uk-break-the-barriers-report-032018pdf/download?token=Fs-HYP3v
   Google Scholar
• Puig, M. [@MonicaAce93]. (2022). May 31). Definitely something that affects female athletes! Finally bringing it to everyone’s attention! Not to mention the mental stress of having to [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/MonicaAce93/status/1531588251642912768?s=20
   Google Scholar
• Pynn, S. R., Dunn, J. G. H., & Holt, N. L. (2019). A qualitative study of exemplary parenting in competitive female youth team sport. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 8(2), 163–178. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000141
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Scottish Gymnastics (2022). Women’s Artistic Competition Handbook. https://www.scottishgymnastics.org/sites/default/files/imce/Women%20Artistic%20Competition%20Handbook%202022%20v4.3.pdf
   Google Scholar
• Smith, B., & McGannon, K. R. (2018). Developing rigor in qualitative research: problems and opportunities within sport and exercise psychology. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(1), 101–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2017.1317357
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Smith, N. K. (2019). September 3). How tracking menstrual cycles helps women in sport. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49426349
   Google Scholar
• Solli, G. S., Sandbakk, S. B., Noordhof, D. A., Ihalainen, J. K., & Sandbakk, Ø. (2020). Changes in Self-Reported Physical Fitness, Performance, and Side Effects Across the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle Among Competitive Endurance Athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(9), 1324–1333. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0616
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Statham, G. (2020). Understanding the effects of the menstrual cycle on training and performance in elite athletes: A preliminary study. Progress in Brain Research, 253, 25–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/BS.PBR.2020.05.028
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Taylor, L. (2023). April 3). England Lionesses switch to blue shorts after players voice period concerns. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/03/england-lionesses-new-kit-blue-shorts-player-period-concerns
   Google Scholar
• The Period Products in Schools (Scotland) Regulation (2020). https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2020/183/contents
   Google Scholar
• Thorne, S. (2016). Interpretive Description: Qualitative Research for Applied Practice. (2nd ed.)Routledge.
   Google Scholar
• Women in Sport (2022). Reframing Sport for Teenage Girls: Tackling Teenage Disengagement.
   Google Scholar
• Youth Sport Trust & Women in Sport (2017). Key Findings from Girls Active Survey. https://www.womeninsport.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Girls-Active-statistics-1.pdf
   Google Scholar