Physical Activity and the Menstrual Cycle: A Mixed-Methods Study of Women’s Experiences

Abstract

The menstrual cycle is an important biological process in women that is associated with a range of physical symptoms, which can shape how women think, feel, and participate in activities of daily life. This study employed a mixed-methods design to investigate adult women’s physical activity throughout the menstrual cycle. One hundred and twenty-eight participants completed an online questionnaire that explored events of the menstrual cycle (e.g., bleeding, pain, fatigue) and physical activity. Semistructured interviews with 21 questionnaire respondents unpacked individual experiences of physical activity throughout the menstrual cycle. From the questionnaire data, 44 participants were categorized as avoiders and 84 as nonavoiders of physical activity due to menstrual events. Avoiders of physical activity reported longer periods, heavier menstrual flow, and higher levels of fatigue and pain compared with nonavoiders. Interviews revealed that avoidance of physical activity ranged from complete avoidance to adaptation (e.g., types of exercise). Reasons for avoidance and adaptation of physical activity included menstrual symptoms, personal thoughts, and concerns about other people’s views of the period. The present study findings emphasize the importance of not only evaluating prevalent physical symptoms, but also unpacking women’s individual perspectives and established societal norms to better understand and normalize physical activity throughout the menstrual cycle.

Understanding female coaches’ and practitioners’ experience and support provision in relation to the menstrual cycle

“…There is consistency in the concept that women assemble an idea of a 'normal' period from their own experiences 5 . Therefore, it is important to recognise women's individual perspectives and established societal norms in addition to physical symptoms to better understand and normalise the menstrual cycle in sport 27 .…”

“…5 Therefore, it is important to recognise women’s individual perspectives and established societal norms in addition to physical symptoms to better understand and normalise the menstrual cycle in sport. 27…”

“…5 Therefore, it is important to recognise women's individual perspectives and established societal norms in addition to physical symptoms to better understand and normalise the menstrual cycle in sport. 27 Participants highlighted that some of their secrecy was developed through social perceptions of the menstrual cycle being something to keep out of sight. 28 The media consistently emphasises negative portrayals of the menstrual cycle, with nearly 1 in 4 young people having seen the menstrual cycle referred to negatively on TV 29 and advertisements for menstrual products leading many girls to believe that menstruation is to be hidden, concealed and managed alone.…”

Perceptions of Current Issues in Female Sport Nutrition From Elite Athletes, Practitioners, and Researchers

“…Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants, with questions informed by previous quantitative and qualitative investigations (Brown et al, 2021;Findlay et al, 2020;Kolić et al, 2021). This approach was chosen to allow investigation into each participants personal thoughts, feelings and beliefs, with an open-ended question format adopted to allow voluntary contribution and detail in an informal conversation (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019).…”