2023 was a monumental year in women’s sports, marked by a record-breaking attendance at the Women’s World Cup 2023 and the highest-scoring NCAA women’s basketball championship of all time. As we move into 2024, the momentum continues: the WNBA reports its biggest increase in viewership in 24 years, and women represented more than half of Team USA’s medal haul at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yet, despite this progress, an alarming 2022 survey by Puma and Modibodi reveals that up to half of young menstruators are opting out of sports due to period shame and inadequate menstrual products. This situation highlights a critical need for innovation in how we support menstruators in athletics.
Improved accessibility to a variety of period products—ranging from menstrual cups to athletic period clothing—could ensure that menstruators are empowered to continue participating in sports. Below, we discuss insights from elite athletes and advocates on creating a supportive environment for menstruators in sports.
Relatable Experiences from the Court and Beyond
Every menstruating athlete has a story about their period affecting their performance. WNBA player Napheesa Collier, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, shares, “What girl doesn’t have that story… especially with white uniforms?” The physical changes experienced during a period, including bloating and fatigue, can pose additional challenges.
Megan Rapinoe, a retired soccer star and Olympic champion, echoes these sentiments, stating, “There have been countless times where I’ve scored game-changing goals and never mentioned that I was on my period,” illuminating the stigma and anxiety that surround these discussions.
Athlete and advocate Amanda Calabrese reflects on her experience of getting her first period during a swim meet and how that influenced her confidence in competition—emphasizing the urgent need for adequate support during such critical moments.
The Importance of Addressing Period Concerns
The negative impact of period-related challenges extends beyond elite athletes, affecting teens who often fall out of sports due to embarrassment or discomfort, as reported in the Puma and Modibodi survey. Researchers like Dr. Anne Hussain highlight the importance of reducing stigma around menstruation to maintain young athletes’ participation.
ADVERTISEMENT |
Due to such societal stigma, athletes face barriers in discussing their needs, limiting their capacity to seek support and assistance. Initiatives like the Knix Sport Your Period campaign effectively raise awareness and empower athletes to speak openly about menstruation.
Necessary Changes for Athletes
Recent advances in period-proof attire signal progress, such as Adidas’ Period Proof workout collection and Wimbledon allowing darker shorts for athletes. These innovations reflect the growing recognition of the unique needs of menstruating athletes.
Innovation in menstrual products is essential. As Sequel’s co-founder Amanda Calabrese emphasizes, tampon design must evolve to provide better protection without compromising performance. This sentiment is echoed by other companies addressing period poverty and providing accessible products where they are most needed.
The Bottom Line
The evolution of women’s sports relies on the youth who must not feel held back by their menstruation. Dr. Ashanda Saint Jean rightly posits that participation in sports imparts vital skills such as leadership and teamwork. Therefore, it is imperative to tackle the barriers faced by menstruating athletes to ensure they can reap the full benefits of sports involvement.