The Menstrual Cycle; Supporting Girls in Sport - Link

This video is for the adults who support teenage girls e.g. parents, guardians, coaches, and teachers.

This video is for the adults who support teenage girls e.g. parents, guardians, coaches, and teachers. Watch and share to create conversation around menstruation and the challenges it can present in sport, while learning about the solutions to improve a females experience in sport.

Understanding the menstrual cycle is key when supporting girls in sport. Menstruation is the main challenge for females during puberty and can have significant effects on physical and mental wellbeing. However, girls can still participate and perform well while on their period, this can be achieved through education and creating a period positive environment.

Periods & Sport

What young female athletes want parents & coaches to know

Their voices

“On my period I feel exhausted and get bad cramps. I worry my coach thinks I’m lazy when I ask to sit out.”
– 14-year-old footballer

“Sometimes the pain is so bad I can’t sprint or jump properly. I’ve skipped competitions because I was scared of leaking.”
– 16-year-old track athlete

“My concentration drops and I feel dizzy. I love my sport, but during my period it feels like my body is working against me.”
– 15-year-old netball player

How periods can affect performance

• Cramps and lower back pain

• Fatigue and low energy

• Headaches, nausea, dizziness

• Reduced focus and coordination

• Anxiety about leaks, uniforms, or toilets

For some athletes symptoms are mild. For others, they can prevent participation altogether.

Why this matters

• Many girls drop out of sport during adolescence

• Pain and embarrassment are often hidden or dismissed

• Training through pain can lead to injury or burnout

Periods are not an excuse — they are a real physiological factor.

What parents & coaches can do

✔ Normalize conversations about periods
✔ Believe athletes when they say they’re in pain
✔ Allow flexibility: rest, modified training, or alternative roles
✔ Ensure access to toilets, bins, and period products
✔ Avoid punishment, pressure, or shame

Key message

Understanding and flexibility can be the difference between a girl staying in sport — or leaving it.

Supporting Girls in Sport & Their Menstrual Cycle

A short guide for parents

Why this matters

Periods are a normal part of growing up, but they can affect how girls feel, move, and perform in sport — especially during adolescence. Supportive adults help girls stay confident, healthy, and involved in sport long-term.

The basics (what parents should know)

• Most girls will start their period between ages 9–15

• Cycles can be irregular for the first few years

• Symptoms vary hugely — some girls feel little change, others experience:

  • cramps or headaches

  • fatigue or low energy

  • bloating or discomfort

  • mood changes or anxiety

• These symptoms can affect training, competition, and confidence

👉 There is no “normal” cycle — every girl is different.

Periods & sport: key points

• Girls do not need to stop playing sport because of their period

• Physical activity can actually help reduce cramps and improve mood

• Some days may feel harder — flexibility and understanding are key

• Pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms that stop participation should not be ignored

How parents can support

💬 Talk openly

• Normalize periods as part of everyday life

• Let your daughter know it’s okay to talk about how she’s feeling

• Avoid phrases like “just push through it” or “it’s all in your head”

🧠 Listen first

• Ask simple, supportive questions:

  • “How are you feeling today?”

  • “Is there anything that would help at training?”

• Trust her experience — she knows her body best

🧴 Be practically prepared

• Make sure she has access to:

  • preferred sanitary products

  • spare clothing

  • pain relief (if appropriate and advised)

• Encourage her to pack what she needs for training and competitions

🏃‍♀️ Support flexibility

• Some days she may want to train as normal

• Other days she may need:

  • a lighter session

  • extra recovery

  • reassurance rather than pressure

• Missing or adapting a session is not a failure

Working with coaches

• Coaches don’t need personal details, but it helps if:

  • girls feel safe speaking up

  • parents support open, respectful communication

• Good clubs aim to create period-supportive environments, not single anyone out

• If concerns arise (pain, fatigue, repeated absence), a quiet conversation with the coach can really help

When to seek medical advice

Consider speaking to a GP or healthcare professional if your daughter experiences:

• very heavy bleeding

• severe pain that stops daily activities

• periods lasting longer than 7–8 days

• no period by age 15

• sudden changes in her cycle or energy levels

The big picture

Positive support around periods helps girls:
✔ stay in sport longer
✔ build body confidence
✔ avoid injury and burnout
✔ feel supported, not embarrassed

Your understanding makes a real difference 💛

📘 Educational Toolkits and Guides

🧠 Female Athlete Toolkit

A comprehensive guide developed with SHE Research and Irish sporting bodies that helps coaches, parents, and athletes understand:

• basic menstrual physiology

• how the cycle can impact wellbeing and training

• how to communicate about it confidently and respectfully
  It also covers contraception, breast health, and supportive strategies.