New study reveals menstruation is quietly driving girls out of sport
A groundbreaking new study from a Federation University researcher has revealed that periods are significantly impacting girls’ participation in organised sport, with nearly one in five girls aged 10 to 16 considering dropping out due to period-related challenges.
Conducted in partnership with Swimming Victoria and Little Athletics Victoria, the study is the first of its kind to explore how the early years of menstruation impact sport participation.
It found that symptoms such as low mood, back or tummy pain and fatigue are widespread, while many girls worry about the risk of leaking through uniforms. Additional findings include:
- 62.8% of girls missed training due to their period; 33.3% missed competitions
- 91.5% worried about leaking or bleeding through uniforms
- 75.4% were unable to change their period protection during competitions
- 18.1% considered quitting sport altogether
- Three out of five girls feel changes in skill and participation effort during their periods
“Girls are quietly navigating a complex and often unsupported experience,” said researcher and academic Jane Strachan.
“Sport is so incredibly important to girls’ wellbeing and sense of connection. But many are missing out because they’re worried about a lack of access to products or changerooms.”
The study also revealed the deeply personal and moving experiences of young athletes.
“There really is not enough education and talk about periods for female swimmers… I feel very isolated and unsure how to manage training and swimming at competitions when I have my period because I just cannot use a tampon. What are my options here? I don't want to stop training or miss competitions,” shared one 14-year-old participant.
“…bathers are slowly becoming more revealing as we get older and less clothing is acceptable and race suits often can't be taken off for the whole day, so on your period you have to make a tampon last up to nine hours,” shared another.
A titled women’s health physiotherapist, Jane was driven to investigate after seeing the lack of research and support for young girls navigating periods in sport.
“I went to look at the research on this subject – but found the research didn’t exist,” she said.
“Through this study, I wanted to shine a light on the lived experiences of girls – and understand what more can be done to help them keep participating.”
The report includes a number of recommendations for sporting bodies, clubs and policy-makers, including reconsidering the cut and colour of uniform design with darker colours to help conceal leaks, increased access to period products in sporting facilities, as well as more education for sporting organisations, coaches and parents.