809 EP085 – The experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle and its impact on performance in female rowers

Background The impact of the menstrual cycle on performance is being increasingly recognised as an important consideration for female athletes. Objective To explore experiences and perceptions of the impact of the menstrual cycle on performance in female rowers. Design An online mixed methods approach. Setting An anonymous, 47-item questionnaire was developed and hosted on Microsoft Forms between June and July 2023. Participants The survey was distributed directly to females registered to USRowing and Rowing Ireland and posted on social media via Twitter. Main Outcome Measurements The presence and type of menstrual symptoms, along with perceived impact on performance. Results 827 female rowers completed the survey. The most prevalent menstrual symptoms were abdominal cramps (84.2%, n=696), fatigue (72%, n=591), general discomfort (64%, n=526), negative mood (61%, n=505) and back pain (58%, n=476). The majority of athletes (67%, n=537) reported experiencing irregular menstrual cycles (changes in the length of menstrual cycle), citing high training load, disordered eating, weight loss and/or stress. Most (78%, n=629) believe their menstrual cycle negatively impacts performance, reporting experiencing menstrual symptoms and feeling weaker during their period as influencing factors. Many (65%, n=528) report having decreased motivation to compete during their period due to menstrual symptoms. Most (69%, n=557) worry about leaking onto their rowing unisuit during their period. Half of athletes would not discuss menstruation with their coaches. The majority of athletes (61%, n=494) would not alter training load during their period, although 50% report avoiding certain activities, including swimming or heavy lifting due to menstrual symptoms and/or inadequate facilities for changing period products. Conclusions Irregular menstrual cycles and menstrual symptoms are very common in female rowers, who report that these symptoms compromise their rowing training and performance. Given the perceived impact the menstrual cycle has on female rowers' training experience and performance, further research is warranted.