“I just wasn’t expecting it”: lived experiences of early menstruators and the impact of parental support in competitive dance

Introduction Menarche is a significant milestone in adolescence, yet the implications of early menarche [menarche before 12.72 years (Canadian mean)], remain insufficiently understood. Early menarche is generally linked to increased mental health risks, which may be intensified by the appearance-based pressures of competitive dance. Existing literature emphasizes menstrual disorders and delayed menarche, leaving early menarche in dance largely underexplored Methods This study investigated how young women in competitive dance perceive and experience early menarche, and how parental support influences dancers' ability to express needs and navigate this transition. Five dancers (Mage = 14.62) who experienced their first menstruation at 11.58–12.54 years (M = 12.24), participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and five parents joined a focus group. Guided by interpretive description, data were analyzed using reflective thematic and functional analysis. Results Three themes were generated to reflect athletes' experiences: Alone in the Spotlight: What It Means to Menstruate Early, Behind the Curtain: Presence and Absence of Support, and Dancing Through Discomfort: Symptoms, Struggles, and Strength. Two shared dancer-parent themes were generated: Step by Step: Mastering the Art of Hiding Periods and Choreographing Comfort: Medication for Period Symptoms. Three additional themes were generated to reflect parent experiences: The Prep Step: Early Education and Preparation Before Onset, Backstage Support: Helping Young Dancers Manage Their Period, and Dad's Got the Moves: Stepping Up for Her Cycle. Discussion Findings from this research highlight the unique, multi-faceted challenges of early menarche in competitive dance and underscore the need for tailored education, support, and resources for dancers and their families.