Despite the potential impact the menstrual cycle can have on participation and performance we know that speaking openly about it is still considered a taboo topic within the sport and exercise community.

In fact, one study showed that only 11% of female athletes discuss their menstrual cycle with their coach[1]. But talking to someone about your menstrual cycle can be helpful in getting the support you might need. For example, if you're experiencing: Abdominal cramps (‘period pain’) and other menstrual cycle symptoms, heavy menstrual bleeding or absent or irregular periods.

Keeping an open conversation with people who support you, like a coach, might help you to keep being active and/or optimise your golf performance and training, particularly if you're struggling to train and/or compete at certain points in your cycle. 

Reminder: You don't have to talk to someone about your menstrual cycle if you don’t want to. It’s entirely up to you how much information you want to share with others.