Video Transcription

“You’ve been told ever since you’re a little girl to suck it up and get on with it.”

Quite often, I get very paranoid that the string of my tampon is hanging out at the bottom of my pants.

Good to see you — thanks so much for talking to us today. Today we want to talk about periods, how they affect athletic performance, and how they affect everyday life.

Can you tell us how old you were when you got your period for the first time, and where you were?

One person shared that they were 16 and at an athletics carnival, doing long jump. Another was 13 and about to go to bed at home. Someone else was 12 or 13 on a Christmas holiday at the beach, in a safe place at home. For some, getting their period at an athletics carnival felt like the worst possible timing.

How would you describe your periods now? On the spectrum of periods, some people feel quite lucky, while others have found them more challenging.

For one person, periods used to be very heavy, lasting between 10 and 20 days, sometimes requiring tampon or pad changes every hour. Others shared that their cycles could be irregular — sometimes going three months without a period, or getting them every couple of weeks — especially with travel and elite sport. At the moment, some feel their periods are more manageable.

Have you ever had a leak during a game?

Yes — and quite often there’s paranoia about tampon strings showing through sports clothing. There’s the constant worry of being on camera and needing to check that nothing is visible. Talking openly about this can feel refreshing, because it’s something that’s rarely discussed, even though it’s common.

How does your period affect your athletic performance?

For many, the first day is the hardest. Mood changes, hunger, lethargy, and fatigue can make training and performance more difficult, even though showing up is still expected. Some experience lower back pain, which needs to be managed while trying to perform on court.

Others find the week leading up to their period is the worst both physically and mentally. Fatigue, low motivation, reduced strength in the gym, and lower energy levels are common. Nausea and loss of appetite can also make it difficult to fuel the body properly, which is essential for athletes.

You study exercise physiology — what have you learned about the link between periods and performance?

There are four main stages of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation. Drops in certain hormones toward the end of the cycle can explain why strength and performance might decrease at certain times. Having strength and conditioning coaches who understand this can make a big difference for athletes.

Is it okay if we talk about endometriosis and how it’s affected your day-to-day life?

One of the hardest parts was not knowing what was happening — wondering why sleep was affected, why fatigue was constant, and why their experience felt so different to others. Growing up, these things weren’t talked about. Pain was often dismissed with “you’ll be fine” or “put another tampon in,” and that became the norm.

This idea of women just putting up with pain — has that shown up in your athletic careers?

Many people shared being told to “suck it up,” take pain relief, or that they’d be fine. But it’s important to recognise that not everyone’s pain is the same, and “you’ll be right” isn’t always the support someone needs.

What strategies do you use to manage your period around training and competition?

It often means going straight into management mode — planning bathroom breaks, timing training sessions, and mentally running through a mini timetable. Being overly prepared becomes part of being an athlete, and for many, it’s also a very female experience.

As a role model, what’s your message for girls watching?

You’re not alone. Any age you get your period is normal for you, and no one should ever tell you your experience isn’t valid. Everyone’s experience is different.

Tracking your period can be a really good place to start. It helps you understand your body and take ownership of your cycle. Learn about the stages of your cycle, talk to friends, family, or trusted adults, and don’t be afraid to see a doctor or ask questions.

With more education and awareness, earlier understanding and diagnosis is possible.