Systemic hormonal influences on female athletes' cognitive and physical performance revealed
Original framing: “How the menstrual cycle can make or break an athlete’s performance” — The Conversation - Global
The original framing omits the role of Indigenous and non-Western knowledge systems in understanding cyclical bodily rhythms. It also fails to address the historical exclusion of women from sports science research and the structural barriers female athletes face in accessing tailored training and support. The article does not consider how socioeconomic status, race, and access to healthcare intersect with hormonal health in sports.
Low structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
This narrative is produced by academic researchers and disseminated through media platforms like The Conversation, primarily for a Western, English-speaking audience. The framing serves to highlight scientific progress but obscures the lack of institutional investment in gender-inclusive sports science. It also risks reinforcing the idea that female athletes must adapt to existing systems rather than demand systemic reform.
The voices of female athletes from low-income backgrounds and non-Western countries are largely absent from this discourse. These athletes often face compounded barriers, including lack of access to healthcare, menstrual education, and gender-inclusive training resources.
The menstrual cycle's impact on athletic performance is not just a physiological issue but a systemic one, rooted in the historical exclusion of women from sports science and the dominance of male-centric paradigms.