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 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.
By integrating Indigenous knowledge, cross-cultural perspectives, and gender-specific research, sports institutions can create more inclusive and effective training programs. The study's findings align with historical calls for gender-inclusive sports science and offer a foundation for future policy and practice. To move forward, sports organizations must adopt a holistic, evidence-based approach that respects the diversity of female athletes' experiences and supports their full participation in sports at all levels.