Costa Rican Elite Female Athletes’ Experiences and Perceptions of the Menstrual Cycle on Sports Performance During the Competitive Season

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Abstract
Objectives : In response to a research request about the subjectivities of female athletes and the examination of athletes from non-Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations, this study aims to investigate the experiences of Costa Rican elite athletes concerning their menstrual cycle (MC) during their competitive season. The investigation examined (a) how Costa Rican elite athletes perceived the impact of the MC on their athletic performance in training and competition, (b) the strategies employed by these athletes to cope with the adverse symptoms associated with menstruation during the competitive season, and (c) the phenomenon of menstrual stigma within the sporting context in Costa Rica. Method : Thirteen semistructured interviews were carried out with Costa Rican elite athletes (age: 26.30 ± 4.1 years) from both individual (athletics, triathlon, judo, boxing, and fencing) and team sports (soccer, volleyball, and rugby). The data analysis was conducted using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. Results : Every athlete included in the investigation experienced negative MC symptoms, while 92% ( n = 12) observed a detrimental impact on athletic performance. Participants implemented various individual tactics to cope with the adverse effects on their athletic performance, encompassing self-medication and caring for their hydration, sleep, and nutrition needs. The strategies highlighted the limited support and information about the MC within the sports community due to the stigma surrounding the topic. Conclusions : The overarching findings underscore the necessity of initiating dialogue about the MC within the sports community while addressing menstrual poverty issues to improve athletic performance among athletes and mitigate possible health risks.

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