Mirabai Chanu at Paris Olympics 2024 (X/KirenRijiju)
New Delhi: Millions were disheartened when Saikhom Mirabai Chanu narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal by just one kilogram. The Indian weightlifter placed fourth in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite this close loss, Chanu remained positive and expressed satisfaction with her performance during a press conference.
Chanu also shared that she was on the third day of her menstrual cycle during the competition, highlighting the additional challenges women face during their periods. She acknowledged that menstruation is a significant reality for many athletes and should be recognized as such.
Menstruation can influence athletic performance in various ways. Dr Anjana Singh, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis Hospital, Noida, explains, “Fluctuations in female sex hormones have been associated with changes in inflammation, metabolism, muscle activation and body composition, which can influence athletic performance.” She notes that inflammation peaks during menstruation, which often coincides with reduced performance among female athletes.
Dr Astha Dayal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, adds, “Every woman has a unique experience with their periods. For some, it’s comfortable and painless; for others, pain and symptoms of PMS can affect their quality of life.” While regular exercise can mitigate some symptoms, menstruation can still impact performance through cramps, bloating and mood changes.
Dr Singh describes the menstrual cycle phases and their impact on performance. The follicular phase, which starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts about two weeks, is characterized by low hormone levels. During this time, “a woman’s exercise physiology is more similar to a man’s,” making it an optimal period for high-intensity workouts and strength gains.
However, ovulation around Day 14 and the subsequent luteal phase (Day 14-24) bring higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. In the final week before menstruation, athletes might experience reduced carbohydrate burning, increased bloating and fatigue, making high-end performance more challenging.
Meenal Pathak, a celebrity fitness coach, emphasizes that the impact of menstruation varies from person to person. She notes that athletes might experience different levels of difficulty depending on their individual symptoms and fitness levels. Similarly, Savita Punia, former captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, acknowledges that menstruation can affect performance, but mental preparation is key. She says, “When I entered the national game scene, we were educated about menstruation and trained to handle it. The focus is always on the game.”
Managing menstruation as an athlete involves various strategies. Dr Singh advises ensuring adequate rest, proper hydration and a balanced diet to alleviate symptoms. “Iron-rich foods are beneficial to counteract menstrual blood loss,” she adds. Home remedies like warm fomentation and magnesium supplements may also help with pain management.
For activities like weightlifting, which are generally safe during menstruation, athletes should be cautious if experiencing severe cramps. Contact sports, such as wrestling, may require additional care due to increased physical strain.
Dr Dayal emphasizes that understanding the impact of menstruation on performance and taking appropriate measures can help female athletes manage their periods effectively while maintaining their training and performance levels.
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