Elite female football players’ perception of the impact of their menstrual cycle stages on their football performance. A semi-structured interview-based study

ABSTRACT

Objectives

This study assesses how female footballers perceive how their menstrual cycle impacts their physical and psychological performance, informing future research and intervention.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews, developed using piloting and peer review took place with fifteen elite female footballers from two English WSL clubs (age: 25.2 [18–33]). Data was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using NVivo.

Results

All players (100%) perceive their menstrual cycle to negatively impact performance. Analysing 27,438 words of data revealed five themes: A) symptoms, B) preparation, C) performance, D) recovery, and E) management. Over half (53%) of players experienced decreased appetite and sleep quality prior to performance during menstruation. Competitive performance was perceived to be most negatively impacted during menses (54 references) following by the pre-menstrual stage (23 references). During menstruation, the most impacted physical performance indicators were power (93%) and fatigue (87%). Psychologically, confidence, focus, and reaction to criticism were commonly affected (66.7%). Players reported missing training (13.3%) and matches (13.3%) due to severity of impact. Recovery was affected during the pre-menstrual (26.7%) and menstrual (66.7) stages. Players self-manage symptoms using over the counter (66.7%) and prescription (26.7%) medication, some prophylactically prior to competition (46.7%).

Conclusions

This first attempt to ascertain player perception in football exposes a clear negative impact on performance. The complex interplay of biopsychosocial and logistical factors, lack of awareness and education highlight the need for further research. Intervention is necessary and immediate initiation would be prudent, starting with simple measures such as basic self-management advice, education, and provision of sanitary products.

KEYWORDS:

• Professional
• women
• soccer
• period
• qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Contributorship

PR, RM, and KK were involved in the original concept of the study. All data collection was achieved/supervised by PR and KK. The data analysis was completed by PR with supervision from KK. All tables and figures were designed by PR and KK. PR drafted the original manuscript and PR, RM, CR, EJ, KK provided critical feedback and comments in refining the final submission version.

Data sharing

Appendix 2 includes the full thematic analysis of transparency.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.