PURPOSE: This study investigated current knowledge and practices related to the menstrual cycle and other ovarian hormone profiles in elite European women’s soccer.

METHODS: Fifteen top-flight European women’s soccer teams took part in this study. Players (females only, n = 305) and staff (both sexes, n = 46) from each club completed a bespoke questionnaire designed to assess their knowledge of menstrual cycles, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal contraceptives. In addition, they were asked to share their lived experiences and opinions of these topics.

RESULTS: On average players got more answers incorrect than correct; the majority [> 50%] of players got the answer wrong on 15 out of 19 questions. There was not one question that all players got right; on average players were correct 36% of the time. On average, staff got more answers incorrect than correct; the majority [> 50%] of staff got the answer wrong on 12 out of 18 questions. There was not one question that all staff got right; on average staff were correct 49% of the time. Sixty-eight percent of players reported tracking their menstrual cycle, although no player reported using a scientifically approved method for doing so. From the players who tracked their menstrual cycles, most did so to know when their period was due; tracking for performance reasons ranked fifth out of the six reasons provided by players. Eighteen and seventeen percent of players engaged with menstrual cycle phase-based training and nutrition programmes, even though there is no scientific evidence to support these practices. The majority of all players thought that the menstrual cycle (91%) and hormonal contraceptives (70%) can affect athletic performance. Sixty-five percent of staff reported asking their players to track their menstrual cycle, however, no staff member/club reported using a scientifically approved method for doing so, although some clubs were starting to consider and implement new evidence-based practices. From the staff who asked their players to track their menstrual cycles, most did so to understand individual cycles and their effects on wellbeing and performance. Twenty-two and thirty percent of staff had their players undertake menstrual cycle phase-based training and nutrition programmes, even though there is no scientific evidence to support these practices. The majority of all staff thought that the menstrual cycle (97%) and hormonal contraceptives (80%) can affect athletic performance. 

 

CONCLUSION: There is insufficient knowledge on the characteristics of the menstrual cycles, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal contraceptives amongst players and staff in elite European women’s soccer. Whilst some players and staff engaged with menstrual cycle tracking and phase-based training and nutrition programmes, none of them were doing so in a [scientifically] evidence-based way.

Disclosure(s): This research was funded by the European Club Association in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University.