Study Overview

Female participation in sports has globally increased in recent years, but there are still many challenges to overcome. One of the many obstacles that women face in active athletic participation is menstruation. Aside from inadequate education, facilities, and access to produces, studies show that female athletes have different levels of endurance during different phases of their menstrual cycles. However, only recently has attention given to the impact of menstruation on female athletes’ through menstrual tracking using mobile applications. Despite the increased interest in female athletics and menstrual cycles, the athletes of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have often been neglected due to lack of interest and data. Generally, menstruation has been reported to have negative impacts on women’s daily lives with a myriad of physical, psychological, and social implications. This project seeks to explore and compare the impact of menstrual phases on stress, sleep pattern, dietary intake, and perceived performance at different phases of menstrual cycle among adolescent athletes Bangladesh. This study is also assessing the anthropological impacts of menstruation such as their knowledge of menstruation, preferred menstrual products of absorption and other associated practice, health impacts, perceived influence on athletic performance, and recommendations that could enhance their performance in sports, among professional athletes in Bangladesh. Considering the dearth of literature and data, it is imperative to explore the health impacts of menstruation among athletes of developing nations, such as Bangladesh and assess the status and difference of knowledge, practice, and perception associated with menstruation to improve female athletes’ performance and wellbeing. We aim to explore menstrual cycle duration and phases and associated perception on athletic performance, sleep patterns, stress, and other symptoms of menstruation. Additionally, we are assessing gaps and recommendations for improving female athletic performance and wellbeing during menstruation. And in the near future, develop a comprehensive study to extensively explore the impact of menstruation and athletic performance among adolescent athletes and to develop a better performing female athletes with better health outcomes.