Menstruation Shorts: Having Conversations About the Menstrual Cycle

UK Coaching Team

08 Nov 2021

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Females Rapport Building and Communicating Safety and Welfare

Female participants have different levels of comfort when talking to coaches about their menstrual cycle, so it is important to take responsibility for starting conversations about the menstrual cycle.

Working with your participants and sharing experiences of symptoms and impact on training and performance can have a substantial impact.

In this video, Natalie Brown discusses the importance of open conversations when considering the menstrual cycle.

Crucially, it’s a good idea to share what support you are going to provide following a conversation about the menstrual cycle, as then you’re reinforcing the positive experience of having the open conversation, which can naturally be a source of concern for female participants.

Have a go

Remember that whilst it may feel uncomfortable to begin the conversation this is one aspect of social support for your participants.

Plan over the next month how you will initiate the conversation with your participants.

Will you speak to them individually or as a training group?

Will you communicate initially by social media/email and follow up?

What will work best in your environment with your participants?

Glossary of terms relevant to menstrual health

Download the glossary as a PDF.