We have collated some evidence-based educational resources to increase your understanding of the basic biology of the menstrual cycle, and learn to know what's normal and not normal for you. Be aware of your individual experiences of the menstrual cycle and how that might effect your cycling performance and training. This can be achieved through cycle tracking and using the current research in this area to inform performance and training.
But, when reading this research please be critical and question everything - do not always assume that the average results apply to you. Finally, training with the menstrual cycle in mind might not be for everyone - especially if you're a sportswoman who breezes through their cycle and doesn't notice any changes in her performance or training across the cycle - and that's ok to.
It's also important to understand the basics of the hormonal contraceptives including the different types, how they work, the hormones involved - and don't be afraid to ask questions about how these are affecting your physiology. Then, be aware of how hormonal contraceptive use might affect your performance and training (often this is something not mentioned to us by GPs, doctors etc.), and you can increase your awareness through tracking your experience and delving into the current research in this area. Again, be cautious of this research and really tune into your own individual experience of contraceptive use, and use that to direct any potential performance or training changes
Female Performance & Health Initiative (FPHI) has compiled a resource containing videos, written content and knowledge tests.
- Module 1: Puberty and Development
- Module 2: Normal Menstrual Cycle
- Module 3: Menstrual Abnormalities 1
- Module 4: Menstrual Abnormalities 2
- Module 5: Contraception for Female Athletes
- Module 6: Myths - Fact or Fiction?
For more information please email femaleperformancehealth@ausport.gov.au
Understanding your Menstrual Cycle
Understanding-your-menstrual-cycle_-infographic-British-Cycling-1Tracking your Menstrual Cycle
Tracking-your-cycle_-Infographic-British-Cycling-1What's normal, what's not
Whats-normal-whats-not_-Infographic-British-Cycling-1-1APPS
FitrWoman - "Track your period and train smarter. FitrWoman is a free period tracker that helps your train with your menstrual cycle. Get the most from your workouts and your nutrition and learn how small changes can lead to big results"
WILD.AI - "Your female physiology is your unfair advantage. Train, fuel & recover based on your female physiology. WILD helps you reach your peak performance by helping you to understand how to work with your physiology not against it."
Clue - "Clue is much more than just a period tracker - it's a scientific and fluff-free way to learn about your body and discover unique patterns in your menstrual cycle."