The Experience of Menstruation During Sports Activity in Taekwondo

Intense sports training increases the frequency of menstrual cycle disorders. The aim of this study was to examine female taekwondo athletes (N = 33), active competitors, about their experience of menstruation, their physical ability to train and compete, as well as their mental ability. Another objective was to determine the connection between the frequent reduction in body weight before the competition and the occurrence of various menstrual disorders. The negative effects of menstruation that most affect the physical fitness of the participants are the physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and severe menstrual cramps, while the emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome most affect their mental preparation. Menstruation did not show a limiting effect on achieving sports success and participation in sports activities at full intensity. The participants predominantly do not miss training or competition due to menstruation. The highest level of limitation was manifested in sparring activities and explosiveness training. Even 87.8% of female athletes have the experience of intentional weight loss before the competition (from which 24.2% always), and 51.5% declare that constant change in body weight before competition affects the menstrual regularity. It is important to respect the individual characteristics of female athletes during menstruation and to encourage them to take care of the relationship between menstruation and sports activities. Training programs should include plans for determining body weight and long-term body composition.