Mithali Raj Recalls Scoring 50 With Period Cramps At A WC Game: Challenges Faced By Female Athletes During Menstruation

Indian former cricketer Mithali Raj has always been an inspirational athlete for women in the country. After leading the women’s cricket team as captain, Mithali has many records in her career. Recently, the former captain sat down with Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast, The Ranveer Show. Among many topics, she opened up about experiencing period cramps and not being able to compete in matches.

The incident was not only about her; many other athletes face the same challenges. Detailing the incident, Mithali said that it was difficult to share the challenges faced during menstruation with the support staff. 

Was Unable To Stand But Had To Play The Match: Mithali Raj 

 

 

 

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For a 2009 World Cup match, Mithali revealed that she could not bear the pain and asked the coach to allow her to rest. Unfortunately, she had to get on the field by the time the coach reached out to the captain. Mithali Raj was asked to be a part of the playing 11 but the pain was unbearable.. Despite that, she went on to score 50 runs while batting at the sixth position. 

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Challenges Faced By Athletes During Menstruation On The Ground

Menstruation is a natural biological process for women that affects a significant portion of the athletic population. Despite being common, the challenges that come with periods are often ignored in discussions about sports. These challenges can include physical symptoms, mental health issues, and social stigma. All of it can impact performance and overall well-being. 

Below are a few challenges faced by women athletes during menstruation:

• Many athletes experience physical symptoms, such as stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue, and headaches, during their menstrual cycle. 

• A significant number of athletes perceive that their menstrual symptoms negatively impact their training and competition performance. 

• Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and decreased motivation. These psychological symptoms can further hinder an athlete's focus and performance on the field.

• Menstruation remains a taboo topic in many sports environments, leading to discomfort among athletes. This stigma can prevent open conversations about how to manage symptoms effectively.

• Female athletes may struggle with access to menstrual hygiene products during competitions or training sessions, which can complicate their ability to manage their periods effectively while performing.

Addressing these challenges requires increased awareness, open dialogue, and support from coaches and sports organizations to help female athletes navigate their menstrual health while competing.

ALSO READ: Is A 2-day Period Normal? Exploring The Reasons Behind Short Menstrual Cycles

How To Tackle Menstrual Pain On Ground?

Managing menstrual pain effectively is crucial for female athletes to maintain their performance and well-being on the ground. Below are a few several strategies to help tackle menstrual pain during training and competitions:

• Use a menstrual tracking app or a simple calendar to log your cycle and symptoms. This can help predict when you might experience discomfort, allowing you to adjust your training schedule accordingly.

• Create a supportive environment where athletes feel comfortable discussing their menstrual health with coaches and teammates. 

• Modify training intensity and volume during the menstrual phases. You must take care in the first few days when symptoms may be more severe. 

• Use mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help reduce stress and alleviate pain. 

• Engage in light exercise, which can help relieve cramps and improve mood. Activities like walking, stretching, or gentle yoga can be beneficial during menstruation.

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins to support overall health and potentially reduce menstrual symptoms. 

• Staying hydrated is also essential for managing bloating and fatigue.

If menstrual pain is severe or persistent, consider consulting a healthcare provider or sports psychologist for tailored advice and treatment options.