Between silence and need: Menstrual experiences and communication gaps in coach-athlete relationships in Türkiye

Abstract

While the menstrual cycle is recognized as an important factor in women athletes’ health and performance, most research remains Western and biomedical, leaving gaps on how cultural and gender norms shape menstrual experiences and communication in non-Western settings such as Türkiye. This study examined the menstrual cycle (MC) experiences of Turkish female athletes, focusing on physical and psychological symptoms, their perceived impact on training and competition, athletes’ knowledge of the MC, and communication with coaches. Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 482 elite women athletes. Findings revealed that most athletes experienced multiple MC symptoms, with abdominal pain and mood changes being the most common. Approximately half of the participants stated that the MC negatively affected training and competition performance. Despite these impacts, only 18% consistently communicated the MC symptoms to their coaches, and nearly half perceived their coaches as lacking sufficient knowledge on the topic. Athletes who believed their coach was knowledgeable were more likely to engage in menstrual communication. Furthermore, one-third of the participants had insufficient knowledge of premenstrual syndrome, and awareness of the link between weight loss and amenorrhea was low. A significant majority (89%) supported dialogue between athletes and coaches regarding the MC, emphasizing its relevance to training and athlete well-being. These findings highlight the necessity of destigmatizing menstruation, enhancing education for both athletes and coaches, and promoting individualized, open communication strategies within sports contexts. This study expands understanding of sociocultural influences on women athletes’ menstrual experiences in non-Western contexts.