Ep 144: Helping female athletes perform at their best, with Dr Rachel Harris
Aug 14, 2023
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Dr. Rachel Harris, a former Olympic swimmer and Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Paralympic team, discusses vital health literacy issues facing female athletes. She underscores the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle and its effects on performance, advocating for personalized tracking over generic apps. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for open conversations about menstrual health and the impact of hormonal contraception on athletics. Her insights aim to empower female athletes through education and informed decision-making.
Improving health literacy among female athletes is essential for empowering them and optimizing support from coaches and parents.
Recognizing the individual variations of the menstrual cycle can help female athletes tailor their training and enhance their performance.
Deep dives
Understanding Health Literacy for Female Athletes
Health literacy among female athletes is crucial for optimizing their well-being and performance. Many female athletes, their coaches, and support systems lack essential knowledge regarding health topics such as the menstrual cycle, pelvic floor health, and breast health. Research has shown alarming gaps in understanding, with only 14% of elite athletes being able to identify key female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Improving this collective health literacy is vital, as it not only empowers athletes but also helps coaches and parents provide the necessary support, leading to better overall outcomes in performance.
The Menstrual Cycle: Myths and Realities
The menstrual cycle significantly affects female athletes, yet many misconceptions persist about its impact on performance. Discussions around optimal performance times within the cycle often lead to stereotypes, but research indicates that female athletes can excel at any stage. A survey of Olympic and Paralympic athletes revealed that preferences for timing their competitive events varied widely, debunking the myth that performance peaks at specific cycle points. Recognizing the individual nature of the menstrual cycle and embracing its potential physiological benefits can help athletes tailor their training and performance strategies effectively.
Menstrual Tracking and Individualization
Menstrual tracking can provide valuable insights for female athletes, although the proliferation of apps often leads to confusion regarding their usefulness. While many apps offer generalized advice based on population data, individual experiences can vary significantly; what works for one athlete may not work for another. Understanding personal patterns within the menstrual cycle helps athletes anticipate changes in performance and well-being, making it easier to adapt training regimens. Furthermore, tracking symptoms can also highlight potential health issues, making it an essential tool for proactive health management.
Maybe you think of health literacy as the building blocks of knowing how to access the healthcare system, and knowing what to do when you have a cold?
Today, Dr Rachel Harris is guiding us as we consider our collective health literacy of the particular health, wellbeing and performance needs of female athletes.
Dr Harris represented Australia at the Olympics as a swimming athlete, and was the Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Paralympic team in Tokyo 2021. She leads the Australian Institute of Sport's female athlete performance and health, menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception project.
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RESOURCES
For trustworthy education resources to share with athletes, coaches, parents and others who support female athletes, check out: https://www.ais.gov.au/fphi/education
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