Empowering Women’s Health: Join World Aquatics’ Global Webinars on Menstrual Cycle Education and Awareness

World Aquatics kicked off a global webinar series on women’s health in April 2025, following vibrant discussions at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest. This is a timely initiative that tackles an often-overlooked topic: menstrual health in sports.

Olympic gold medalist Pernille Blume from Denmark and open water swimmer Caroline Jouisse from France led the first session. Both athletes shared personal stories, shedding light on the stigma and challenges surrounding menstruation in sports. Jouisse emphasized that menstrual symptoms, whether physical or emotional, can significantly impact performance. She encouraged women to pay attention to their symptoms and explore various management strategies.

The interactive format of the webinar included polls, revealing that many participants experience mood swings, cramps, and fatigue during their cycles. This kind of truthful sharing helps normalize the conversation around menstruation, making it less of a taboo.

“This cycle can be empowering,” said Blume. “Every month brings change, and learning to navigate that makes us stronger.”

Elite coach Tom Rushton contributed insights on how coaches can better support female athletes. He stressed the importance of communication and understanding. “When an athlete’s performance dips, it’s crucial to explore all possible causes, including the menstrual cycle,” he noted. Awareness among coaches can lead to more tailored training approaches.

Marine Dupuit, a sports scientist, shared research indicating that the menstrual cycle can affect athletic performance. She pointed out that understanding this relationship can help athletes optimize their training regimens.

The webinar also discussed practical strategies for managing symptoms. Some suggestions included maintaining a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients, incorporating stretching routines, and promoting good sleep hygiene. Dupuit remarked, “Finding what works for you may take trial and error; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.”

Looking ahead, another webinar is scheduled for September 23, focusing on how to optimize training and performance around the menstrual cycle.

This initiative is vital as more athletes and coaches start to recognize the importance of menstrual health. As reported in a recent survey by the Women’s Sport Foundation, nearly 60% of female athletes feel their menstrual health is misunderstood by coaches. This disconnect can discourage athletes from speaking up about their needs, making resources like these webinars essential.

Access to reliable information and open discussions can help empower women in sports. By removing the stigma and fostering a supportive environment, we can create a space where all athletes thrive. For more insights on this topic, check out resources from the Women’s Sports Foundation.

The conversation around menstrual health is growing, and it is heartening to see organizations like World Aquatics leading the way.

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