Recent research by Always sheds light on the challenges faced by girls and women in the UK when it comes to their periods and doing sports. It is well known that playing sports can help build girls’ and women’s confidence[1]. However, 64% of females still admit to experiencing period anxiety (stress or unease felt before or during their period), which puts them off their game and, therefore, affects their ability to move with confidence.
The research shows that periods not only take an emotional toll but for 77% of women and girls, they are also experiencing changes in their physical abilities throughout their menstrual cycle. What’s more, almost half (47%) express concerns about not performing at their best during their period.
Whilst recent trends like menstrual cycle hacking and menstrual mapping have given girls and women the power to understand their bodies, the research shows that there is more to be done to tackle the inherent belief that periods are a hindrance to sporting ability with 66% believing that being on their period puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
Always wants to change this narrative by empowering women to redefine their relationship with their bodies, fostering a mindset where your menstrual cycle is not viewed as a setback but as a catalyst for unstoppable achievement when you are able to work with it. In line with this goal, 79% of girls and women believe that more conversation on periods is needed to help break down these barriers for futuregenerations of athletes and 66% call for more information on how their menstrual cycle affects their performance.
That’s why, Always, the Official Period Product of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, and British Olympian, Jazmin Sawyers, a true advocate of self-belief and champion for breaking down taboos around periods and sports in the UK, have teamed together to support Well HQ, experts in female athlete health education, by launching “It’s a New Period.” This new campaign aims to empower girls and women toredefine their relationship with their body, so they can navigate both sports and daily life without the fear of limitations. By understanding their menstrual cycle as well as the physical and emotional changes that accompany it and how to confidently keep track of their cycle, young girls and women can feel empowered to work with their bodies and feel more comfortable talking openly about periods.
“I’m excited and honoured to partner with Always and support the ‘It’s a New Period’ campaign. As an athlete, I can relate to and understand the challenges that come with menstruation; however, I have learned so much about my body over the past few years that has helped me better understand it and therefore test my limits. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers for the next generation and together, we can create a world where periods are not seen as obstacles, but as a natural part of women’s lives, on and off the pitch.”
Jazmin
To support girls and women in reducing the physical and emotional impact on sports that periods can bring Always have collaborated with Well HQ to co-create the Master your Menstrual Cycle Programme – a set of resources designed specifically to educate girls and women on their menstrual cycle and how to work in harmony with their bodies.
“At Well HQ, we are committed to educating the younger generation on women’s health and ensuring that every girl feels confident and supported to move their bodies on and off their period. Which is why it’s so important and exciting for us to know that a leading menstrual brand such as Always shares this mission. It’s time to challenge the status quo and empower young girls and women to thrive alongside their menstrual cycles.”
Dr Emma Ross, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder of Well HQ
To mark the launch of the campaign, Always hosted an event at Sawyers’ former training ground, Stoke Athletics Club to showcase the Master Your Menstrual Cycle programme for the first time. On behalf of Always, Jazmin and Emma held an educational session with young girls where they provided insights and practical tips on how to understand and work with their menstrual cycles so they can step onto the field with confidence. Sawyers then led the girls in a session where she openly spoke about her own period experiences, and how she has learnt to better understand her cycle to help address some of the negative perceptions she was carrying about her period.
The programme will be available for free download on the Always website and the National Schools Partnership website, empowering educators, and coaches to support young girls and women as well.
