Heather Watson's loss atributted to her period

[La Grande]

Periods are the final taboo for women in sport, according to Britain’s former number one female tennis player Annabel Croft.

Watson, 22, called a doctor to the court during the match because of illness. In a post-match interview with BBC sport she said she was feeling “bloated and weak” and blamed “girl things”.

Full article in the Independant. http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/periods-the-final-taboo-for-women-in-sport--eyYkt9pXse

If this is true, it's such a shame. Her game still has a way to go, but she has been hampered by things seemingly out of her control.

 

[Rock Strongo]

I actually do wonder how the female tennis players manage their periods. Must be quite a pain to be honest.

 

[La Grande]

I actually do wonder how the female tennis players manage their periods. Must be quite a pain to be honest.

I hadn't thought of it before, naively. I agree, must be a pain.

 

[Spin Doctor]

I actually do wonder how the female tennis players manage their periods. Must be quite a pain to be honest.

I wonder as well. Sadly we will never know because the mods will delete this thread, as they have done with other threads covering this topic, despite the fact that this is a legitimate topic having to do with female athletes. Unfortunately we can not have adult discussions on this site, we are only allowed to bicker back and forth about Federer and Nadal like a bunch of children.

 

[Mainad]

I had imagined most women tennis players would be on the pill if only to inhibit their monthly cycles whilst they are on tour!

 

[jiddy-p]

I had imagined most women tennis players would be on the pill if only to inhibit their monthly cycles whilst they are on tour!

The pill doesn't stop periods alltogether, it only makes them regular. I feel for female athletes, no way you can compete under such circumstances.

 

[Mainad]

The pill doesn't stop periods alltogether, it only makes them regular. I feel for female athletes, no way you can compete under such circumstances.

Oh I see. I had supposed the purpose of the pill was to suppress the monthly cycle altogether. I thought that was how it worked. Please excuse my ignorance!

I guess women athletes in all sports are faced with this kind of problem.

 

[Deleted member 733170]

Remember the stick Tsonga got from the feminists when he was asked why women players were not as consistent as the men. He answered, the female cycle....

 

[La Grande]

I wonder as well. Sadly we will never know because the mods will delete this thread, as they have done with other threads covering this topic, despite the fact that this is a legitimate topic having to do with female athletes. Unfortunately we can not have adult discussions on this site, we are only allowed to bicker back and forth about Federer and Nadal like a bunch of children.

Damn, cant I discuss this? Do I need to take a trip to the rules?

 

[La Grande]

Remember the stick Tsonga got from the feminists when he was asked why women players were not as consistent as the men. He answered, the female cycle....

Wow, really?
I remember him commenting on something like that, but I only rememeber that he agreed they were less consistent

 

[La Grande]

Oh I see. I had supposed the purpose of the pill was to suppress the monthly cycle altogether. I thought that was how it worked. Please excuse my ignorance!

I guess women athletes in all sports are faced with this kind of problem.

We never know when theyre playing garbage and when theyre affected by thia sort of thing. I'm glad though, because its private. Maybe we should give them a break a bit more of they say they felt off. They could just be telling the truth.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I wonder as well. Sadly we will never know because the mods will delete this thread, as they have done with other threads covering this topic, despite the fact that this is a legitimate topic having to do with female athletes. Unfortunately we can not have adult discussions on this site, we are only allowed to bicker back and forth about Federer and Nadal like a bunch of children.

+1 I think we should be able to discuss what we wish, so long as we keep it reasonably civil.

I was not here when the legendary "rants and raves" section was active, but I might have liked to participate in some of those discussions, depending on what they were, and I think that it's a pity it was removed.

The moderation on this website is usually excellent, so there isn't much to complain about, but my biggest complaint on all internet forums is the intolerance of criticism aimed at the moderators/admins specifically, more so than even censorship of other issues such as this one.

I have no complaints myself about the mods, let's be clear about that, it is the principle.
Free speech is a thing, after all.

 

[kOaMaster]

There are options. Hormone spirals like Mirena are used quite often and while they can surpress the cycle on a number of women (~25%), it at least reduces the "natural" side effects of menstruating.
Taking the pill "through", meaning every day and not "cyclic" 3 weeks on - 1 week off can at times lead to short bleedings and side effects. Generally said it's not a problem but it depends individually. Aborting on the pill should usually solve the side effects/bleeding problems.

Continiuosly taking the pill for once or a couple months is something many women (not only for sports) did on some occasions - like holidays, important exams etc.

and no, I'm neither tennis player nor female

 

[MatsPhilander]

More excuses-every female has them yet many achieve excellence including winning multiple slams. Fact is the UK Tennis system has produced mostly mediocrity for decades, while lesser nations have produced far more top players with far less resources.

 

[randomtoss]

For some women, periods can be very debilitating. Like Koamaster wrote just above, there are ways to deal with this problem, but there are girls who don't want to (and some who can't) use hormonal contraception.

For most women though, and especially when you are a professionnal sportwoman, periods should'nt be an excuse for their loss...

 

[randomtoss]

^^^
And please excuse my ghastly english.

 

[jiddy-p]

For most women though, and especially when you are a professionnal sportwoman, periods should'nt be an excuse for their loss...

Jeez, that's like saying having the flu, or food poisoning, should't be an excuse for a loss :-?

Some women get it real bad, and are basically very sick for 2 or 3 days. If he hit peak period on the day of a slam match, you will lose, no question about it.

 

[La Grande]

More excuses-every female has them yet many achieve excellence including winning multiple slams. Fact is the UK Tennis system has produced mostly mediocrity for decades, while lesser nations have produced far more top players with far less resources.

Very true. I told my mum about the article and she immediately shut me down, saying that every single woman in the tournament has a period. Heather wont be the only one thinking how to control it come grand slam time. Just another excuse, she said. Dangerous aswell, because we could easily start seeing it used as as excuse for every loss.

 

[La Grande]

Jeez, that's like saying having the flu, or food poisoning, should't be an excuse for a loss :-?

Some women get it real bad, and are basically very sick for 2 or 3 days. If he hit peak period on the day of a slam match, you will lose, no question about it.

Yes, how bad it is we will never know. Some do get it real bad

 

[VoodooBoot]

Oh I see. I had supposed the purpose of the pill was to suppress the monthly cycle altogether. I thought that was how it worked. Please excuse my ignorance!

I guess women athletes in all sports are faced with this kind of problem.

Often, the pill has a very positive effect on women that have a long and painful cycle. It doesn't stop it (nor is it intended to), but makes it regular, shorter (say from 10 days to 5-6) and much less painful.

 

[NatF]

Oh I see. I had supposed the purpose of the pill was to suppress the monthly cycle altogether. I thought that was how it worked. Please excuse my ignorance!

I guess women athletes in all sports are faced with this kind of problem.

You can double up on the pill e.g. take 6 weeks non stop to choose roughly when it will fall.

I know some girls who have reacted negatively to the pill before though, so it might not be an option for Watson.

 

[TheStranger]

Jeez, that's like saying having the flu, or food poisoning, should't be an excuse for a loss :-?

Some women get it real bad, and are basically very sick for 2 or 3 days. If he hit peak period on the day of a slam match, you will lose, no question about it.

This is true. Sometimes medicine will relieve the stomach pains, but the whole body still feels weak. And the emotional side that usually hits peak right at the start: feeling sad, upset, depressed. This is something women have no conscious control of and can't just make disappear because of a tennis match.

 

[MatsPhilander]

Do any Tennis players have IBS? From a lifetime of experience I know it would be incredibly difficult to go out & play to any level with it.

 

[randomtoss]

This is true. Sometimes medicine will relieve the stomach pains, but the whole body still feels weak. And the emotional side that usually hits peak right at the start: feeling sad, upset, depressed. This is something women have no conscious control of and can't just make disappear because of a tennis match.

Allow me to disagree. The emotional effects of period (PMS) are also controlled by hormonal contraception (I have experienced it myself, as a woman). Hormonal contraception usually annihilates all period symptoms. There can be exceptions to this, of course.

 

[SLD76]

I imagine most gals use the pill or get the shot specially as with the shot you get like only a few periods per year

 

[SLD76]

That said..not everyone reacts positively to the pill and some women are loathe to tinker with their body chemistry in such a way.

 

[TheStranger]

Allow me to disagree. The emotional effects of period (PMS) are also controlled by hormonal contraception (I have experienced it myself, as a woman). Hormonal contraception usually annihilates all period symptoms. There can be exceptions to this, of course.

I'm female myself. Not all women want to get on the pill, though. And the PMS effects aren't something you're consciously controlling, you're using a pill... that has side affects or may be an issue with what they drug test for.

 

[bjsnider]

The pill doesn't stop periods alltogether, it only makes them regular. I feel for female athletes, no way you can compete under such circumstances.

The birth control injections do stop them though.

 

[randomtoss]

It would be interesting to know more about sportswomen and hormonal issues. I guess some scientific research has been done on the subject (well I hope so), but this is of course something we never read about in newspapers or sports magazines...

 

[kOaMaster]

sure, there are tons of studies and research. rarely personal stuff from active athletes of course (I mean, after all that is a very private topic).

 

[sbengte]

There is a period missing before the word period in the title (Heather Watson's loss attributed to her. Period.)

 

[syc23]

At least Watson can use that excuse everytime she loses now.. TBH, what was she doing playing Hobart a week before AO? Was this used as a 'convenient' excuse? Only she knows herself.

 

[Towser83]

There is a period missing before the word period in the title (Heather Watson's loss attributed to her. Period.)

Hahahahahahaha.That's really clever. On a couple of different levels.

 

[McMurphy]

Hahahahahahaha.That's really clever. On a couple of different levels.

Indeed. Very clever and funny.

 

[Sysyphus]

There is a period missing before the word period in the title (Heather Watson's loss attributed to her. Period.)

Crafty. Very crafty :twisted:

I can see this thread derailing into something not-so-nice, tbh..

 

[Crisstti]

Allow me to disagree. The emotional effects of period (PMS) are also controlled by hormonal contraception (I have experienced it myself, as a woman). Hormonal contraception usually annihilates all period symptoms. There can be exceptions to this, of course.

I'd say it reduces all side effects, the emotional ones included, but doesn't eliminate them altogether.

Of course, if someone can't be on the pill for some reason, that could be a serious problem.

 

[tennisaddict]

It is fair to say over a 2 week period that majors are played, it is statistically possible that 50% of WTA Have their period.

Does It imply that you need to ensure you have your periods outside the window of the majors to stand a chance ?

What happens during the FO- Wimbledon short window ?

Is that the reason why we have multiple major FO winners losing to 100+ ranked players at Wimbledon in the first week ?

 

[m2nk2]

The pill can indeed stop periods altogether, it depends which pill and which body. However, all the side effects can probably be worse than to just be without the pill.

 

[Crisstti]

The pill can indeed stop periods altogether, it depends which pill and which body. However, all the side effects can probably be worse than to just be without the pill.

To read the little sheet with the possible side effects is scary... but they're very unlikely and taking it really can improve your quality of life.

 

[bluetrain4]

The pill doesn't stop periods alltogether, it only makes them regular. I feel for female athletes, no way you can compete under such circumstances.

Considering all the female athletes in all different sports over the history of sports, a considerable number indeed had to, and a found a way to, compete under such circumstances.

 

[*Sparkle*]

Remember the stick Tsonga got from the feminists when he was asked why women players were not as consistent as the men. He answered, the female cycle....

Don't lump all 'feminists' in together. When you saw the whole context of what he said, it was fine, albeit a bit daft. The problem is that so often men have used periods as a reason to have a go at all women, so some people are a bit over-sensitive to them being mentioned.

Most women will recognise that their energy levels waver through the month, even if they don't have particularly bad period pains. It's not a problem for most women in normal life, but it might make you half a step slower, which will show up in elite sport.

I don't think Heather claimed it's why she lost, but it was why she was feeling so rough. When you are under so much scrutiny, and people demand answers for why you didn't play as well as last time, you might as well tell the truth. Fair play for her for being honest about it, but when you've got the British press and idiots slamming you for crumbling under pressure, and how you'll never amount to anything, you've got less to lose.

I'd say it's unusual for a woman her age to be affected particularly badly on a regular basis, because by then you learn to work around it. A good diet, keeping a good weight, and fitness generally help. If it is that bad, many women do choose to go on the pill, but it's clearly not for everyone, and they might need to switch between regimes, or come off them for a bit, which can leave you vulnerable to a few really nasty period.

 

[Tight Lines]

My understanding is that female athletes do not have periods. Somehow, the physical training mucks with the cycle. That is how I understand it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Harry

 

[TheStranger]

Here's a somewhat interesting article, points out how it's not talked about much in women's sporting events publicly:

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/shortcuts/2015/jan/21/menstruation-last-great-sporting-taboo

 

[jaggy]

Years ago I read that Bobby Riggs would find out who was on and bet against them. No idea if it was true

 

[TheStranger]

My understanding is that female athletes do not have periods. Somehow, the physical training mucks with the cycle. That is how I understand it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Harry

"Amenorrhoea is the absence of menstrual periods. Women who are athletes or who exercise excessively on a regular basis are at risk of developing athletic amenorrhoea. Causes are thought to include low levels of body fat and the effects of exercise-related hormones on the menstrual cycle. Treatment options include exercising less and starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Low levels of body fat and exercise-related hormones, such as beta endorphins and catecholamines, are thought to interfere with the functioning of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. If left untreated, long-term complications include increased risk of broken bones and premature ageing.

For a doctor to diagnose athletic amenorrhoea, all other possible causes, such as certain reproductive disorders, must first be eliminated. Treatment options include exercising less or, in some cases, starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT)."

 

[chjtennis]

It's not nice to talk about some personal stuff for girls like period in public, I think. I don't mind asking a player to twirl, but this is something much more personal and Watson's dignity should be respected. Close this thread, please.

 

[merwy]

Why would this be a "taboo"? I can't imagine someone finding this an embarrassing subject, since it happens to every woman and is completely out of your control. But I guess she was just having a "bad" period? When you're constantly on tour and your period is 5 days a month, I can imagine this isn't the only time a woman was playing tennis while on her period.

 

[merwy]

The pill can indeed stop periods altogether, it depends which pill and which body. However, all the side effects can probably be worse than to just be without the pill.

To read the little sheet with the possible side effects is scary... but they're very unlikely and taking it really can improve your quality of life.

Correct me if I'm wrong but you're supposed to stop taking the pill at the time of your period to have it. But you can keep taking them and in that case you "skip" that period. Which you shouldn't do too often of course because it can cause intermenstrual (breakthrough) bleeding, and probably other stuff.

Also, I think most of the side effects are mood-changes. I had a gf once that was really bothered by it so she stopped taking the pill just because of it. It doesn't bother every woman of course.

If you want to COMPLETELY stop your period, yeah then there are pills for that lol. But those "pills" (quinacrine) mainly shut down your whole reproductive system and I think they make you permanently infertile.

 

[ForLoveOfTheGame]

Yes, they can be debilitating! Some women can get Menorrhagia, which is excessive bleeding. You can become weak, lightheaded. In addition you can have severe migraines and extreme abdominal pain that will relegate you to a horizontal position all day. With that said, I would imagine most female pro athletes would be taking hormone therapy or medical treatment to limit these symptoms if they those kinds of issues.

 

[ForLoveOfTheGame]

Also, the "pill" can cause blood clots and strokes in some women. Others can run the risk of developing reproductive cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian). It's a small percentage but some women choose not to take it for those risks.