Sports
Female Performance: Unpacking Menopause and Sports
Understand how the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause impact athletes, and the importance of empathy in sports.
On 'Café com Tri', Wagner Spadotto, Beto Nitrini, and Sérgio Magalhães host experts Dr. Carla Di Pierro and Dr. Tathiana Parmigiano. The discussion demystifies the impact of life stages like puberty, postpartum, and menopause on female athletic performance. This essential conversation is for athletes, coaches, and partners alike.
On "Café com Tri", hosts Wagner Spadotto, Beto Nitrini, and Sérgio Magalhães, known for their good humor and relaxed banter, delve into a crucial yet often misunderstood topic: female performance in sports, focusing on the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause. To demystify the subject, they welcome two prominent guests: sports psychologist Dr. Carla Di Pierro and sports gynecologist Dr. Tathiana Parmigiano. The episode, characterized by a frank and educational conversation, aims to shed light on the complexities of a woman's life stages and how they influence athletic performance and overall well-being, especially in disciplines like triathlon.
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The Three 'Ps' of Female Performance
Dr. Tathiana Parmigiano introduces the concept of the "three Ps" – Puberty, Puerperium (Postpartum), and Peri/Post-Menopause – as crucial milestones in a woman's hormonal and physiological life. Each phase brings significant changes that directly impact performance and health. She emphasizes that while the menstrual cycle is an important variable, it should not be the sole explanation for female performance. "Performance is multifaceted," she states, highlighting that factors like sleep, nutrition, training, and mental health also play a fundamental role.
Speaking openly about the menstrual cycle in sports remains a challenge, but it is essential. The expert highlights the importance of asking the athlete: "How do you feel about your cycle?" instead of trivializing complaints as "PMS" or "being on your period." This respectful approach allows for a deeper understanding of the physiological impact without invading privacy or creating taboos.
The Challenge of Menopause in Sports
Perimenopause and menopause are transitional phases that can begin up to 10 years before the last menstruation. Menopause is defined by one year without menstruation. During this period, women experience profound hormonal and neurological changes, such as "brain fog," sleep disturbances, and alterations in thermoregulation. Dr. Carla Di Pierro explains that Western society often views menopause as a "loss" or "aging," contrasting with Eastern cultures where it is associated with wisdom and respect. This negative perception exacerbates the psychological impact of physiological changes.
For the athlete, whether professional or amateur, menopause demands a new training perspective. Coaches need to be aware that a woman might not have slept well, requiring training adjustments and more recovery. Physical activity is crucial during this phase, helping to combat symptoms and maintain bone mass and mental health.
Beyond Hormones: Demands and Perfectionism
One of the most sensitive points of the conversation is the social pressure on women. The guests and hosts discuss how athletes, especially women 45+, face pressure regarding weight and body type, which can lead to injuries and body image disorders. The incessant pursuit of "perfection" and the need to control all aspects of life (career, family, body) are striking characteristics that, during perimenopause, can culminate in eating disorders or anxiety.
The specialists warn about the danger of quick fixes, such as the indiscriminate use of "pens" (weight loss medications). These substances inhibit appetite
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