The menstrual cycle influences the physical and psychological states of female athletes significantly, especially those participating in high-intensity sports like judo. This study investigates how elite female judoka understand and experience their menstrual cycles, as well as the impact these factors have on their training, competition performance and overall health. Utilising qualitative methods, insights were collected from sixteen elite judoka aged 18 to 30, who competed in Olympic qualifying events from June 2023 to June 2024 via a structured online survey. The responses were analysed through inductive latent thematic analysis, a method that aims to identify patterns and themes within qualitative data. This approach revealed several key themes related to the experiences of these athletes. The analysis revealed that the menstrual cycle poses challenges for these athletes, including fluctuations in energy levels, mood swings and physical symptoms such as fatigue and cramps, all of which can impede performance. The research underscores the need for increased awareness of menstrual health in sport and advocates for training programmes tailored to the unique needs of female athletes across different menstrual phases. Promoting open discussions about menstrual health can help de-stigmatise support-seeking behaviour. The study calls for evidence-based guidelines to assist athletes and coaches in managing the effects of the menstrual cycle on performance, ultimately supporting the wellbeing and competitive success of female judoka.
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