Abstract：
The purpose of this study was to examine the menstrual cycle (MC) characteristics, explore the impact on performance, and identify barriers to and facilitators of MC-related communication among high-performance female adolescent athletes in Singapore. Ninety athletes (15.4 ± 1.8 years) from multiple sports completed an online questionnaire. Eighty-four athletes were postmenarcheal (menarcheal age 11.9 ± 1.3 years), including two who were using an oral contraceptive pill (OCP). Secondary amenorrhea, current or history of, was self-reported in 16% of athletes. Sixty-two percent and 67% of non-OCP athletes perceived that the MC affected their ability to train and compete, respectively. Athletes preferred speaking to a parent (85%) and a female figure (67%) about MC-related concerns. Through thematic analysis, three barriers to communication were constructed: (1) pervasive menstrual stigma, (2) constraints of the training environment, and (3) the low value placed on MC-related conversations. Two facilitators of communication were constructed: (1) respect athletes\' individual experiences as menstruating girls and (2) foster a safe space for MC-related conversations. Findings demonstrated that menstrual irregularities are common in adolescent athletes and screening for MC disorders, particularly primary amenorrhea should be undertaken in this population, with clear support pathways for management including symptom mitigation. To support athletes in raising MC-related concerns when needed, structured communication pathways that consider individual preferences and involve a (female) point of contact should be established within the training environment. Improving menstrual health literacy among adolescent athletes before any misinformation or negative perceptions are firmly established may contribute to longevity in their athletic careers.
摘要：
这项研究的目的是检查月经周期（MC）特征，探索对性能的影响，并确定新加坡高性能女青少年运动员与MC相关交流的障碍和促进者。来自多项运动的90名运动员（15.4±1.8岁）完成了在线问卷调查。84名运动员初潮后(初潮年龄11.9±1.3岁),包括两名使用口服避孕药（OCP）的人。继发性闭经,的当前或历史，在16％的运动员中自我报告。62％和67％的非OCP运动员认为MC影响了他们的训练和比赛能力，分别。运动员更喜欢与父母（85％）和女性人物（67％）谈论与MC相关的问题。通过专题分析，构建了三个沟通障碍：(1)普遍的月经污名，(2)培训环境的制约,(3)与MC相关的对话价值较低。构建了两个交流促进者：（1）尊重运动员作为月经女孩的个人经历；（2）为MC相关对话提供安全的空间。研究结果表明，月经不调在青少年运动员和MC疾病筛查中很常见，特别是原发性闭经应在该人群中进行，有明确的管理支持途径，包括症状缓解。为了支持运动员在需要时提出与MC相关的问题，应在培训环境中建立考虑个人偏好并涉及（女性）联络点的结构化沟通途径。在牢固建立任何错误信息或负面观念之前，改善青少年运动员的月经健康素养可能有助于他们的运动生涯。
