"Birth control side effects nearly made me quit training": Japanese track and field star shares candid menstrual struggles with college students, "It bothers me when I wear my uniform, but..."

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Female athletes who have competed on the Olympic stage candidly shared their struggles related to menstruation and their conditioning know-how.

Japan's "The Answer" reported on the 16th (Korean time), "A talk event themed 'Menstruation and Conditioning' was held at the Tokyo Setagaya Campus of Nippon Sport Science University."

The event, held on the 12th, was attended by Igarashi A Lisa, a two-time consecutive Olympic bronze medalist in badminton mixed doubles, and Tanaka Yumi, a women's 100m hurdles athlete who reached the semifinals at the Paris Olympics and competed at last year's Tokyo World Athletics Championships. The two athletes shared their experiences with menstrual pain since their teenage years and coping methods with Professor Sunaga Mikako from Nippon Sport Science University.

Igarashi, who suffered severe menstrual pain during her school days, confessed, "I have even collapsed during practice due to headaches and abdominal pain." Tanaka also experienced lower back pain and stomach upsets, recalling, "It was a concern when my period coincided with wearing my uniform." The two athletes, who previously relied on overnight sanitary pads or tampons, are currently taking birth control pills to manage their condition.

Tanaka, who visited an obstetrician-gynecologist for the first time in her third year of university to avoid major competition schedules, said, "At first, I experienced side effects such as nausea that made training difficult, but after trial and error, including switching to low-dose birth control pills, I found a medication that suits me." In response, Professor Sunaga advised, "Birth control pills are medicine, not nutritional supplements, so you must inform your doctor of your symptoms and get prescribed medication that is right for you."

The issue of communication with male coaches was also addressed. Igarashi stated that she has never had such conversations with her partner Watanabe Yuta, but noted that a past coach in Malaysia opened the door to communication by casually asking, "Is today Girl's Day?" Professor Sunaga emphasized that women's menstruation is a core element of conditioning alongside training, diet, and sleep, urging the building of trust with coaches.

They also shared tips on overall conditioning. Tanaka said, "I determine my wake-up and bedtime by working backward to ensure 8 hours of deep sleep," while Igarashi explained, "I have anemia, so I consistently consume iron through meals."

In the Q&A session at the end of the event, the two athletes offered warm advice to those who feel frustrated by restrictions on training during their period. Igarashi answered, "It's a perfect score if you are kind to yourself and adjust your mood by thinking, 'There are days like this too.'" Tanaka also conveyed the importance of mind control, saying, "Don't blame yourself too much; try to be satisfied at the level where you can think, 'This is my best effort.'"

Following Igarashi's remark that it was a great learning experience as she may become a coach in the future, Tanaka added, "I hope today's lecture helps even just one person."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original