Table 2 Reasons that were mentioned not to report absence of menstruation (in bold; most important factors according to the corresponding group)
From: Absence of menstruation in female athletes: why they do not seek help
Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
|---|---|---|
Is not seen as a problem | Fear of something serious | Do not worry |
It is not known what consequences will be later in life | ‘Denial’ | Perceiving it as normal |
Will go away, general practitioner says ‘it is part of the game’ | Thinking it is normal | Experiencing no menstruation as convenient |
Little attention from mentors for this problem (in certain sports/certain federations) | Shame and taboo | Showing you are fit |
No direct supervision of team doctor (in certain sports/levels) | Little confidence in Western healthcare | No desire to have children |
Sign of getting in shape | Ignorance | Not easy to discuss with (male) trainers |
Appears to be reversible, therefore less worries | Not common for coaches to ask about it | |
Difference between top-level sports and recreational sports: detect and report subtle signals | Other priorities | |
Shame | More common among teammates | |
Not wanting to hear it/denial | ||
Seeking help late by athletes in general |