MENSTRUAL DYSFUNCTION (PART I): Living with endometriosis, plus conversation on ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometrial polyps Artwork

Female Athlete Podcast

The Female Athlete Podcast is here to shine a light and bring focus to topics around the female body and sport and exercise which have originally gone under the radar. We'll be tackling everything from the menstrual cycle and how it affects every day women to how it impacts on sporting performance- including issues such as contraception, bone health and female physiology. Presented by three curious young women; journalist Lucy Lomax, Dr Georgie Bruinvels and Dr Jess Piasecki, this podcast isn't just for female athletes, it's for women who want to learn more about their bodies. Join us as we attempt to open up the conversation.

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Female Athlete Podcast

MENSTRUAL DYSFUNCTION (PART I): Living with endometriosis, plus conversation on ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometrial polyps

June 19, 2020 • Female Athlete Podcast • Season 1 • Episode 11

It's a topic which doesn't get a lot of air time but as women we believe it's vitally important to have an awareness of this under-discussed and under-reported area: Menstrual dysfunctions.

In fact, we believe this topic is so important we've dedicated two episodes to it.

In 'Part I' we talk about endometriosis: What is is, symptoms, treatment options and why awareness is key to helping diagnosis. In two very honest interviews we speak to elite athletes Elinor Barker and Sarah McDonald who share their stories with the condition, from their struggles and symptoms before being diagnosed, to life after having a laparoscopy, the effects endometriosis has had on their lives, plus advice for others suffering with the condition.

We also discuss ovarian cysts, endometrial polyps and fibroids: What they are, how common, symptoms and treatment options.

*Please note: Due to time restrictions, the interviews with Elinor and Sarah had to be cut down significantly. If you would like to hear the interviews in full, please head to the Female Athlete Podcast YouTube page where you'll find the conversations in full including the background of the two athletes, how they've coped with lockdown and when they think their sport will be back up and running. Plus more honest conversations about endometriosis and why we need to increase awareness about the condition.

*Female Athlete Podcast YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2Nd9OG0

In 'Question Time' this week we discuss which sanitary protection might be best to use during ultra endurance events if you find yourself on your period on race day. If you have any experiences you'd like to share around this area or suggestions on the best protection to use, please email us at femaleathletepodcast@gmail.com- we'd love to hear from you.

If you have any questions around the area of menstrual dysfunction or the female body in general, please contact us on Twitter @female_pod or Instagram @femaleathletepodcast or email us your questions at femaleathletepodcast@gmail.com.

Resources:
Outnumbered or not, sportswomen are leading the way in addressing racism worldwide:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/womens-sport/2020/06/12/outnumbered-not-sportswomen-leading-way-addressing-racism-worldwide/

Menstrual cups: 13 of the best for people who have periods
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/g23117116/menstrual-cups/

Menstrual Cup options:
MoonCup: https://www.mooncup.co.uk
Lunette: https://uk.lunette.com
OrganiCup: https://www.organicup.com

*Disclaimer: Materials and content in the Female Athlete Podcast are intended as general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.