Abstract:

The intensity of training and diets in female athletes with intensive training may affect the menstruation. The purpose of this study is to examine the menstruation information of women athletes in different branches in terms of different variables. Research engaged in sports in different parts of Turkey; Handball (n=15), football (n=9), wrestling (n=19) and taekwondo (n=26) total (n=72) female athletes participated. 42 of these athletes were elite athletes and 30 were sub-elite athletes. In this research, data were collected through individual interview using qualitative research methodology. The survey consisting of questions including menstruation, nutrition and some demographic information was created by the researcher by making use of similar studies in the related literature. According to the research findings, there were statistically significant differences found between the elite and the sub-elite female athletes in terms of the frequency of training and the intensity of the training (p <0.001). There was also a significant difference between the elite and sub-elite female athletes in the menstruation period (p <0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a weak positive correlation between the sports branches and the dysmenorrhea variables in the menstruation period (r =, 470, p <0.01). When the performed correlation analyses considered in sub-elite women athletes, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the sport and menstruation period during training (r = 447, p <0.01), and a significant negative correlation between training and training severity in menstruation (r = -, 685, p <0.01). As a result, it can be said that elite female athletes have more intensive and intense training than the sub-elite female athletes. Besides, the age of menarche has been observed in elite athletes. When we look at the eating habits of the athletes about nutrition, it was seen that the athletes had lower breakfast and the fast-food habits than the sub-elite athletes.

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