Megan Hamer-Evans in canoe

How research evidence is helping to end period shame in Wales

21 December

A review of evidence in Wales has found more research needs to be done into the impact of periods on exercise to help develop better ways of supporting those who menstruate.

Despite available support aimed at encouraging women into sport, work from the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre has found a “distinct lack of evidence” specifically addressing managing exercise throughout the menstrual cycle.

The report, which investigated ways people who menstruate are supported to exercise, also highlighted a lack of research into the support available for ethnic minorities and non-binary individuals.

Launched in 2023, the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre was created to provide Ministers and other decision-makers with vital research evidence to tackle health and social care challenges facing Wales.

Developed to support Welsh Government’s aim of achieving period dignity in Wales, the Centre’s report will help address Action 10 of the Period Proud Wales Action Plan, which hopes to improve and maintain participation in exercise.

Menstrual health is also a key focus of the Women’s Health Plan for Wales, launched this week, which highlights Welsh Government’s £9 million investment into reducing period poverty.

Alison Cooper, Associate Director of the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, said: “Insufficient physical activity is a significant risk factor for many diseases including diabetes and cancer, with the number of women not meeting recommended levels being 5% higher than men. No-one should be disadvantaged because of their period.

“It’s fantastic the Centre helped to inform the Period Proud Wales Action Plan. It’s clear we have some work to do understanding the impact of the menstrual cycle on physical activity to better support those who menstruate. This work will help us plan future research.”

Dr Steven Macey, a Senior Research Officer at Welsh Government working on the project, said: “Welsh Government is working alongside Sport Wales to understand the impact of periods on sports participation and develop a set of actions to address identified challenges.

“Using the vital information provided by the Evidence Centre, alongside other evidence we’re currently collecting, we can arrive at a more complete idea of how we can work towards improving and maintaining participation levels for those who menstruate.”

Megan Hamer-Evans, Development Co-ordinator - Youth Engagement and Communications, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Wales, said: “With a background in elite sport, where I represented Great Britain in Canoe Slalom, I have witnessed firsthand the significant knowledge gap and lack of tailored support for women and girls in managing their menstrual health while participating in physical activity. This issue often goes unaddressed, despite its impact on performance and confidence in sport.

“In my professional role with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, I work with a diverse group of young people across Wales. Many girls and young women I engage with, frequently highlight the challenges they face in managing their periods while participating in physical activity and during the expedition component of the Award. These experiences underline the importance of creating accessible solutions and providing education on menstrual health to support their participation.”

Megan in her canoe
Megan Hamer-Evans in canoe slalom

You can read the full report on the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre website and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about new studies from the Centre.