Physical Activity and the Menstrual Cycle: A Mixed-Methods Study of Women’s Experiences

The menstrual cycle is an important biological process in women that associated with a range of physical symptoms, which can shape how think, feel, and participate activities daily life. This study employed mixed-methods design to investigate adult women’s activity throughout the cycle. One hundred twenty-eight participants completed online questionnaire explored events (e.g., bleeding, pain, fatigue) activity. Semistructured interviews 21 respondents unpacked individual experiences From data, 44 were categorized as avoiders 84 nonavoiders due events. Avoiders reported longer periods, heavier flow, higher levels fatigue pain compared nonavoiders. Interviews revealed avoidance ranged from complete adaptation types exercise). Reasons for included personal thoughts, concerns about other people’s views period. present findings emphasize importance not only evaluating prevalent but also unpacking perspectives established societal norms better understand normalize