SSN stars talk periods with HCF

By Sophie Taylor

With research continuously developing in the women’s health space, HCF Health Insurance Australia sat down with Suncorp Super Netball players to have an open conversation about periods, and how they can impact players both on and off the court.

The discussion, facilitated by Yumi Stynes, delved into the different experiences of the four players involved, and how being an elite athlete can impact on their menstruation cycle.

Adelaide Thunderbirds’ Tayla Williams was frank with how her period has impacted her in the past.

“The biggest thing I struggled with for a long time was not knowing what was happening to me and when,” Williams said.

“Why do I feel like this? Why am I not sleeping? Why am I so fatigued? Why am I so different to everyone else? When I was growing up, it wasn't spoken about.”

An Endometriosis diagnosis clarified things for Williams, who has found ways to manage her pain. However, more still needs to be done in the education space.

“If I had, had more education, I can pretty confidently say I would have had a diagnosis sooner,” Williams said.

Melbourne Mavericks’ Tayla Fraser spoke of the value of having coaches who understand how stages of the cycle can impact athletes differently.

“(You can’t) lift weights as heavy in the last week because you're having huge drops in certain hormones in your body,” Fraser explained.

“Having more strength and conditioning coaches in sport that have a great understanding of that can help us as athletes.”

Melbourne Vixens goal attack Kiera Austin touched on managing pain alongside other external impacts such as travel.

“With travel and playing elite sport, there's always going to be a bit of irregular periods,” Austin said.

“You need to turn up and train and it's just expected of you… growing up, you probably just get told, suck it up. Just get on with it, that sort of thing.”

Queensland Firebirds midcourter Macy Gardner agreed.

“I get lower back pain,” Gardner explained.

“Having to manage that when you're going out and trying to perform on court as well is quite difficult.

“I think it's important to know not everyone's pain is the same. So being told ‘you'll be right’ sometimes isn't the answer that you need.”

Watch the full video and get more information on important women’s health topics at HCF's Health Hub.