Understanding Menstrual Cycle Health in Dance
As a former professional dancer, now dedicated to women’s health, I understand the unique physical and emotional demands that come with a life in dance. Dance, especially at the professional level, requires not just artistry but also an exceptional degree of physical fitness. Yet, there is one aspect of health that often goes overlooked or misunderstood in this world—menstrual cycle health. This issue is particularly pressing for female professional dancers and elite young female dance students.
The Hidden Struggles Behind the Curtain
From my time as a dancer, I recall the unspoken rule that one’s body must perform flawlessly, regardless of what was happening internally. This expectation often leads dancers to downplay or even ignore the natural rhythms of their bodies, including the menstrual cycle. I remember my pride over how well I could control my body and override my needs day to day. However, the reality is that the pressures of dance can profoundly impact menstrual health especially in the long term.
For many female dancers, the rigorous training schedules, strict dietary controls, time spent away from home and travelling, and in some cases the demand for low body weight either explicitly or culturally, can lead to menstrual irregularities or even amenorrhea—the absence of menstruation. These issues are not just inconvenient; they are red flags indicating that the body is under significant stress.
The Consequences of Menstrual Suppression
While it may seem like a relief to some dancers to avoid the discomfort of menstruation, the long-term consequences can be severe. Chronic menstrual suppression can result in decreased bone density, increasing the risk of stress fractures—a common and debilitating injury in dancers. Additionally, the hormonal imbalances associated with menstrual irregularities can lead to mood disturbances, fatigue, and decreased performance.
For young elite dance students, these challenges can be even more pronounced. During adolescence, the body is still developing, and the pressures of dance can interfere with this critical period of growth. Disrupting the menstrual cycle during the five formative years after the first period (menarche) can have lasting effects on reproductive health, potentially leading to fertility issues later in life.
The Role of Menstruation in Building Bone Mineral Density
Low Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is associated with a high risk of osteoporosis in later life, and it is during the 5 years post menarche that the majority of total BMD is formed. Reducing the risk of osteoporosis is a consideration for all women, but may hold a particular emotional weight for women who move and use their bodies regularly. Emphasising the importance of maintaining a regular menstrual cycle in young people is therefore of extra importance.
Breaking the Silence: Prioritising Menstrual Health in Dance
Given these risks, it is crucial to foster an environment where menstrual health is openly discussed and prioritised. This begins with education—both for dancers and for those who support them. Understanding that menstruation is not just a “woman’s issue” but a vital sign of overall health is the first step. Coaches, teachers, and even fellow dancers need to recognise the importance of a healthy menstrual cycle as a key component of a dancer’s well-being.
It’s also important to reframe the way we think about weight and body composition in dance. While maintaining a certain physique may be important for some roles, this should never come at the expense of health. Encouraging a more balanced approach to nutrition and training can help protect dancers from the negative impacts of overtraining and under-eating.
Embracing the Rhythm of the Body
As a women’s health professional, I now see the importance of embracing the natural rhythms of the body, rather than fighting against them. For dancers, this means recognizing that the menstrual cycle is not an inconvenience but a powerful indicator of health and vitality. By aligning training and nutrition with the phases of the menstrual cycle, dancers can actually enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
In conclusion, it is time for the dance community to take menstrual health seriously. By supporting dancers in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle, we can help them achieve longevity in their careers and safeguard their long-term well-being. After all, true artistry comes not just from the movements we create on stage, but from the care we give to the bodies that make those movements possible.
References
Ito, M., Yamada, M., Hayashi, K. et al. Relation of early menarche to high bone mineral density. Calcif Tissue Int 57, 11–14 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00298989
Shea, K.L., Gavin, K.M., Melanson, E.L., Gibbons, E., Stavros, A., Wolfe, P., Kittelson, J.M., Vondracek, S.F., Schwartz, R.S., Wierman, M.E. and Kohrt, W.M., 2015. Body composition and bone mineral density after ovarian hormone suppression with or without estradiol treatment. Menopause, 22(10), pp.1045-1052.
Lovick, T.A., Guapo, V.G., Anselmo-Franci, J.A., Loureiro, C.M., Faleiros, M.C.M., Del Ben, C.M. and Brandão, M.L., 2017. A specific profile of luteal phase progesterone is associated with the development of premenstrual symptoms. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 75, pp.83-90.
