Puberty & periods: How to normalise the area for young girls and what happens when it's done right

Female Athlete Podcast

*SEASON 1 FINAL EPISODE!
We've dedicated the final episode of series 1 to puberty- we've all been through it or are currently going through it- it's a tough time so we decided to bring on some guests and reminisce about our own journeys through adolescence, from starting our periods, to being terrified of white shorts, hiding sanitary pads deep in our school bags and what is currently being done in schools and sports clubs to help young girls navigate through this time.
We believe more needs be done to normalise the area and we discuss how this can be achieved. If you are a parent or coach of younger athletes this episode could be the one for you!
We spend time discussing the challenges for girls going through puberty and the obstacles they face to sports participation and why we’re seeing high drop out rates in this age group. Our guests today are Mel Benson, Head of St George’s Middle School for girls and rising star Mia Slevin and her swimming coach Jamie Main about how a coach and athlete can face the changing hormones and transition through puberty together whilst training at a high level.
As ever if you have a question about the female body or about any of the topics we’ve discussed in series 1 please get in touch with us at [e-mail] or through our social media channels and we’ll be sure to get back in touch with you. Also if there are any suggestions for topics you’d like us to tackle in series 2 please send those through too- we’d love to hear from you.

We’d like to thank the Physiological Society for their funding and enabling this podcast to go ahead.

Resources:
Puberty explained: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/stages-of-puberty-what-happens-to-boys-and-girls/
Starting your period: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/
Can broadcasters make space for women’s golf? https://www.womenandgolf.com/news/features/7936-can-broadcasters-make-space-for-women-s-golf
Fair Play podcast, the Women in Sport show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08hbbnp/episodes/downloads
Judy Murray Foundation: https://judymurrayfoundation.com
*Disclaimer: Materials and content in the Female Athlete Podcast are intended as general information only and should not be substituted for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.