The workshop, titled "Training with the menstrual cycle and not against it: performance, health, and sports planning," focused on aspects of physiology, nutrition, supplementation, and performance optimization during the different phases of the cycle.
The event was attended by the Vice-Minister of Physical Activity and Sports, Ángel Sabroso, and the Councilor for Sports of the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Alicia Cebrián, who highlighted the importance of this initiative in breaking silences and taboos in women's sports.
Dr. Paloma Suárez, a specialist in sports medicine at the Vithas Las Palmas University Hospital, noted that female hormones can be a "competitive advantage" and that "each hormone, each phase has a purpose."
Dr. Mariela Navarro, a gynecologist at Vithas Tenerife Hospital, emphasized that "menstruation should not be a topic alien to sports" and that understanding hormonal variations allows athletes to better comprehend their sensations and performance.
A warning was issued about potential menstrual cycle irregularities, such as irregular periods or absence of menstruation, resulting from high training loads and inadequate nutrition, stressing that "this should not be considered normal due to sports participation."
This training is part of the Vithas Aula Salud program and the medical-sports recognition initiatives subsidized by the Government of the Canary Islands for High-Performance Athletes (DAR) and Native High-Level Athletes (DAAN).
The Santa Cruz Tenerife Echeyde club specifically requested this training, considered fundamental for athletes to learn to recognize their cycle, identify warning signs, and consult with professionals for smarter and healthier training.
