Balancing Sports & Periods: A Teen's Guide to Staying Active and Confident

Being an athlete doesn't stop when your period starts, and your period shouldn't stop you from being active! Whether you're on the swim team, play soccer, or just love hitting the gym, managing your period during sports can feel overwhelming at first. The good news? With the right preparation and products, you can stay active and confident throughout your entire cycle.

At RedDrop, we believe that periods should never sideline you from doing what you love. That's why we've created solutions specifically designed for active teens who refuse to let their cycle slow them down.

Understanding Your Body During Exercise

Your menstrual cycle affects more than just your period week. Throughout your entire cycle, hormone fluctuations can impact your energy levels, strength, and recovery time. Understanding these changes helps you work with your body instead of against it.

During Your Period (Days 1-5): Your estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, which can make you feel more tired than usual. However, many athletes actually find they have better pain tolerance during this time. The key is listening to your body and adjusting intensity when needed.

Post-Period Energy Boost (Days 6-14): This is often when you'll feel strongest! Rising estrogen levels can increase your energy and help with muscle recovery. Take advantage of this time for more intense training sessions.

Product Choices That Actually Work for Athletes

Traditional period products weren't designed with athletes in mind. That's why choosing the right protection is crucial for staying comfortable during sports.

For Swimming and Water Sports: Swimming during your period used to mean sitting on the sidelines or dealing with uncomfortable tampons. RedDrop's new swimwear period line changes everything! Our period swimwear provides reliable protection that moves with your body, whether you're doing laps, playing water tag, or just enjoying time at the beach. The built-in protection means no strings, no shifting, and no worrying about leaks while you focus on your performance.These high-rise, full coverage underwear have a Dry-Tech mesh and cotton gusset that can hold up to 4 light tampons of flow! 

For High-Impact Sports: Sports like basketball, soccer, and track require products that stay in place during intense movement. Look for period products specifically designed for active bodies. RedDrop's athletic-friendly pads are created with teen athletes in mind, providing secure protection that won't shift during quick direction changes or jumps.

For Everyday Training Your daily gym sessions or practice don't have to change because of your period. The right products will feel so comfortable, you'll forget you're even wearing them. This is especially important for teens whose bodies are still growing and changing.

Timing Your Workouts Around Your Cycle

You don't have to avoid exercise during your period, but smart timing can help you feel your best:

Light Movement Days: On heavy flow days or when cramps are bothering you, gentle movement like walking, yoga, or light stretching can actually help reduce discomfort. The endorphins from exercise are natural pain relievers!

Power Through Days: When you're feeling strong (often mid-cycle), take advantage of that energy for your most challenging workouts. Your body is literally designed to handle more during certain phases.

Rest When You Need It: Some days, your body needs rest more than movement. There's nothing wrong with taking a lighter training day when your period symptoms are more intense. Elite athletes do this too!

Practical Tips for Game Day and Competitions

Having your period during a big game or competition doesn't have to be stressful with the right preparation:

Pack Extra Supplies: Always bring more period products than you think you'll need. Stress and physical activity can sometimes make periods heavier or more unpredictable.

Warm-Up Mindfully: Gentle movement before intense activity can help reduce cramping. Use your warm-up time to assess how your body is feeling and adjust your game plan if needed.

Stay Hydrated: You're already losing fluids through your period, so proper hydration becomes even more important during sports. This also helps reduce bloating and cramping.

Have a Backup Plan: Know where the nearest restroom is located, and don't be afraid to communicate with coaches about bathroom breaks if needed. Your health comes first.

Dealing with Period Symptoms During Sports

Cramping During Activity: Light movement often helps reduce cramps, but severe cramping during sports isn't something to push through. Gentle stretching or applying heat after activity can provide relief.

Fatigue and Low Energy: It's normal to feel less energetic during your period. Adjust your training intensity rather than skipping activity entirely. Sometimes a lighter workout feels better than no workout at all.

Bloating and Discomfort: Choose looser-fitting workout clothes during your period if regular athletic wear feels too tight. Compression can sometimes make period bloating feel worse.

Building Confidence in Your Athletic Body

Your period is a sign that your body is healthy and working exactly as it should. Many teen athletes worry that periods will hurt their performance, but plenty of Olympic athletes and professional players have achieved their best results while menstruating.

Learning to manage your period as an athlete is a skill, just like perfecting your serve or improving your mile time. It takes practice, but once you find what works for your body, your period becomes just another part of your routine.

At RedDrop, we're here to support active teens through every part of their cycle. Whether you're diving into the pool with our new period swimwear or hitting the track with confidence, we believe every teen athlete deserves products that keep up with their active lifestyle.

Your period doesn't define your limits as an athlete. You do.