For elite athletes, periods are still a question mark

Jerilynn Prior, UBC endocrinology professor and director of UBC’s Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, was interviewed for a Vice story on the impact of periods on elite female athletes.

Prior said athletes should avoid combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) like the pill and the ring, which contain both synthetic progesterone and synthetic estrogen and take oral progesterone to regulate their cycle instead.

“I believe that athletes who use CHC for treatment or contraception are being unwise,” Prior said, citing research that suggests it interferes with menstrual cycle functions crucial for fertility, bone health, and cardiovascular fitness.

Prior also spoke to Yahoo Finance and Yahoo News, for a story on mobile apps designed to help women track their menstrual cycles and fertility.