The impact of perimenopause and menopause on female equestrian riders’ performance and participation

Bradley, Stephanie and Mills, Claire ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4156-4593 (2025) The impact of perimenopause and menopause on female equestrian riders’ performance and participation. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 33. pp. 1-19. (In Press)

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Abstract

Background: Understanding the impact of menopause (M) and perimenopause (P) symptoms with female equestrian riders is crucial as it potentially affects not only sports performance due to physiological and cognitive changes, but also psychological well-being. However, there is limited research relating to the impact and its implication for the future success of female equestrianism. Aims: This study explored the perceived effect and influence of P and M on female equestrian rider participation and performance and identified the challenges they experienced to help improve coach awareness and support. Methods: n = 1,629 female participants from a broad range of equestrian disciplines aged between 21 and 73 years of age (M ± SD age = 51.86 ± 14.95 years), who were within or beyond P or M, were recruited. An online non-validated questionnaire was administered via the Facebook platform. Descriptive statistics and thematic coding were used for further analysis and interpretation. Results: Key themes included: (1) Physical discomfort and health changes, including joint pain (74%), weight gain (66%), and decreased physical strength (71%), affect riding ability and enjoyment; (2) mental health and emotional well-being, with sleeplessness (74%), anxiety (78%), and a loss of confidence (76%); (3) riding confidence and ability, with a decrease in riding confidence (75%), particularly around jumping and faster work, with fears of injury and a longer healing process, with 50% jumper/eventers opting for less risky disciplines or reducing the intensity of their riding; (4) support and awareness suggested there was a lack of support regarding M within the female equestrian community; and finally (5) hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had alleviated symptoms that interfere with riding and daily life. Conclusion: The P and M experience for female equestrians is complex and can negatively impact performance and participation of female equestrians.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology Q Science > QP Physiology > QP301.H75 Physiology. Sport
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education, Health and Sciences
Depositing User:	Claire Mills
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2025 09:40
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2025 09:40
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15272

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