Katherine Smith, a dedicated player for the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the AFL Women’s league, has been waging a private battle alongside her public athletic career. For the past eight years, Smith has contended with the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis, a condition that affects approximately one in seven women globally. Despite the severe pain, she has continued to perform at an elite level, a testament to her resilience and determination.
From intense training sessions to high-stakes game days, Smith has endured painful cramps, migraines, and heavy menstrual bleeding. “It got really bad between when I was 20 and 23, where I was basically permanently bleeding,” Smith revealed in an interview with ABC Sport. The severity of her symptoms often forced her to change uniforms mid-game, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of her condition.
Understanding Endometriosis and Its Impact on Athletes
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing significant pain and complications. Despite its prevalence, it often takes years for women to receive a proper diagnosis. Smith’s journey to diagnosis took longer than average, as she was only diagnosed three years ago, despite years of suffering.
According to Endometriosis Australia, common symptoms include fatigue, severe period pain, and irregular bleeding, all of which can severely impact an athlete’s performance. Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani, the medical director of Endometriosis Australia, emphasized the importance of recognizing that “pain interfering with your life is never normal.”
“Pain that stops you from going to work, stops you from going to university, needs to be investigated.” — Dr. Anusch Yazdani
Changing the Narrative in Women’s Sports
The AFLW and other sporting bodies are beginning to address the challenges faced by female athletes with menstrual health issues. Jess Cunningham, a sports exercise and pelvic health physiotherapist, has been instrumental in this shift. She has worked with multiple AFLW clubs, including the Giants, to screen athletes for menstrual health issues and provide necessary support.
“We screen all the athletes around menstrual health, pelvic health, and breast health,” Cunningham explained. This proactive approach allows teams to identify players who may need further medical intervention and support, thereby improving their overall well-being and performance on the field.
Smith acknowledges that the delay in her diagnosis was not due to negligence but rather a lack of awareness and open discussion about menstrual health in sports. “Once we had Jess come on board and be open about the fact that irregular periods, severe cramping, that’s not okay, that really hit home for me,” she said.
The Physical and Mental Toll of Endometriosis
For athletes like Smith, the impact of endometriosis extends beyond physical pain. The condition can also take a mental toll, as athletes struggle to balance their health with their professional commitments. Giants AFLW and netball head physiotherapist Gemma Vale emphasizes the importance of individualized training programs that accommodate athletes’ health needs.
“There is a bit of a push for modifying training around different phases of the cycle,” Vale noted. “But I think we do need to be very individualized in what they need, whether it’s [adapting] volume of training [or] what they’re lifting in the gym.”
Smith’s journey underscores the need for greater awareness and support for female athletes dealing with endometriosis. Her story is a powerful reminder that acknowledging and addressing health issues can lead to improved performance and well-being.
Looking Ahead: Normalizing Conversations About Women’s Health
Smith’s experience has galvanized her to advocate for more open discussions about women’s health in sports. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help normalize conversations around conditions like endometriosis, ensuring that future generations of athletes do not have to suffer in silence.
“Irregular periods, severe cramping, back pain, it isn’t normal,” Smith asserted. “As high achievers, people want to be like, ‘I’m fine, I’m going to keep pushing,’ because you want to be the best you can. But that first step of acknowledging it is not normal and that we can do something to fix it, is important.”
As the sporting world continues to evolve, the inclusion of comprehensive health support for female athletes will be crucial. Smith’s courage in sharing her battle with endometriosis is paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding environment in women’s sports.
