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    Menstruation and anti-doping

    If you are selected for anti-doping testing and are having your period, it’s important to know the standard sample collection process still applies.

    Be assured, staff are trained and experienced to make the testing process as respectful and comfortable as possible for you. 

    Your menstrual cycle won’t affect sample analysis.

    You can learn more about the anti-doping testing process, including your rights and responsibilities.

     

    Here are some tips for tests during menstruation:

    You can

    • Tell the Doping Control Officer/Chaperone you are menstruating and seek their advice
    • Keep your sanitary product in place while providing a urine sample – it will not affect the sample
    • Ask to change your sanitary product
    • Ask for a support person to accompany you
    • Take as long as you need in sample collection.

     

    You can not

    • Refuse an anti-doping test
    • Seek modifications to the anti-doping test
    • Leave the supervision of testing staff to be alone/in private.

     

    Risks of common female medications and supplements

    Athletes always need to be cautious with any medications and supplements. 

    Some medications and supplements commonly used by female athletes may carry doping risks including, but not limited to:

    • Hormonal treatments (e.g. medications for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual disorders, endometriosis, perimenopause)
    • Contraceptives and fertility medications
    • Strong pain relief medications
    • Acne or dermatology treatments.

     

    Like all medications and supplements, athletes should first check they are permitted for use in sport. Banned substances and methods are on the WADA Prohibited List.

    You can also use the Sport Integrity App to:

    • Check a supplement to find independently batch-tested supplements and lower your doping risks
    • Check a medication to access the Global DRO database of permitted and banned substances.

    Top tips

    • Talk with your doctor or qualified health professional before using medications and supplements. You should also check them yourself on the Sport Integrity App
    • Remember, there are also rules about how medications and supplements are taken
    • Declare all medications and supplements you’re taking on your Doping Control form, including prescribed contraceptives. This can help avoid issues with sample analysis.

    Pregnancy, fertility treatment, hormone replacement therapy

    Pregnancy

    For anti-doping purposes, you do not need to disclose if you are, or suspect you are, pregnant. It is possible for pregnancy markers to show in your test sample, but this remains confidential and will not affect analysis.

    If you take time off sport because of pregnancy, it’s important to know that anti-doping responsibilities will still apply.

    Athletes are bound by anti-doping rules while ever they hold a sports membership, contract or athlete funding agreement. 

    This could be for the entirety of your pregnancy, even if you are not competing in the sport. 

    Check your specific athlete and membership requirements with your sport.

     

    Fertility treatment

    If you are planning in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or another type of fertility treatment, you may need to take medications that are banned in sport.

    For example, Clomiphene and Letrozole are 2 common medications used to treat PCOS and infertility, but both are banned for use in sport.

    If you need to take these medications, you will need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) before you start treatment.

    These WADA checklists help athletes and doctors understand the TUE requirements for:

    Not sure if you need a TUE?

    Check the requirements here:
    Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) | Sport Integrity Australia

    Hormone replacement therapy

    Some hormone replacement therapies use steroid hormones, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), that are banned in sport. It is important that you know exactly what is in any medication you are prescribed and you personally check whether it is allowed in sport.

    If you need this type of treatment or medication, you may need to apply for a TUE before you start treatment. It’s important you keep all medical records in case you need them to support a TUE application at any point.

    It is best to consult with doctors who specifically understand anti-doping responsibilities in sport. Some general health providers or clinics may not consider anti-doping requirements.

    For example, a health clinic may aim to re-establish hormone levels to what is considered 'normal' for the general public, without realising these substances may be performance-enhancing and prohibited in sport.

     

    Support

    For advice, contact Sport Integrity Australia’s science and medicine team by emailing:
    scienceandmedicineteam@sportintegrity.gov.au