Introduction:
In the sport of volleyball, the physical and mental preparation of players is crucial for optimal performance. However, since most of the research on the sport is conducted on men, there is a lack of knowledge regarding women-specific demands in the sport, and the impact of the menstrual cycle is often underestimated. While some research on this topic has been conducted by Turkish and British study groups, there remains a scarcity of studies worldwide, including in Poland, that address the ailments associated with the menstrual cycle.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of menstrual cycle ailments on performance efficiency and participation in training and competitions among female players registered in the Polish Volleyball Association (PZPS).

Material and Methods:
Female players registered in the PZPS, including those from the Tauron League, the First Women’s League, and the Second Women’s League, were invited to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of five sections that gathered information on players’ characteristics, including age, level of competition, training data, menstrual cycle data, and related ailments.

Results:
A total of 158 players participated in the study. The results revealed that the majority of female athletes (94%) experience ailments related to the menstrual cycle, which also impact their performance efficiency. The impact is primarily negative for 62% of participants, but 16% also reported a positive impact. Around 80% of the players stated that physical activity has a positive or neutral effect on their well-being. Despite the negative ailments and the negative impact on performance efficiency, all players reported always participating in training and competitions. The only difference observed was that more players participated in competitions (87 players) compared to training (81 players).

Conclusions:
The study findings indicate that despite the frequent occurrence of ailments related to the menstrual cycle, female volleyball players do not refrain from engaging in physical activity. Furthermore, the varying impact on performance efficiency typically does not deter their participation in training and competitions. However, due to the diverse experiences of menstrual cycle ailments, support and understanding from coaches are crucial for the athletes’ journey toward success in sports. Including considerations of the menstrual cycle in training preparation is an essential aspect of optimizing players’ performance.