Amber Glenn Wants to Break the Ice About Periods: ‘Crazy That Such a Normal Part of Our Lives Can Be So Shocking’ (Exclusive)

**Amber Glenn Discusses Competing on Her Period at the Olympics, Encouraging Open Dialogue Among Athletes**

Amber Glenn, the accomplished figure skater and Olympic gold medalist, recently made headlines not just for her athletic prowess but for her candid discussion about the challenges female athletes face, particularly while on their period. Following her emotionally charged performance in the short program at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Glenn took the opportunity to address this often-taboo subject, igniting a global conversation about menstruation in professional sports.

After finishing 13th in her Olympic event, Glenn revealed her menstrual status during a live interview with a French media outlet. “I am on my period right now,” the 26-year-old athlete stated. “So it’s always really hard, especially when you’re wearing something like this and you have to perform in front of the world. That’s hard, and we don’t talk about it.” This candid admission resonated with many, as it highlighted a shared experience among female athletes that is seldom discussed publicly.

To further the dialogue on periods in sports, Glenn has joined forces with Kotex, a brand that has introduced new products aimed at providing comfort and confidence to active women. “I’m so happy to be partnering with Kotex because they’re designed to give the protection and confidence that we need when we’re trying to focus on doing something really important,” she expressed in a recent interview.

Glenn firmly believes that the stigma surrounding menstruation in athletics must be dismantled. She noted a scarcity of information and support for female athletes dealing with period symptoms compared to other physical injuries. “There’s always, like, a guide to how do we get back to feeling our best and feeling confident enough to tackle the next goal? And, you know, periods are not really included in that,” she pointed out.

Her own experiences during the Olympics further underscore the need for open conversations among athletes and their teams. Glenn shared an anecdote of a teammate who also faced the challenge of competing while on her period. With a portable heating pad that Glenn offered, her teammate found considerable relief, demonstrating how simple solutions can significantly ease discomfort during pivotal moments.

To manage her own symptoms, Glenn has developed techniques that allow her to perform despite her discomfort. Engaging in physical activity helps to distract her from symptoms, and once the performance is over, she often resorts to a long, hot shower and stretching to alleviate any residual pain. She acknowledged the added pressures that period symptoms can bring, particularly when it comes to body image and performance attire. “Feeling bloated can be a liability when your wardrobe consists of tight-fitting leotards,” she explained.

With over a decade of experience managing her periods as an athlete, Glenn advises fellow competitors to remember their hard work and dedication in the face of body image concerns. “Just remember all the hard work you’ve put in to being where you are as an athlete, and this is the body that has gotten you to that point,” she encourages.

Now that the Olympics are behind her, Glenn is taking some time to rest at home, where she proudly displays her gold medal. Yet, she remains focused on her mission to normalise discussions about menstruation in sports. “I’ve always been a very open and honest person; that’s just how I’ve been, very authentic with what’s going on,” she commented.

Glenn’s commitment to these conversations extends beyond her own experiences and competitions. With the World Figure Skating Championships set to commence on March 24, she intends to continue advocating for awareness and understanding of menstrual health in sports—and to encourage other female athletes to feel comfortable discussing this aspect of their lives.

In a world where female athletes often face the pressure to perform flawlessly under scrutiny, Amber Glenn’s willingness to speak out about her experiences on the ice is a refreshing reminder of the real-life hurdles many athletes encounter. As she gears up for her next challenge, Glenn’s message remains clear: open dialogue about periods in sports is essential and deserves a rightful place in the conversation.