Two-time world champion Tyler Wright has revealed she needed hospitalisation three days before the last World Surf League event due to career-long menstrual issues.
Preparing for the next stop on the Championship Tour in El Salvador starting on Friday, Wright used her social media to open up on the crippling pain that has left her at times bedridden since her teenage years.
Currently ranked world No.2, Wright was eliminated in the first round at the Surf Ranch Pro at the Californian wave pool last week but revealed said she had to seek medical treatment leading into the event.
She said she had to rely on pain-killers each month.
"It’s hard when you put so much work into something, you feel great and then you have a period so horrible it hospitalises you three days out from an event," the 29-year-old posted on Instagram.
"Competing after those three days of being mostly bedridden and unable to eat was the harsh reality of navigating my period while meeting requirements in my professional career."
Wright explained managing her menstrual cycle had been a "journey" but she felt more in tune with her body than when she was a teenager.
She recognised pushing herself through this time made her more prone to injury.
"I’ve come a long way from my teen years, not even knowing it wasn’t normal to suffer monthly excruciating pain that would lead to passing out, vomiting and hours on the toilet.
"These days my period management looks like a customised training program based around the 4 menstrual stages, listening and planning carefully for what my body needs - even if that means less time practising in the water before comps, prioritising sleep and recovery leading up to my period and being aware this is the time I am at highest risk of injury."
Wright said she had the option to have surgery but it wasn't a guaranteed solution and would require time off the circuit.
The NSW south coast ace is attempting to maintain her top-five ranking so she can compete in the WSL Finals in September in California where the world title will be decided.
