Female athletes need evidence that actually represents them
This narrative review examined 147 papers on participation, physiology, age, pacing, motivation and performance differences between women and men across triathlon distances. It documents growing female participation while identifying major gaps around menstrual health, hormones, pregnancy and post-partum performance.
Use population averages as context, not a reason to impose sex-based pace or training limits on an individual. Programme from the athlete's history and response; track symptoms and recovery; and involve an appropriately qualified clinician when menstrual health, pregnancy, iron status or other medical concerns affect training.
The review combines heterogeneous studies and reports substantial under-representation, so many conclusions remain incomplete. It is not a personalised medical protocol. Read the review boundaries in the PubMed record.