Actor Saiyami Kher has achieved what few have dared to attempt, completing the grueling Ironman 70.3 Triathlon not once, but twice within a single year. Even more remarkable, the second time around, she raced while on her period and battling Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that causes unpredictable menstrual cycles and other health challenges.
Overcoming PCOS and race-day periods
The Ironman 70.3 is no ordinary competition-it demands a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km cycling course, and a 21.1 km run. This year’s race took place in Jönköping, Sweden, under harsh weather conditions. Saiyami shared that the timing of her cycle was far from ideal. “It was the last day of my period. Though the pain was milder, I still felt bloated, heavy, and slower,” she revealed.
Saiyami, 33, emphasised that the discomfort was real but not insurmountable. She highlighted how many women continue to perform, work, and care for others despite period symptoms. “We’ve learned how to keep going even with discomfort in the background,” she said.
From sports hiatus to Ironman comeback
Saiyami has been athletic since childhood, having played badminton and cricket competitively. But in June 2023, a serious bike accident left her physically and mentally shaken. With six stitches, a broken rib, and a long recovery, she found herself drifting away from her passion for fitness.
“I did nothing for eight months. It was making me irritated and uneasy,” she admitted. In early 2024, she decided the only way to reclaim her confidence was to sign up for something monumental, the Ironman Triathlon.
The power of mindset and preparation
Despite the added challenge of her period, Saiyami stayed determined. For comfort and peace of mind, she relied on a menstrual cup she had trained with extensively, and chose a dark tri-suit to avoid worries about leaks. “Race day isn’t the time to experiment,” she advised, underscoring how crucial it is to trust your gear and body.
Saiyami credits self-talk and mindset for helping her push through moments of doubt and discomfort. On race morning, she felt cold, tired, and unsettled. But watching a visually impaired athlete preparing nearby gave her perspective and reminded her how resilient the human body can be.
Finishing faster than before
“Once I settled into the rhythm of the race, I remembered this wasn’t about perfection, it was about showing up,” she said. Remarkably, she crossed the finish line 32 minutes faster than in her previous attempt.
Saiyami’s journey is a powerful reminder that menstruation and hormonal conditions don’t have to hold women back from pursuing big goals. “Showing up on the hard days teaches me the most,” she reflected.
