Carolina Venturi, Period Pro: Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine at University of Houston
Carolina Venturi, Period Pro
By definition, equitable access to health care calls for fair allocation of resources and opportunities to each one of us in order to receive an equal outcome.
In the U.S.A., females constitute a powerhouse in the order of 169.9 million – a force influencing each and every social sphere. Over the course of their lifetimes, these females will menstruate for roughly 40 years and experience an average of 450 menstrual cycles. It goes without saying, menstrual health is integral to their overall well-being.
Unfortunately, 16.9 million of these menstruators face economic distress, and 11.1 million experience food insecurity. These burdens are not equally distributed among the female population and often impact menstrual health.
In fact, health organizations have recognized period poverty, or the lack of access to menstrual health education, menstrual hygiene products, and sanitation facilities and waste management. In truth, period poverty is an evitable inequity with significant detriment to menstruators’ well-being and unfavorable outcomes for our communities.
Why does equitable access to menstrual healthcare matter?
- Menstrual health education is dismal and leaves menstruators unnecessarily in the dark about their own health. (By the way, this is where the Period Education Project comes in – poke around the website and learn with us!)
Were you scared when you got your first period? You’re not alone! Studies asking menstruators about their first period reveal that the majority (66%) of teens describe their first period as “scary.” Not only did their period cause distress, 42% also felt unprepared for their first menstrual cycle. In fact, youth have expressed fears such as, “I thought I was dying” when describing their first cycle. Although menstruation continues into the fourth decade of life, and we often rely on our parents to lead the conversation about menstruation, 41% of adults feel uncomfortable discussing menstruation at home.
- Menstrual health affects physical health.
Of significance, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend using menstruation as a vital sign (like the use of blood pressure or heart rate) because of its ability to inform about potential health concerns. Yet, the lack of knowledge, distress, and feelings of inadequacy can lead to, and augment, adverse physical health consequences. For example, say your friend has had their period for 4 weeks but does not tell anyone because they don’t think anything of it – this can lead to more serious health issues! Or consider a friend who has used 1 tampon/pad for the entire day. Maybe they didn’t know to change their product every 4-6 hours. Or maybe, they could not change it due to lack of accessibility to menstrual hygiene products. Both scenarios could lead to infection! Unfortunately, 40% of teens wear products longer than recommended because of difficulty accessing menstrual supplies.
- Menstrual health affects mental health.
Together, the inability to adequately manage menstruation (physically, psychologically and financially) adversely impacts menstruators’ mental health. A national study among college students concluded that those who experienced period poverty were more likely to experience depression. The groups most affected included Hispanics and first-generation college students. Additionally, nationwide, 44% of teens report stress and embarrassment due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Now consider how this may apply to menstruators that identify as LGBTQ+, menstruators with autism, or how physical abilities affect menstrual care.
- Period poverty limits productivity and participation in society.
Given poor health and feelings of powerlessness, the inability to confidently manage menstrual cycles results in reduced civic participation. School, work, and extracurricular attendance are all affected.
In summary, menstrual health matters. It matters not only for menstruators, but for society as well! Join us in advocating for menstrual health equity (every day and especially during Period Poverty Awareness Week from May 12-18, 2025). In case you want more resources, check out the “Alliance for Period Supplies” and “PERIOD. The Menstrual Movement.”