Summary

Menstruation refers to the periodic flow of blood from the uterus exiting the body through the vagina. Menarche (the first menstruation) signals the onset of reproductive maturity in females and is a result of the shedding of the wall of the uterus that occurs when there is no implantation of a fertilized ovum. The menstrual cycle commences on the first day of menstrual blood flow until the day before the next menstrual blood flow, and the cycle lasts an average of 28 days.

Menstrual health refers to the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being related to the menstrual cycle and is integral to both human rights to dignity and reproductive health as well as achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The concept of menstrual health as a holistic framework encompasses the factors that contribute to the menstrual experiences of girls, women, and all people who menstruate—as well as the broader impacts of those menstrual experiences on well-being.

The menstrual cycle has historically been neglected in global health discussions. The inaccessibility and inadequacy of information, support, and resources necessary for experiencing optimal menstrual health can have consequences for the physical health, well-being, social participation, education, and economic opportunities of individuals who menstruate. Timely provision of accurate, age-appropriate information about the menstrual cycle and the practical aspects of experiencing menstrual periods is important for girls who will soon reach menarche—and also for the wider population to foster appropriate social support and inclusive environments that accommodate the needs of those who menstruate. Such needs include access to effective and affordable menstrual materials and appropriate sanitation facilities with waste disposal mechanisms, timely diagnosis and treatment for menstrual discomforts and disorders, and freedom from menstrual stigma. Promoting menstrual health thus requires comprehensive efforts to promote menstrual health education, address pervasive menstrual stigma, challenge social norms that perpetuate discrimination based on menstruation, and improve access to necessary resources for addressing menstrual needs.