Breaking the silence: Tackling menstrual stigma, inequality, and neglect in the UK

Menstrual health in the United Kingdom faces stigma, neglect, and inequality, impacting well-being, workplaces, healthcare, and access to essential products. Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by approximately half the population. Yet, in the UK, it remains enveloped in stigma, misinformation, and systemic neglect. Recent studies and reports highlight the pressing need for comprehensive menstrual awareness and support across various sectors of society.

Menstrual health is not just a biological issue, it’s a deeply social, cultural, and economic one that requires bold, innovative thinking. Imagine if every public restroom had free, biodegradable menstrual products, much like soap and toilet paper. What if wearable tech could monitor hormonal cycles and provide personalized insights to improve both physical and emotional well-being? Or, think bigger, interactive art installations in cities that break taboos by turning menstrual experiences into immersive, empathetic storytelling.

A survey conducted by Wellbeing of Women in August 2023 revealed that 97% of women and girls aged 16-40 have experienced period pain, with almost half (51%) enduring it every cycle. Alarmingly, 42% described their pain as severe. Despite this, only 14% have tried medication to reduce heavy bleeding, indicating a gap in effective treatment and awareness. 

Menstruation significantly affects women’s professional lives. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that more than two-thirds (69%) of women experience a negative impact at work due to menstrual symptoms. Yet, only 12% of organizations provide support for menstruation and menstrual health. Many women feel unsupported, with 49% who took absence due to menstrual issues never disclosing the real reason to their managers. On a personal note, companies I have worked for excluded cramps and heavy bleeding from their sick pay policy.

The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated period poverty in the UK. ActionAid reported that the number of women and people who menstruate struggling to afford period products rose from 12% to 21% in just one year. This equates to approximately 2.8 million individuals. Consequences include prolonged use of sanitary products, use of unsuitable alternatives like tissues or socks, and missing work or school. This is also a shocking lack of awareness among young individuals regarding the amount and types of menstrual products available. While conversing with colleagues and peers I have often found people did not know what a menstrual cup is.

A parliamentary report highlighted systemic issues within the NHS, where women’s reproductive health concerns are often dismissed. Conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis are frequently misdiagnosed or normalized, leading to prolonged suffering. The report calls for improved medical training and expedited diagnosis and treatment processes. Half (50%) of women surveyed by Wellbeing of Women say their period symptoms have been dismissed by someone. This is higher for 16–24-year-olds, 3 in 5 (61%) say their symptoms have been dismissed, with 23% being dismissed by healthcare professionals. 

Menstrual health-related issues faced by individuals from LGBTQI+ communities are often overlooked, despite being deeply significant. Many transgender men, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming individuals menstruate, but societal narratives and healthcare systems typically frame menstruation as a “women-only” experience. This exclusion can lead to emotional distress, gender dysphoria, and a sense of invisibility.

In public spaces, gendered bathrooms and the lack of inclusive facilities make managing menstruation challenging and unsafe. Trans and non-binary individuals may avoid using restrooms altogether, increasing their risk of infections and discomfort. Additionally, many period products are marketed exclusively to women, reinforcing gendered stereotypes and alienating those who don’t identify as female.

In healthcare settings, practitioners may lack training on how to sensitively address menstrual concerns for LGBTQI+ patients. This can result in miscommunication, misgendering, or even refusal of care, discouraging individuals from seeking help for period-related issues like pain, irregular cycles, or reproductive health needs.

Mental health also intersects with menstrual experiences, especially for those experiencing gender dysphoria triggered by menstruation. The psychological burden of navigating a system that doesn’t recognize or affirm their identity can compound stress and isolation. 

To address these issues, menstrual health initiatives must adopt inclusive language, offer diverse product representation, create gender-neutral facilities, and ensure healthcare providers are trained in LGBTQI+ competent care. Only through inclusive, intersectional approaches can we achieve menstrual equity for all. 

Education on menstruation remains inadequate. While the UK government introduced compulsory Relationship and Sex Education in 2020, many young people still lack comprehensive information. Additionally, cultural and religious taboos contribute to the silence surrounding periods, particularly among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A study by Wen found that 66% of BAME women had never heard of menstrual campaigns, underscoring the need for inclusive educational initiatives.

Education can evolve too: gamified apps where students learn about menstrual cycles through engaging narratives, or community-based “Menstruation Festivals” that blend tradition, science, and activism to celebrate the power of menstruating bodies. We could even see urban design rethink architecture, quiet rooms in schools and workplaces for menstrual rest, or heat-sensitive seating that offers comfort during cramps.

True menstrual health means dismantling shame, redesigning systems, and celebrating cycles as vital, not burdensome. Let’s reimagine a world where menstruation is met with support, technology, and celebration, not silence. 

Several initiatives aim to address these challenges:

• Period Products Scheme: Launched in 2020, this government program provides free menstrual products in schools and colleges, with 99% of secondary schools participating by 2023.
• Menstrual Cycle Support: This health tech organization offers free online menstrual health literacy courses, aiming to reduce diagnosis times and empower individuals through education.
• CIPD’s Call to Action: The CIPD urges organizations to create awareness, tackle stigma, and train managers to support employees experiencing menstrual health issues.

BY NAMRINA ADNIM FAIZA