News and Insights
Breaking down menstrual health and its ramifications
June 5, 2024
As a healthcare communicator, I’ve read about various avenues of women’s health, and time and again, I’m brought back to the fundamental connection between menstrual health and overall well-being. It’s a topic often discussed in hushed tones, yet its impact on women’s lives is profound. Menstrual health isn’t merely physical discomfort; it disrupts our daily life. Women, across demographics, grapple with menstrual disorders, from PCOS to endometriosis, often exacerbated by delayed diagnosis and inadequate support. The associated pain also seeps into mental and emotional realms, impacting self-esteem and quality of life.
Moreover, the narrative extends beyond menstrual health alone. It intertwines with broader aspects of women’s health. It also intersects with reproductive health, serving as a barometer for fertility and pregnancy-related concerns. This underscores the importance of early detection and intervention, safeguarding women’s reproductive choices and well-being.
There is a plethora of disorders that can form the link between menstrual and reproductive health. Some of them include hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular periods, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), or menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding).1 In fact, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are common among women of reproductive age and can significantly impact menstrual health.2,3 Further, emerging research suggests a link between menstrual irregularities and cardiovascular health too.4 And it doesn’t stop there. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are characterized by mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression in the days leading up to menstruation.5 Chronic menstrual pain and discomfort can also impact mental health, exacerbating stress, sleep disturbances, and overall quality of life.
These are just a few examples of how menstrual health intricately intersects with various aspects of human physiology and can contribute to a range of complications and conditions. Recognizing the significance of menstrual health and addressing related issues proactively are crucial in promoting overall well-being and quality of life for women.
Therefore, as communicators, the onus is on us to facilitate open dialogue and educate women to prioritize their menstrual health. It begins with education, debunking myths, and disseminating accurate information. It entails fostering safe spaces for conversations, where women feel heard and supported without judgment. Let’s break the silence, one conversation at a time. After all, menstrual health isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a human issue, deserving of attention, respect, and understanding.
1. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/menstrual-disorders
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis.
4. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-how-your-ovaries-can-affect-your-heart.
5. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics
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