National Menstrual Health Day: Understanding the Connection Between Menstrual Health and Mental Wellness

The basics are often known about menstruation, maybe you had ‘the talk’ with a parent or watched an awkward, outdated video in middle school health class. We may have learned that vulva owners go through hormonal changes, release an egg and if the egg is not fertilized by sperm then the uterine lining is shed, commonly known as a period. The entire menstrual process actually takes between 21 and 35 days but this process doesn’t just affect the body it also affects the mind and therefore mental health.

The first and maybe most common consideration is the hormonal changes; hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving estrogen and progesterone, are central to the link between psychological wellness and menstruation. These hormonal shifts can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which includes both physical symptoms like bloating and cramps, and psychological symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and irritability. In more severe cases people might be diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which causes a more intense emotional reaction to this cycle and may result in more severe depression, anxiety, higher levels of irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Beyond hormonal influences, menstruation can impact mental health through social factors.

LGBTQIA Considerations

Menstruation is often framed through a narrow lens of cisgender womanhood and societal femininity. This can create significant mental health challenges for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community especially for transgender men, non-binary people, and gender-nonconforming individuals who menstruate. For example, think of a trangender man who gets his period each month and uses a public men’s bathroom which is not stocked with period products. A lack of inclusive language and resources such as gender-neutral bathrooms stocked with menstrual products can exacerbate feelings of exclusion and lead to more mental health concerns. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ individuals frequently face discrimination in medical settings. The lack of inclusive, affirming care increases risks of mental health issues such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders.

SES Considerations

Socioeconomic status (SES) also plays a significant role in shaping how individuals experience menstruation emotionally and psychologically.The most pressing issue for low-SES individuals is period poverty - which refers to a pressing global issue encompassing insufficient access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education. Low SES unproportional effects ethnic and racial minorities leading to further disparities across period poverty. For example, think of a 16 year-old student who lacks the resources to afford the $8 box of tampons they need each month. Struggling to afford pads or tampons can lead to embarrassment, social isolation, or missing school or work, all of which contribute to stress, anxiety, and feelings of shame. The chronic nature of this issue can impact self-esteem and increase the risk of depression, especially among adolescents. Improving menstrual equity through free or subsidized menstrual products can help reduce the mental health impacts of menstruation.

Fertility Considerations

Another population deeply affected by the mental health impacts of menstruation are folks trying to conceive or struggling with fertility. For individuals trying to conceive, the arrival of menstruation can become a monthly emotional trigger, often symbolizing disappointment, frustration, and grief. Over time, this monthly reminder can significantly impact mental health, compounding stress levels and contributing to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. For example, think of a young couple who originally thought they would get pregnant with no issues but now it's been 15 months and the vulva owner is spotting once again a reminder they will not be welcoming a baby home. This can also put strain on romantic relationships leading to disappointment which may reduce intimacy or cause tension and in some cases increase financial stress if the couple are to undergo medical intervention. At this time sex can become routine or pressured, adding to emotional fatigue and mental health concerns.

Menstrual health is mental health. Addressing it requires more than just biological education—it calls for inclusivity, equity, and access. From gender-affirming care to free period products in schools and workplaces, small policy changes can have a major mental health impact.