Menstrual health extends far beyond reproduction—the ovaries play a crucial role in overall health beyond periods, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
A more accurate way to describe this journey is through the concept of a menstrual health timeline rather than a solely reproductive process—it’s a vital sign of overall well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines menstrual health as, ‘the complete physical, mental, and social well-being related to the menstrual cycle, not just the absence of disease’. It’s an overarching term that includes periods, perimenopause, and postmenopause, shaping health outcomes throughout life.
Yet, despite its significance, menstrual health is often overlooked in conversations about mental health and long-term disease prevention. Research shows that irregular cycles, conditions like PCOS, and hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and even cardiovascular disease. A recent study published in Nature highlights a new way to measure heart rate variability in relation to menstrual cycle regularity, reinforcing the connection between menstrual and cardiovascular health (Nature, 2025). If we want to improve health outcomes, we need to start with the basics—understanding menstrual health from the first period to postmenopause.
Learning from Women’s Lived Experiences
For too long, menstrual health has been treated as a niche topic rather than a fundamental part of healthcare. Women’s real-life experiences of menstrual irregularities, debilitating pain, and hormonal shifts often go unheard, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate support. As one article aptly states, “The medical system has long dismissed the pain of women and assigned shame to our reproductive processes. As a result, women are left misdiagnosed, untreated and unheard.” (Red & Black, 2024).
By listening to women and acknowledging the patterns in their lived experiences, we can transform menstrual health education into something that is relevant, practical, and empowering.
The Economic Burden of Menstrual Health
Beyond the physical and emotional toll, menstrual health challenges come with significant economic costs. The price of managing periods, seeking medical care, and navigating misdiagnoses can add up quickly. According to a recent report, the economic burden of menstrual health is a growing concern, affecting workplace productivity and increasing long-term healthcare costs (Chamber UK, 2024). The financial impact of undiagnosed or untreated menstrual conditions underscores the urgency of improving education and access to menstrual health resources.
The Missing Piece of the Menopause Memo
The good news? Education on menstrual health is simple to implement. It starts with understanding the menstrual health timeline—from periods to perimenopause and beyond—in relevant and meaningful terms. One of the best ways to do this is by tracking your cycle beyond symptoms. Journaling can help you recognize shifts in energy, mood, and overall well-being, offering insight into what works for your body and what doesn’t. It also helps identify the nutrients that support your cycle and those that may not.
A Menopause Doula, like me, can be a great resource for this education, as we’re trained to talk about menstrual health across all life stages—not just during menopause. There is a continued call from all organisations supporting women’s health to improve education, and Menopause Doulas can serve as crucial touchpoints in the lives of menstruators. The BSI standard recommends in-house menopause champions, but outsourcing to a qualified Menopause Doula provides a more tailored and effective approach, ensuring personalized support at every life stage.
A Workplace Wake-Up Call
Beyond personal health, it’s time to rethink how we approach menstrual health in the workplace. The latest BSI standard recognises the need to support employees with menstruation, menstrual health, and menopause, ensuring that workplaces adapt to meet these essential health needs. You can read more about these standards here.
Menstrual health isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about understanding how it connects to every aspect of well-being, from mental health to heart health. By prioritising education and support, we can shift the conversation from reactive care to proactive well-being.
For more insights, The Menopause School is transforming the way people learn, think, and talk about menstrual health and menopause. By starting with simple, practical steps, we can empower people who menstruate to take control of their health at every stage of life.