The Current State of Research on Menstrual Health: Overview of 20 Bio-Psycho-Social Aspects

Abstract

Since 2022, the World Health Organization has recognized menstrual health as a key health and human rights issue. Menstrual health is the holistic physical, psychological and social well-being associated with menstruation. Governments should actively contribute to counteracting the traditional taboos about menstruation, as well as stigmatization and discrimination against menstruating people through appropriate menstrual education, the provision of menstrual products and medical menstrual care. The individual experience of menstruation is often negative, characterized by pain, distress and shame. However, menstruation can also be recognized as a sign of reproductive health and good general health, as well as an expression of female potency and thus associated with pride. This article explores the different dimensions of menstruation in the context of current debates on menstrual health. It structures 20 different aspects in a bio-psycho-social model. These include menstrual apps, sustainable menstrual hygiene, menstrual-friendly workplaces, menstrual sex, media portrayals of menstruation, and menstrual activism. The article presents recent research findings, practical examples and visualizations to inspire both sexuality education and sexuality research to further explore the multifaceted phenomenon of menstruation.