In this article /
DIVA is thrilled to partner with Monthly Dignity this Menstrual Health Month for our Buy One Give One Menstrual Cup campaign. For every DIVA cup purchased on ShopDIVA, a DIVA cup will be donated to Monthly Dignity.
Monthly Dignity is a leader in menstrual health education in Quebec, Canada. We asked their team for insight on the gaps in education and what can be done to better support those who menstruate.
1. Painful periods and heavy bleeding are NOT normal
While some discomfort is common with periods, pain or bleeding that prevents you from living your life is not. Many young people talk about excessively bleeding for two weeks of the month, or periods so painful they miss school or must take multiple days off work, and yet frequently have no diagnosis or answers from their doctors.
Normalizing menstrual pain and heavy bleeding halts research, treatment innovation, and training for medical professionals. When something is perceived as “normal,” often there is no impetus to change how it’s being supported.
2. Hormone education needs to move beyond naming and definition
Understanding the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the entire body, not only the uterus or breasts, is critical. For example, estrogen receptors are located all over the body, and they influence everything including the brain, skin, bones, heart health, muscles--even your hair. Because women’s hormones are changing by the hour, early education is critical both for people with periods and those without.
Changes in life stages like pregnancy or perimenopause, along with variations in fitness, diet, medications, and supplements, can also affect hormones. Within the AFAB (assigned female at birth) community, doctors are still learning to understand hormones and how medication efficacy changes significantly for AFAB folks throughout the cycle due to hormone fluctuations. People with disabilities and other health experiences like neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic pain/neurological conditions or immune disorders are also influenced by hormones, and better research around these intersections needs to be explored.
3. More advocacy and investment is needed in menstrual health research
Endometriosis, PMOS (formerly PCOS), uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, PMDD and adenomyosis; these menstrual-related disorders are complex and often difficult to diagnose. Understanding the signs and symptoms of these disorders validates them as legitimate health concerns. Providing early education on these disorders can also encourage early diagnosis. One of the best ways someone can advocate for their health is by tracking their symptoms. Teaching people how to track their cycles and symptoms will provide insight to their medical providers. Data is power!
Investing in and advocating for health research of these disorders is critical. Research helps improve treatment options, diagnostics, and in turn provides education for those in the medical field.
4. Create period education resources for non menstruators
Those who don’t experience a cycle can sometimes lack the knowledge and skills required to care for and understand the menstrual experience. Menstrual health education often happens in more gendered/segregated spaces, but this can create a fundamental misunderstanding and lack of empathy about periods. All people should learn about periods, hormones, and menstrual disorders and resources need to be created for a variety of audiences.
Hushing these discourses creates a lack of empathy within workplaces, schools, communities, and relationships!
5. Perimenopause education
As a life stage, with symptoms that last ten years or longer, very little education happens at a young age. Early understandings about how hormones affect mental health, bone structure, the brain, and heart disease can give adolescents the knowledge needed to move into their 20s and 30s with confidence. A good foundation in early life can support midlife and beyond.
Many young people may also have parents or other adults in their life who are experiencing perimenopause symptoms. By gaining an understanding of the signs, symptoms, and available supports, entire households can benefit.
About Monthly Dignity
Monthly Dignity advances menstrual justice and combats period poverty by providing access to menstrual health products and education. We advocate for lasting systemic change while uplifting the voices and needs of the diverse communities that we serve.
