Let's Talk About It: Menstruation Roundtable - Keeping the Silence Hurts
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Silent Stigma Surrounding Menstruation: Women Remain Hushed About Their Experiences - Unspoken aspect of menstruation: Inadequate discussion surrounding women's experiences
Period woes, emotional turmoil before that time of the month, and a dose of embarrassment: Menstruation remains a hidden topic of conversation. According to a survey by Forsa, commissioned by KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse, an astonishing 85% of women aged between 14 and 50 in Germany believe that the female cycle receives insufficient attention, if any, in public discourse.
Almost all (91%) survey participants also think there's a lack of edification and media coverage on the effects of menstruation and hormones. Vijitha Sanjivkumar, a KKH expert, advocates for an increased understanding of how our bodies function, stating, "The female cycle usually lasts 28 days and progresses through different phases, each demanding specific needs."
They suggest adopting sports and diet routines tailored to these phases as a means to mitigate menstrual woes like fatigue, mood swings, and stomach pain. Sanjivkumar advises, "During menstruation, whenever possible, don't abandon sports altogether, but instead incorporate light activities such as walking, yoga, or Pilates into your daily routine. Improved circulation and blood flow may help alleviate cramps."
Understanding sick leaves
The survey revealed that 80% of the women surveyed are aware of the reasons someone might opt for sick leave due to menstrual symptoms. Sanjivkumar encourages tracking cycles for months. Combining this practice by recording the information in a calendar or an app is preferred by 60% of the participants. Surprisingly, younger generations aged 14 to 39 (68% and 66%) are more inclined to employ this method than their counterparts between the ages of 40 and 50 (46%).
The representative survey spoke to 1,002 women aged 14 to 50 online during the period of March 4 to 14, 2022. KKH, boasting around 1.5 million insured members, is among Germany's leading health insurers.
- Menstruation
- Women
- Hidden Discussion
- KKH
- Emotional Rollercoaster
- Physical Woes
- Hormones
- Follicular Phase
- Luteal Phase
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Cycle Tracking
- Exercise
- Workplace Policies
Inside Info
Menstruation impacts both physical and mental well-being, bringing varied symptoms that affect millions of women worldwide. Discerning the implications and employing adequate management techniques, combined with straightforward discussions, are crucial for overall wellness.
Physical health symptoms encompass cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, alterations in appetite, and sleep patterns. These can induce discomfort and disrupt daily activities[3][5].
Mental health effects result from hormonal alterations, mainly estrogen and progesterone, which regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. This can lead to emotional fluctuations, such as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and fatigue, typically connected with menstrual phases[1]. The follicular phase is associated with rising estrogen, often boosting mood and motivation, while the luteal phase, with increased progesterone, may contribute to adverse mood effects in sensitive individuals[1].
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) afflicts around 75% of menstruating women, causing symptoms like mood swings, irritability, mild depression, fatigue, and physical discomfort. These symptoms typically subside with the start of menstruation[3][5]. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe variant of PMS that affects roughly 3-8% of women, characterized by intense emotional symptoms (profound sadness, anxiety, anger, feelings of worthlessness) and physical symptoms that can impair daily life. Cognitive disturbances like memory impairment and difficulty concentrating are also possible[3][5].
Managing symptoms calls for tracking menstrual cycles, engaging in regular exercise, medical and psychological support for severe cases, and lifestyle adjustments such as nutritious eating, adequate sleep, stress management, and proper hydration.
Open dialogue about menstruation break the stigma, encourages better mental health, and fosters social support. Educational initiatives and workplace policies that address menstrual health can improve awareness and accommodation, mitigating negative social and professional impacts[2]. Sharing personal experiences through cycle tracking apps and online support groups benefits affected individuals by providing understanding and comfort, improving emotional wellbeing[1].
- The community policy within workplaces should include provisions for understanding the physical and mental health effects of menstruation, considering the high prevalence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) among women.
- To maintain good health-and-wellness and alleviate the symptoms of menstruation, we can promote vocational training programs emphasizing the importance of exercise, diet, stress management, and health education during the follicular and luteal phases, targeting women in particular.
