Womens Health (Lond). 2025 Jan-Dec;21:17455057251399893. doi: 10.1177/17455057251399893. Epub 2025 Dec 4.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Menstrual cycles are a natural part of many people’s health, yet are subject to stigma and misinformation, which can affect the experience of menstrual-related symptoms and overall well-being.
OBJECTIVES: The study explored how perceptions of the menstrual cycle are associated with symptom severity and their impact on daily life, including work, social activities, and intimate relationships.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study.
METHODS: An anonymised online survey, distributed through social media, email, and newsletters. Participants aged 18 and older who menstruated in the previous 12 months were included. Demographic data, menstrual cycle characteristics, and self-reported symptom severity were collected. Perceptions of menstruation were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Nonparametric statistical tests, including Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Spearman’s rank-order correlation, were used for data analysis.
RESULTS: In total, 4735 responses were included in the analysis. Positive perceptions of menstruation were associated with lower reported pain levels and reduced disruption to daily activities, including work and academic performance. Notably, 90.71% reported that menstrual symptoms disrupted their work, with 31.8% taking time off in the past 12 months. Intimate relationships were affected for 84.31% of participants, with significant correlations between comfort in seeking support from partners and the disruption of intimacy (rs(8) = -0.117; p < 0.001). Participants who viewed menstruation positively experienced fewer mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, compared to those with negative perceptions. The study found that positive perceptions of the menstrual cycle were associated with less severe symptoms and a reduced impact on daily activities.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest an association between menstrual perceptions in shaping the experience of symptoms and their broader psychosocial impacts. Enhancing menstrual health literacy and promoting positive perceptions could improve individual health outcomes and societal attitudes. Future public health policies should integrate menstrual health education and supportive workplace policies to enhance the quality of life for those who menstruate.
REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
PMID:41342221 | DOI:10.1177/17455057251399893
