Adolescent gynecology experts are raising urgent concerns over period poverty, stigma, and the lack of menstrual education globally. According to Dr. Ellen Rome of Cleveland Clinic Children’s, while about 800 million people menstruate daily, nearly 500 million lack basic resources—such as menstrual products, clean water, and private sanitation spaces.
Stigma surrounding menstruation continues to silence education and reinforce shame. In some regions, menstruation is linked with harmful cultural practices, making young girls vulnerable to sexual violence and emotional trauma. Even in less extreme settings, stigma can impair education and self-esteem. Dr. Rome recalls a student who missed school monthly for three years, believing her period was a sign of dying due to lack of awareness.
Populations particularly affected include homeless individuals, those in correctional facilities, and students in underfunded schools. Period poverty can lead to dangerous practices such as using unsafe materials, increasing the risk of infections and reproductive health issues.
The economic and environmental costs of periods are also significant. While the average monthly expense in the U.S. is about $10, additional costs (like medication and laundry) and product taxes in some regions exacerbate financial burdens. Moreover, disposable products have a massive environmental footprint, taking centuries to degrade.
Reusable options like menstrual cups and underwear offer sustainable alternatives. Medical bodies such as NASPAG and FIGIJ urge clinicians to normalize menstruation, provide respectful and culturally competent care, and educate patients on hygiene management.
“Menstruating with dignity is a human right,” Dr. Rome emphasizes, calling for a more equitable, informed, and compassionate approach to menstrual health.
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