MENSTRUAL HEALTH CULTURE: MEDICAL, SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Keywords:
menstrual health, menstruation, menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, menstrual stigmaAbstract
Menstrual health is an essential component of women’s and girls’ general health, dignity, education,
social participation and psychological well-being. Although menstruation is a normal physiological
process, in many societies it is still surrounded by silence, stigma, misinformation and cultural
restrictions. A healthy menstrual culture means more than access to menstrual hygiene products; it
includes correct medical knowledge, safe hygiene practices, psychological support, respectful
communication, social acceptance and timely access to healthcare. According to UNICEF, around
1.8 billion people menstruate every month worldwide, yet many of them cannot manage
menstruation in a dignified and healthy way because of poverty, lack of information, inadequate
sanitation, stigma and limited access to healthcare. WHO has emphasized that menstrual health
should be recognized not only as a hygiene issue, but also as a health, human rights and gender
equality issue. This article analyzes menstrual health culture from medical, social and psychological
perspectives and highlights the importance of education, stigma reduction and healthcare-based
support.
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