Menstrual Health Definition
The IAPMD Board of Directors approved the following position statement on the comprehensive definition of menstrual health developed by the Terminology Action Group of the Global Menstrual Collective to advance policy, practice, and research.
The past decade has seen exponential growth in attention to menstrual health. To provide a common language and unite efforts to support the breadth of menstrual needs, a collaboration of experts has now defined menstrual health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in relation to the menstrual cycle.”
This definition was published in the journal Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 29 April 2021.* The definition is grounded in the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health. It is supplemented by a description of the requirements for achieving menstrual health throughout life.
IAPMD Statement of Support
The IAPMD supports this comprehensive definition of menstrual health. This definition broadens the meaning from a primarily physical state to one that encompasses the mental and social well-being of individuals.
As an organization with a mission to inspire hope and end suffering in those affected by premenstrual disorders, IAPMD recognizes that difficulties associated with the menstrual cycle can severely impact quality of life by inducing physical symptoms, as well as a range of different mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, and even suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
This definition brings to light that menstrual health is critical for a person not just to survive but to thrive and be their “best self” across all spheres of life - social, personal, education, relationships, employment, spiritual, and including health.
As outlined in the definition, achieving menstrual health requires those experiencing a menstrual cycle to:
have access to information about the cycle,
be able to identify menstrual symptoms that are abnormal for their body;
to feel comfortable seeking advice and support;
to have a positive and respectful environment free from stigma; and
access to timely diagnosis, care, and treatment for menstrual discomfort and disorders.
IAPMD is working in all these areas - education and awareness, care and support, research, and advocacy - to bridge the gaps in mental and menstrual health and the divides that come between patients and professionals.
IAPMD also recognizes that the definition emphasizes that while the majority of those who experience a menstrual cycle are women and girls, menstrual health is essential for all who experience a menstrual cycle, regardless of their gender identity and the context in which they live.