“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” – Albert Einstein

The Invisible Problem To Solve

Before we talk about femtech problems to solve, let’s talk about awkward conversations.

In my experience, the most effective way to make the average man squirm is to tell him, “I’m on my period.” This has always, without a doubt, evoked a long period of awkward silence, stifled confusion, and hesitant nods. 

After all, blood in war and video games is fine, but please don’t go on and on about the blood coming from the female body. It’s crass, it’s gross, it’s disgusting.  

On the other hand, I have found that the most effective way to make the average man hyped up is to talk about the “grind” of making money, working out, and building success (stay hard, son). 

There is an interesting question for me here, as the one who has had the periods, seen the blood, survived the cramps and surfed the sea of hormones…the many “pain points” that Silicon Valley seems to mysteriously overlook.

Any female-bodied human being knows these struggles inside and out, and most men at least know vaguely that it sucks.

So why isn’t there a rush to fill the gap, to sell the proverbial “painkiller”? Why is almost nobody selling the solution to the challenges almost all women would pay boatloads of money to get rid of?

Really, there is no satisfying answer to this question. Women are huge economic drivers, and there is no reason to ignore their routine discomfort. 

…Not just because it is blatantly unjust, but also because it is a huge untapped opportunity for anyone interested in making a difference and a lot of money at the same time.

If that’s you- regardless of your background, education level, or even gender (I’m looking at all you tech bros.) – read on. 

Problems To Solve!

I have done the first step for you (the pleasure is mine, truly), and identified 11 problems to solve in the women’s health space. 

Let’s dive in!

#1: Lack Of Data On How Menstrual Cycle Affects Overall Health.

Despite being a fundamental aspect of many individuals’ lives, academia has under-researched the menstrual cycle, leading to significant gaps in our understanding of its impact on overall health.

This lack of data hampers our ability to address various health issues effectively.

For instance, conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are linked to increased risks of heart disease and stroke. However, doctors often fail to diagnose them in time due to insufficient research and awareness.

To bridge this knowledge gap, here are some problems to solve:

• Pharmacology: How do hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle impact drug metabolism, and why have clinical trials historically excluded menstruating individuals from these studies?
• Sports Science: What role do cycle phases play in strength, endurance, and injury risk? How should training programs adapt to these variations?
• Mental Health: Why are conditions like anxiety and depression more prevalent in menstruating individuals, and how do hormonal shifts contribute to their severity?
• Workplace, Schools & Productivity: How does menstrual pain and fatigue affect cognitive function, absenteeism, and economic productivity? What metrics could be used to quantify this?
• Medical Diagnostics: Why do so many reproductive disorders (PCOS, endometriosis, PMDD) take years to diagnose, and what biomarkers could improve early detection?
• Sleep Science: How do menstrual phases influence sleep patterns and overall sleep quality? Could poor sleep in certain phases contribute to long-term health risks?
• AI & Data Science: How can machine learning models better predict and track cycle irregularities? Why is existing menstrual tracking data often unreliable or biased?

#2: Lack Of Effective Diagnostic Tools For Endometriosis & PCOS

Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are prevalent gynecological conditions that significantly impact individuals’ quality of life. Often, this leads to chronic pain, infertility, and metabolic complications.

However, diagnosing these conditions remains challenging due to the absence of reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tools, resulting in prolonged suffering and delayed treatment.

Endometriosis: Affects approximately 10% of individuals with uteruses during their reproductive years. Diagnosis often requires invasive procedures like laparoscopy, leading to delays averaging 7 to 12 years. 

PCOS: Impacts up to 10% of individuals with ovaries of reproductive age. Diagnosis is complicated and the lack of a definitive test, often relying on the exclusion of other disorders. 

To address these challenges, consider the following research problems to solve:

• Biomarker Discovery: What specific biomarkers can we identify in blood or menstrual fluid to facilitate non-invasive, early detection of endometriosis and PCOS? ​
• Imaging Techniques: How can we advance imaging technologies to improve the sensitivity and specificity of detecting endometriotic lesions or polycystic ovaries without resorting to invasive methods? ​
• Genetic Factors: What genetic predispositions contribute to the development of endometriosis and PCOS? How can we use this information to enhance diagnostic accuracy?
• Artificial Intelligence: How can we train machine learning algorithms to analyze medical records? How can imaging data be used to predict and diagnose these conditions more effectively?​
• Patient-Reported Outcomes: How can we integrate patient-reported symptoms and histories into electronic health records improve early recognition and diagnosis?

#3: Stigma & Misinformation

Stigma and misinformation have long plagued women’s health, leading to misdiagnoses, delayed treatments, and inadequate care.

Conditions like endometriosis and menopause are often misunderstood or trivialized. This results in prolonged suffering and diminished quality of life. Similarly, menopause remains shrouded in stigma, leaving many women unprepared and unsupported during this natural life transition. 

To address these challenges, consider the following interesting problems to solve relating to stigma and misinformation:

• Media Studies: How do media representations of women’s health issues perpetuate stigma and misinformation? What strategies can promote accurate portrayals?​
• Medical Education: What gaps exist in medical training regarding women’s health? How can we improve curricula to ensure healthcare professionals are well-equipped to address these issues? 
• Public Health Communication: How effective are current public health campaigns in dispelling myths about conditions like endometriosis and menopause? What approaches can enhance their impact?​
• Sociology: In what ways do cultural norms and societal expectations contribute to the stigmatization of women’s health issues? How can community-based interventions foster open dialogue?​
• Psychology: What psychological effects do stigma and misinformation have on individuals experiencing women’s health issues? How can we tailor mental health support to their needs?​
• Policy Analysis: How do existing healthcare policies address or neglect the impact of stigma and misinformation on women’s health outcomes? What policy reforms are necessary to mitigate these issues?

#4: Safer & More Accessible Birth Control Options

Despite advancements in medical science, many individuals still face challenges in accessing birth control methods that are both safe and convenient. Traditional options like hormonal pills have remained largely unchanged for decades, leading to dissatisfaction due to side effects and health concerns. Additionally, financial barriers prevent many from obtaining modern contraceptives, underscoring the need for more affordable solutions. 

To address these issues, consider the following problems to solve in the birth control space:

• Pharmaceutical Research: Why has there been limited innovation in developing new contraceptive methods? What factors contribute to the stagnation in contraceptive research and development?​
• Male Contraception: What are the challenges hindering the development and adoption of male contraceptive methods? How can these barriers be overcome to promote shared responsibility in birth control? ​
• Financial Accessibility: How do economic factors influence individuals’ access to preferred contraceptive methods? What policies could be implemented to make birth control universally affordable? 
• User Experience: What are the common side effects associated with current birth control methods? How do they impact users’ satisfaction and continuation rates? 
• Digital Tools: How reliable are menstrual cycle tracking apps in preventing unintended pregnancies? What improvements are necessary to enhance their effectiveness? 
• Education & Misinformation: How does misinformation about contraceptive methods spread through social media? What strategies can be employed to provide accurate information to the public?
• Policy & Regulation: What role do governmental policies play in either facilitating or hindering access to a variety of contraceptive options? How can legislation evolve to support reproductive autonomy?

#5: Less Invasive Fertility Treatments

Traditional fertility treatments, such as conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), often require intensive hormonal stimulation and surgical procedures, leading to physical discomfort, emotional stress, and financial burdens for individuals and couples seeking to conceive. The invasiveness of these methods can deter many from pursuing treatment, underscoring the need for safer, less invasive alternatives.​

To address these challenges, consider the following problems to solve regarding fertility treatment:

• Microfluidic Sperm Selection: What impact does the SpermGuide device have on selecting high-quality sperm? How does it compare to traditional methods in terms of reducing invasiveness and improving outcomes?
• In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG): What are the potential benefits and ethical considerations of lab-grown gametes for fertility treatments? How might IVG reduce the need for invasive procedures? 

#6: Better Solutions For Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats, collectively known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), affect approximately 80% of women during menopause, significantly impacting their quality of life, daily activities, and work productivity. These symptoms can lead to sleep disturbances, mood swings, and cognitive impairments, underscoring the need for effective and accessible treatments.

To address these challenges, consider the problems to solve for those experiencing hot flashes:

• Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonists: How effective and safe are novel medications like fezolinetant in alleviating VMS compared to traditional hormone replacement therapies? 
• Non-Hormonal Therapies: What is the efficacy of non-hormonal treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anticonvulsants, in managing hot flashes and night sweats? 
• Lifestyle Interventions: How do lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and stress management, influence the frequency and severity of VMS?​
• Wearable Technology: Can wearable devices that monitor physiological changes provide real-time feedback and personalized strategies to manage VMS? ​
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): What role does CBT play in mitigating the psychological impact of VMS, and how can it be integrated into standard care practices?​
• Workplace Accommodations: How can employers implement supportive policies and environments to assist employees experiencing VMS, thereby enhancing productivity and well-being?

#7: Personalized Hormone Therapy & Menopause Monitoring

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate these symptoms, its application has been met with controversy, particularly concerning dosage and potential health risks. Recent debates have arisen over high-dose HRT prescriptions, with concerns about increased risks of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the lack of personalized treatment plans often leads to suboptimal outcomes, highlighting the need for individualized approaches.​

To address these challenges, consider these problems to solve relating to HRT:

• Individualized Hormone Therapy: How can genetic and metabolic profiling be utilized to tailor hormone therapy, ensuring efficacy while minimizing adverse effects?​
• Non-Hormonal Interventions: What alternative treatments can effectively manage menopausal symptoms for women who cannot or choose not to undergo HRT?​
• Wearable Health Technology: How can wearable devices, such as smart rings, monitor physiological changes during menopause? What role do they play in personalizing treatment plans? 
• Long-Term Health Outcomes: What are the long-term effects of various HRT regimens on cognitive function and cardiovascular health? 
• Patient Education: How can healthcare providers improve communication to ensure women are well-informed about the benefits and risks of different menopause management strategies?

#8: Menopause Workplace Support

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, yet its impact on the workplace is often overlooked. In the UK alone, approximately 14 million working days are lost annually due to menopause-related symptoms, with around 900,000 women leaving their jobs because of inadequate support. Similarly, a 2023 Mayo Clinic study estimated that menopause symptoms contribute to an annual loss of $1.8 billion in the United States due to missed workdays…sounds like many billion-dollar problems to solve.

To address these challenges, consider the following research questions:

• Policy Development: How can organizations implement effective menopause policies that provide flexible working arrangements, access to healthcare resources, and supportive environments? 
• Awareness and Education: What role do awareness campaigns and training programs play in reducing stigma and fostering open discussions about menopause in the workplace? 
• Economics: How does inadequate menopause support contribute to economic losses due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and employee turnover? ​
• Employee Retention: What strategies can organizations employ to retain experienced female employees who might otherwise leave due to menopause-related challenges? 
• Global Practices: How have different countries implemented reproductive leave policies? What lessons can be learned to support menopausal employees effectively? ​

#9: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Treatment

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) encompasses a range of disorders resulting from weakened or overly tight pelvic floor muscles, leading to symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and chronic pelvic pain.

To address these challenges, consider the following research questions:

• Physical Therapy Efficacy: How can pelvic floor physical therapy protocols be optimized to effectively treat various forms of PFD, including stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse?​
• Integration of Biofeedback: What role does biofeedback play in enhancing patient outcomes during pelvic floor muscle training? How can its application be improved?
• Postpartum Interventions: What are the most effective strategies for preventing and treating PFD in postpartum women, considering the high prevalence of urinary incontinence in this group? ​
• Impact of Physical Activity: How does engaging in high-intensity physical activities, such as heavy lifting, influence the development or exacerbation of PFD, and what preventive measures can be implemented?
• Technological Innovations: How can emerging technologies, such as wearable devices or mobile applications, be utilized to support pelvic floor muscle training and improve patient adherence to treatment plans?

#10: Vaginal Microbiome Research & pH Balancing

The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining women’s health, serving as a defense against infections and contributing to overall reproductive well-being. A balanced vaginal environment is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species, which produce lactic acid to maintain an acidic pH, thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogenic organisms. Disruptions to this balance can lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), characterized by a decrease in Lactobacillus and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella species. Recent research has identified BV as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), highlighting the importance of treating both partners to prevent recurrence.

To address these challenges, consider the following research questions:

• Microbiome Composition: How do variations in the vaginal microbiome across different populations influence susceptibility to infections? What role does Lactobacillus dominance play in maintaining vaginal health?​
• pH Regulation Mechanisms: What are the underlying mechanisms by which Lactobacillus species regulate vaginal pH? How can this knowledge inform the development of targeted therapies to restore and maintain pH balance?
• Impact of Hygiene Practices: How do common hygiene practices, such as the use of scented menstrual products, affect the vaginal microbiome and pH balance, potentially increasing the risk of infections? 
• Partner Treatment Strategies: What are the most effective treatment protocols for BV that involve simultaneous treatment of both partners, and how can these strategies reduce recurrence rates? 
• Probiotic Interventions: Can probiotic therapies effectively restore Lactobacillus dominance in the vaginal microbiome, and what are the long-term outcomes of such interventions on vaginal health?

#11: Gender Bias In Research & Funding

Gender bias in medical research and funding has led to significant disparities in healthcare outcomes for women. Historically, women were underrepresented in clinical trials, resulting in a lack of data on how treatments affect them differently than men. This exclusion has contributed to misdiagnoses and less effective treatments for women. For instance, a 2019 study revealed that when grant reviewers focused on the applicant rather than the research proposal, male principal investigators had a higher success rate (13.9%) compared to female principal investigators (9.2%). 

To address these challenges, consider the following research questions:

• Clinical Trial Representation: How can we ensure equitable representation of women in clinical trials to obtain accurate data on sex-specific responses to treatments?​
• Funding Allocation: What strategies can be implemented to eliminate gender bias in research funding decisions, ensuring that women’s health issues receive appropriate attention and resources?​
• Femtech Support: How does gender bias in venture capital funding affect the development of femtech innovations, and what measures can be taken to support female entrepreneurs in this sector?
• Educational Reforms: In what ways can medical education be restructured to address and reduce gender biases in diagnosis and treatment?​
• Policy Development: How can government policies be shaped to mandate the inclusion of sex and gender analysis in all health research?

So what now?

Good question, and an important one. We all have different levels of commitment to the challenges within women’s health, and different skillsets to contribute. 

That said, regardless of where you stand, there is an impact you can make. 

In your professional life, make a point to ask, “where are women being excluded here?” If you can’t find an answer, just ask a female colleague. From medicine, to tech, to engineering, architecture, urban design, education, and even public transport, there are many blindspots just waiting for creative problem-solvers like you to make a difference. 

But even if you are not interested in pursuing the problems to solve for women’s health through your career, one simple step you can take is to learn how to listen. 

If a woman in your life (colleague, significant other, friend, daughter, co-worker, or a stranger on the street) is brave enough to open up, just be there to acknowledge their struggles and their feelings. Don’t jump to invalidate. Don’t jump to “mansplain”. Just listen. Offer your support in whatever way possible. 

For some, that means buying a box of tampons and chocolate for your girlfriend when they’re on their period. For others, it means cranking up the thermostat in the office. Maybe, it’s just acknowledging that in a world so systematically biased against the female body, there is no such thing as a “hysterical woman”.

Thought to Action

1. Sign petitions & support legislation for more women’s health research funding.
2. Email universities & research institutions encouraging more studies on underfunded women’s health issues.
3. Donate to organizations funding women’s health research, like the WHAM (Women’s Health Access Matters) Initiative or the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR).
4. Support crowdfunding campaigns for femtech innovations, even with small donations.
5. Become an early adopter—test new femtech apps and products and provide feedback.

Sources

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17455057241290895?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.12

https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2024-global-report-reveals-major-gaps-in-menstrual-health-and-hygiene-in-schools

https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/explainer/2024/05/period-poverty-why-millions-of-girls-and-women-cannot-afford-their-periods

https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/31/endometriosis-study-1000-women-wanted

https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-023-02732-2

https://drseckin.com/endometriosis-and-pcos

https://www.axios.com/2025/03/03/menopause-doctors-education-harvard-mayo

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39511120

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/greens-announce-election-push-to-make-birth-control-free/news-story/6e974c3f287fbb90356fa77a28ebc41a

https://www.theguardian.com/society/commentisfree/2025/feb/22/the-pill-hasnt-been-improved-in-years-no-wonder-women-are-giving-up-on-it

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3233302

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-drug-treat-moderate-severe-hot-flashes-caused-menopause

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8746897

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/26/lab-grown-eggs-sperm-viability-uk-fertility-watchdog

https://www.heraldsun.com.au

https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/dr-louise-newson-hrt-menopause-expert-celebrities-zg7zxxb0n?region=global

https://www.wired.com/story/oura-perimenopause-report

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-study-puts-price-tag-on-cost-of-menopause-symptoms-for-women-in-the-workplace

https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/sjp-charles-stanley-boost-menopause-support-for-city-workers-9cef0327

https://apnews.com/article/menopause-work-benefit-hot-flash-insomnia-support-c91eb76a8802c3dbbd5a0fdef219086c

https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/women-flee-uk-fund-jobs-after-50-398c445d

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shattering-the-silence-about-menopause-12-month-progress-report/shattering-the-silence-about-menopause-12-month-progress-report

https://www.parents.com/postpartum-incontinence-is-common-but-untreated-8785817

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4570968

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559246

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Fbacterial-vaginosis-now-classified-as-an-sti%2Fnews-story%2Ffc1975db9d71f78418a292a3fc5d08d2&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/05/paradigm-shift-australian-researchers-discover-key-to-treatment-of-bacterial-vaginosis

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/08/the-huge-disadvantage-women-behind-femtech-phenomenon-face

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-close-the-gender-health-gap

The post 11 Problems To Solve In FemTech That Will Make You Rich appeared first on Green Also Green.

“A woman’s health is her greatest asset; invest in it wisely.” -Unknown

The Mystery of Menopause

The first time I heard the word “menopause”, I was 14 years old. 

I remember thinking a lot of things about it. First of all, why was the word “men” in there? Second, how does it work? How do you know when it’s started, when it’s over, when you’re in the middle of it? When will it happen to me?

It was a word shrouded in mystery and hushed acknowledgement. It was complicated, poorly defined, and faraway. 

But there is something we do know about menopause, and that is: it happens to women everywhere, en masse, all the time.

So, naturally, there must be a bunch of products people have designed to make the years women spend in menopause easier, right?

Well…not really. 

Besides supplements, if you search up “menopause products”, you will mostly encounter a barren wasteland of search results. 

This isn’t to say women experiencing perimenopause or menopause aren’t interested. 

In fact, the market for “femtech” relating to all things menstruation, menopause, and female hormone cycles is ripe with demand. 

Today, I’m going to give you 8 reasons why you- regardless of your field, education level, background, or gender (I’m looking at all the tech bros out there)- should fill the gap in the menopause market. 

…If not just because it addresses a huge but invisible injustice in the healthcare space, because it taps into one of the largest and most powerful economic driving forces of the world- aging women. 

#1: By 2025, over 1 billion women globally will be experiencing menopause.

I’ll say it now and I’ll say it again: menopause is not a niche issue.

Actually, it’s a global phenomenon that will affect over 1 billion women in 2025, according to projections from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

This shift means a significant portion of the world’s population will be navigating menopausal symptoms, yet the medical and technological advancements in this space remain insufficient. 

Unlike other major life transitions, menopause has historically been underfunded, understudied, and under-discussed in both the healthcare industry and society at large.

The implications of menopause extend beyond personal health—they affect workforce productivity, economic structures, and even healthcare systems. 

Women in midlife represent a growing segment of the workforce, yet many face significant challenges due to unmanaged symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes. 

The lack of comprehensive solutions often forces women to reduce work hours, take career breaks, or even leave jobs entirely, affecting financial stability and contributing to gender disparities in career advancement.

So there is an urgent need for new solutions, whether in healthcare, workplace policies, product development, or education. But innovation in this space isn’t limited to medical professionals—there’s room for entrepreneurs, technologists, designers, educators, and researchers from diverse backgrounds to make a difference.

#2: Most FemTech has been active in menstrual health and pregnancy, with midlife women’s health largely underfunded.

Over the past decade, FemTech (female-focused technology and healthcare solutions) has seen rapid growth, with billions of dollars invested in products and services aimed at menstrual health, fertility, and pregnancy. 

However, midlife women’s health—especially menopause—remains significantly underfunded and underserved. 

According to a Forbes report, while the global FemTech market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, the vast majority of funding has gone toward reproductive and maternal health, leaving menopause-related innovation lagging far behind.

This funding gap is largely due to historical biases in medical research and a lack of awareness about the widespread impact of menopause. 

Despite the fact that every woman who reaches midlife will experience menopause, it has been treated as an afterthought in healthcare and innovation. 

The result? 

Women facing symptoms such as hot flashes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular risks, cognitive decline, and metabolic changes often struggle to find tailored solutions beyond hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which remains controversial for some due to concerns about potential risks.

The underfunding of menopause-related innovation isn’t just a problem—it’s a massive opportunity.

The market for menopause solutions is wide open, and you don’t need to be a doctor or scientist to contribute.

Entrepreneurs, researchers, and creative problem-solvers from all industries can help close the gap.

#3: Less than 2% of biomedical research funding goes toward menopause, leaving a bunch of room for innovation.

This World Economic Forum article states,“According to Imperial College London, less than 2% of medical research funding is spent on pregnancy, childbirth and female reproductive health. The statistics are abundantly clear: Women are being medically denied and left with profound unmet need. 

A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine calls for major reforms, recommending that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) establish a dedicated institute for women’s health research and that Congress provide increased funding to close the gender gap in medical research. 

The World Economic Forum also highlights that the healthcare system’s failure to prioritize women’s health results in poorer medical outcomes, increased economic strain, and diminished quality of life for millions of women.

With such a glaring lack of research and funding, there’s massive potential for groundbreaking innovation—and you don’t have to be a doctor or a scientist to make an impact.

Right now, the lack of funding is a barrier—but it’s also an opportunity. 

If even a fraction of the energy that’s gone into other medical research were directed toward women’s health, we could completely change how women experience midlife and beyond. 

Whether through research, technology, or advocacy, there’s no better time to innovate in menopause healthcare.

#4: Menopause symptoms cost billions annually in sick days, early retirements, and decreased productivity. 

Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, often brings symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life and her professional performance. Recent studies have quantified this impact, revealing substantial economic consequences for both individuals and organizations.

A comprehensive study by the Mayo Clinic estimated that menopause-related symptoms lead to an annual loss of approximately $1.8 billion in work time in the United States. When accounting for direct medical expenses, the total economic burden rises to $26.6 billion annually. The study highlighted that menopausal symptoms adversely affect work performance, with severity correlating strongly with negative work outcomes. 

Beyond absenteeism, presenteeism—where employees are physically present but less productive due to health issues—also contributes to economic losses. Research indicates that women experiencing menopausal symptoms report higher levels of work impairment and increased healthcare utilization compared to those without such symptoms.

#5: Many low-income communities lack access to hormone therapy or specialist care. 

Menopause is a universal experience for women, but access to effective treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and specialist care is not equally distributed. 

Women in low-income communities often face significant barriers to accessing these essential health services, leading to disparities in menopause management and overall health outcomes.​

Research indicates that socioeconomic status significantly influences the utilization of HRT. 

A study found that women with moderate to high incomes were three times more likely to use HRT compared to those with low incomes. This disparity is attributed to factors such as lack of healthcare coverage, limited access to healthcare providers, and insufficient information about treatment options. 

Additionally, women from disadvantaged backgrounds often experience an earlier onset of menopause and report more severe symptoms. Despite this increased need, they are less likely to receive appropriate care, exacerbating health inequities.

Addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting health equity and ensuring that all women have access to effective menopause management.

#6: Specialized sleep technology for menopausal women has not been developed yet. 

Menopause often brings about significant sleep disturbances, with studies indicating that 40–60% of menopausal women experience sleep problems. These disturbances can severely impact quality of life, leading to fatigue, mood disorders, and decreased productivity. Despite the prevalence of these issues, there remains a notable gap in the development of specialized sleep technologies tailored specifically for menopausal women.

While general sleep aids and cooling products exist, few are explicitly designed to address the unique challenges posed by menopause-related sleep disturbances. 

For instance, some companies have introduced cooling mattresses and temperature-regulating bedding aimed at alleviating night sweats and hot flashes. However, these solutions are often generalized and not specifically tailored to the menopausal demographic. 

Moreover, comprehensive wearable devices that monitor sleep patterns in conjunction with menopausal symptoms are still underrepresented in the market.

#7: Most meal planning services and food products overlook the needs of women experiencing menopause.

Nutrition plays a major role in managing menopausal symptoms, yet most meal planning and food product development overlook the needs of this demographic.

This oversight leaves a substantial gap in the market for solutions tailored to alleviate menopause symptoms and promote overall health during this transitional phase.​

During menopause, decreased estrogen levels can lead to various health concerns, including bone density loss, increased cardiovascular risk, and weight gain. Incorporating specific nutrients, such as increased calcium, phytoestrogens, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids into the diet can help mitigate these risks. 

The limited availability of menopause-focused meal planning services presents a significant opportunity for innovation.

#8: Menopause increases the risks of many chronic diseases.

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, characterized by the cessation of menstrual cycles and a decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal shift is associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, making it a critical period for proactive health management.​

Below are just a few examples of the health risks menopausal and postmenopausal women face.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

The decline in estrogen during menopause contributes to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Estrogen is known to have a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.

Its reduction leads to changes in body composition and lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke. Research indicates that women experience a notable increase in CVD risk during midlife, coinciding with the menopausal transition.

Osteoporosis

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density.

Post-menopausal women experience accelerated bone loss, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

The World Health Organization notes that the loss of bone density at menopause significantly contributes to higher rates of osteoporosis and fractures among women.

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Menopause is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. This elevates the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The hormonal changes during menopause can lead to visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and unfavorable lipid profiles.

Thought to Action

1. Normalize conversations about menopause. Menopause is still a taboo topic in many cultures. A layperson can help break the stigma by discussing menopause openly with friends, family, and colleagues.
2. Advocate for menopause-friendly workplaces. Many women suffer in silence at work due to symptoms like brain fog, sleep disturbances, and hot flashes. Let’s push for workplace policies that support menopausal employees. Supporting HR initiatives or signing petitions for legislative changes can make a real difference.
3. Support organizations focusing on menopause research. Men and women alike can back businesses and researchers focusing on menopause. For example, support can be investing, sharing their work, or simply choosing products that benefit menopausal women. If an entrepreneur in his network is working on a menopause-related innovation, he can offer mentorship or support.
4. Be a listener without jumping to being a “fixer”. Sometimes, we just need someone to listen without judgment. If a woman in your life shares her struggles with menopause, resist the urge to offer solutions unless she asks for them. Just acknowledging her experience with a simple “That sounds really challenging. How can I support you?” can go a long way.
5. Be curious, kind, and present. Whether it’s attending a menopause-awareness talk, joining a couple’s health checkup, or just being present when she’s struggling, showing up without making menopause feel like a taboo subject helps remove stigma.

Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3820128

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/menopause-and-workplace-productivity/menopause-and-workplace-productivity

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-study-puts-price-tag-on-cost-of-menopause-symptoms-for-women-in-the-workplace

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10347781

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause

https://www.forbes.com/sites/reenitadas/2019/07/24/menopause-unveils-itself-as-the-next-big-opportunity-in-femtech

https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/women-healthcare-gap

https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2024/12/to-advance-womens-health-research-nih-should-form-new-institute-and-congress-should-appropriate-new-funding-says-report

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/how-your-background-can-affect-your-menopa

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1026537114638

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11297189

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6092036

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000912

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10672665

The post 8 Reasons You Will Regret Not Innovating For Menopause appeared first on Green Also Green.

It’s that time of the month when Auntie Flo comes around and you ride the crimson wave. It’s shark week… but also strawberry week…and also lingonberry week if you’re Swedish. It’s code red! Granny’s stuck in traffic! Les Anglais ont débarqué! If you think I’m describing a doomsday scenario with a side of red fruit and your grandma, I understand. In reality, I was describing something much more common via a hefty helping of obscure albeit artful euphemisms. 

You probably know this: There are certain words you just don’t say. This includes the p-word: “Shark week” (Australia) or “strawberry week” (Austria, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Switzerland, and Germany); the m-word: “reverse puberty”, “second spring”, “the change”; or the v-word: papa (Used in Spain, slang for a double-chin), ke manju (Japanese for “hairy bean paste bun”). If you know what the p-word, m-word, and v-word are but cannot say them out loud, this is your turn to try. Say it with me: Period. Menopause. Vagina. These are natural and normal parts of life, but many cannot even say these words out loud, let alone hear someone else saying them without cringing. 

After indulging myself in a fascinating deep dive into why period poverty is such a pressing issue, how dance can be used to dismantle the shame surrounding menopause, how art can tackle the stigma surrounding menstruation, and the centuries-old marriage between material science and menstrual technologies, I was left with another question that called for more than just a brief web surf: Why can’t we talk about it? And more questions: When did our societal silence start? What makes menstruation and menopause different from other taboo topics like politics and religion? Why do these natural, normal, perfectly-healthy, and near-universal experiences evoke shame? 

Despite what I’d initially thought, a dig into the origin of menstrual and menopausal stigma suggested that even among the experts, it is unclear where it comes from. It was, however, clear that the stigma pre-dates the dawn of language in almost every culture, with a few exceptions. This article from Clue draws heavily on the theory proposed by Christ Knight, a social anthropologist at London University who has researched the “deep historical roots of menstrual taboo”. 

Knight’s view is that the original taboos were born of “female-led” and “female-advantaging” behaviors in early humans, which allowed them to assert menstruation as a time when their bodies were untouchable. While this originally reinforced female autonomy, it became a negative taboo when big animals became more scarce and the traditional hunter-gatherer rhythms were altered. This disrupted female solidarity as it became necessary to gather food more frequently, meaning that the menstrual cycle was no longer synchronized with the process of hunting large game. 

Knight then goes on to suggest that the response to this was men beginning to ritualize their own version of menstruation by cutting their penises and sometimes other parts of the body. The menstrual huts that females used to gather in to menstruate together were reassigned for the “new, better synced, male bleeding ritual” in which they would bleed together.  According to Knight, this is at the heart of all the world’s patriarchal religions, in which temples and churches reflect this male-controlled and dominated atmosphere. “At the base of all the world’s religions, we find one fundamental idea. Some things are sacred. And if the body isn’t sacred, nothing is,” he says. “Blood was a mark of the sacredness of the body. So the paradox is, that the very thing that benefited women throughout evolution is now made to be, and experienced as, the most disempowering.”

Regardless of whether you believe Knight’s theory is accurate, he acknowledges the paradox of power and struggle that is a hallmark of the shame surrounding menstruation and menopause. If the body isn’t sacred, nothing is, he says, and yet there is some nagging sensation that for a large chunk of history, the body is the farthest thing from sacred that there is. To speak of menopause and menstruation specifically, you need only consider the over 5000 slang terms used to describe these natural and healthy processes to bear witness to this attitude. Not only is the body not spoken of as sacred, but it is spoken of as repugnant, dirty, and worst yet, shameful. 

Shame. It’s an unassuming five-lettered word with big implications on the individual and societal level. It thrives on silence and feasts on your inner doubts, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more. Here you might be thinking that this is making a mountain out of a molehill- or a crimson wave out of a puddle- but the excessive use of hurtful euphemisms and slang actually serves to reinforce the much more ominous force of shame. 

Brené Brown highlights this in her breathtaking TED talk on vulnerability. As she explains throughout her research, shame is something we all experience. It is part of what it means to be human and impacts who we are and how we behave. Despite how universal it is, most of us don’t want to talk about shame, as it makes us uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this is exactly what perpetuates it. “Shame derives its power from being unspeakable,” Brown writes. It feeds on silence, judgment, and secrecy. The solution? Vulnerability. 

But what about the slang, euphemisms, and centuries of casual misogyny surrounding menopause and menstruation? How do they evoke shame? According to this article by the Independent, an international survey with over 90,000 responses from 190 countries and ranging across ten different languages found over 5,000 slang words and euphemisms for the word “period”. 78% of the participants believed slang words were used when talking about periods, and in France and China, periods were spoken about in 91% slang terms, followed by Denmark at 86%. Nevertheless, many other countries were on the bandwagon as well. English-speaking participants often cited euphemisms such as Aunt Flo, code red, bloody mary, shark week, the crimson wave, code red, and “the blob”. In Finland, the expression hullum lechman tauti was used, which translates to “mad cow disease”.  In Brazil, participants used eusou com chico, which means “I’m with Chico”, referring to the socialist Chico Mendes. In France, it was Les Anglais ont débarqué, or “The English have landed”. In Denmark they said Der Er Kommunister i Lythuset– “There are communists in the funhouse”- while in South Africa they said “Granny’s stuck in traffic.” As much as  this range of morbid and obscure language might have made you roll your eyes, it still highlights a widespread discomfort surrounding the topic.   

The question that follows, of course, is what to do about it. After all, in maintaining a culture that masks the natural and healthy processes experienced by the female body, the shame surrounding these processes is only left to fester. To develop resilience toward shame, Brené Brown and her colleagues did research into Shame Resilience Theory, in which they identified that those who were able to move through shame and toward empathy all shared the following four elements of shame resilience: (1) recognizing shame and understanding its triggers, (2) practicing critical awareness, (3) reaching out, and (4) speaking shame (i.e. asking for what you need). 

In Brown’s research, she suggests using researcher Kristin Neff’s three elements to improve self compassion: practicing self-kindness over self-judgment, common humanity over isolation, and mindfulness instead of over-identification. 

For now, let’s just start with the linguistic part of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness as it pertains to menstruation and menopause. Fortunately, there are some straightforward changes that you can make to the language you use. 

Step one is to just say the bloody word. Say “period” instead of “the blob” and “menopause” instead of “reverse puberty”. Use the clearest words possible when describing the female- or male- anatomy, and make an effort to know how your body works. 

Within the realm of language surrounding menopause and menstruation, there is also debate surrounding the use of the terms menstrual hygiene versus menstrual health, as the term menstrual hygiene has connotations more with cleaning, whereas menstrual health encompasses all aspects of menstruation, which include overall wellbeing, gender equality, education, equity, empowerment, and human rights. By placing menstruation with health rather than hygiene subsequently encourages the view that it is natural, healthy, and heavily intertwined with all other aspects of a female’s wellbeing. This is an important shift in thinking, as menstruation is about so much more than just cleaning up something “unsanitary”. 

In Liz Kleinrock’s TED Talk How to Teach Kids About Taboo Topics, she says that she believes “the first step towards holding conversations about things like equity is to begin by building a common language.” While she didn’t discuss menstruation or menopause, it is still highly relevant, particularly as her point links with the way we educate future generations. By signaling to others, especially those as malleable as children, that discussing the natural processes of their bodies is disgusting, confusing, and taboo, shame only lives on. As such, it is necessary to be open and curious in order to tackle the stigma that exists. This brings me back to Brené Brown’s words: “Shame derives its power from being unspeakable.”

To speak, and how we speak, is an immensely powerful and underappreciated force. According to this Forbes article, verbal communication through language is one of the qualities that make us unique in the animal kingdom. While scientists are not absolutely sure when humans first spoke, they think that language began two million years ago from the need to communicate while making tools. Today, about 6,500 languages are spoken around the world. That is 6,500 ways to tell a stranger “hello”, 6,500 ways to tell the loves of your life “I love you”, and 6,500 different canvases by which to paint a new attitude toward menstruation and menopause. 

The human voice is one of the most powerful instruments in the human body. The Swedish Musicologist Johan Sundberg once said that “the human voice has been called ‘the mirror to our soul’”, particularly in reference to singing, but also to the speaking voice. This voice is even more than just a tool; It is an instrument for change. Indeed, saying “period” instead of “that time of the month” or “menopause” instead of “the change” might seem small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. In reality though, it’s not. When many people like you and me make these small and barely-perceptible changes over time, we eventually rewrite the centuries-old narrative of how we perceive our complicated, confusing, evolving, beautiful, messy, miraculous, stardust-laden bodies. And that narrative starts with a word. And that word comes from you. 

Thought to Action:

1. Check out the Netflix documentary Period. End of Sentence. Which won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject for 2019
2. Education: Teach yourself what a period is and how it works by watching this phenomenal TED Talk, Why Can’t We Talk About Periods?, by Dr. Jen Gunter, a renowned gynecologist and author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. 
3. Consumption: If you menstruate, you can opt for products that are kind to the environment and kind to your body.
4. Language: How we talk about issues like period poverty affects the way we think about them. Update some of basic linguistic habits to remove the stigma around menstruation by checking out this link. 
5. Support: Support the women in your life going through menopause by using some of these tips:
   1. Encourage open discussions about menopause with everyone, even husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, etc. A supportive community is needed to make women feel more comfortable during this transition. 
   2. If you have already experienced menopause, share your experience with others to demystify the process and alleviate the shame surrounding it.
   3. Be mindful of the “little” things women might experience during menopause, like the discomfort of a hot flash in the middle of the night, the need to keep the room a bit cooler, sudden mood swings, and the difficulty of coping with menopause in the workplace.
   4. Read this article to find out more.
6. Read: Check out Emilia Clarke’s three-issue comic mini-series M.O.M.: Mother of Madness about a single mom, Maya, who uses the secret powers rooted in the various points in her menstrual cycle to take on a group of evil human traffickers.

Sources

Barth, F. Diane. “7 Ways to Fight Debilitating Shame | Psychology Today.” Www.psychologytoday.com, 23 Mar. 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-couch/201803/7-ways-fight-debilitating-shame. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Calderwood, Imogen. “12 of the Weirdest and Worst Euphemisms for the Word “Period.”” Global Citizen, 22 Nov. 2017, www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/weird-period-euphemisms-around-the-world/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Devlin, Hannah. “Breaking the Menopause Taboo: “There Are Vital Stories We Should Continue to Pursue.”” The Guardian, 21 Sept. 2019, www.theguardian.com/membership/2019/sep/21/breaking-the-menopause-taboo-there-are-vital-stories-we-should-continue-to-pursue. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Druet, Anna. “Clue: Period and Ovulation Tracker for IPhone and Android.” Helloclue.com, Clue, 2019, helloclue.com/articles/culture/how-did-menstruation-become-taboo. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Gordon, Ali. “Period Taboo: Why Can’t We Talk about Menstruation?” BBC News, 24 Feb. 2019, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-47254222.

“HEALTH – Top 10 Weird (and Funny) Names for the Menopause.” Heart London Magazine, 7 Sept. 2021, heartlondonmagazine.com/2021/09/07/health-top-10-weird-and-funny-names-for-the-menopause/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Kleinrock, Liz. “How to Teach Kids to Talk about Taboo Topics.” Ted.com, TED Talks, 2017, www.ted.com/talks/liz_kleinrock_how_to_teach_kids_to_talk_about_taboo_topics. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Morgan, Lindsay. “Talking about Taboos: How to Create an Open Atmosphere for Discussing Difficult Subjects.” THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect, 10 Nov. 2021, www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/talking-about-taboos-how-create-open-atmosphere-discussing-difficult-subjects. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

O’Connor, Roisin. “There Are More than 5,000 Ways to Say “Period” around the World – These Are the Best Ones.” The Independent, 1 Mar. 2016, www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/menstruation-study-finds-over-5-000-slang-terms-for-period-a6905021.html. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Ph.D, Jeremy Sutton. “Shame Resilience Theory: Advice from Brené Brown.” PositivePsychology.com, 14 June 2017, positivepsychology.com/shame-resilience-theory/#overcoming-and-dealing-with-shame. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Prisk, Jenni. “Civic Nation BrandVoice: Mark My Words: There Is Power in Your Voice.” Forbes, 26 Feb. 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/civicnation/2020/02/26/mark-my-words-there-is-power-in-your-voice/?sh=4ae5cd6e3b77. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

read, Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE15-Jan-22 · 5 mins. “How to Alter Your Language around Menstruation to Be More Inclusive.” Patient.info, 15 Jan. 2022, patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-alter-your-language-around-menstruation-to-be-more-inclusive. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Sack, David. “5 Ways to Silence Shame.” Psychology Today, 2015, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201501/5-ways-silence-shame. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Selva, Joaquin. “Shame Resilience Theory: How to Respond to Feelings of Shame.” PositivePsychology.com, 14 June 2017, positivepsychology.com/shame-resilience-theory/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Sheesley, Maddie. “How to Talk about Menstruation.” Helloclue.com, Clue, 6 Nov. 2017, helloclue.com/articles/culture/how-to-talk-about-menstruation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

The Sanitation Learning Hub. “Call a Period a Period: Exploring the Language and Knowledge of Menstruation.” Sanitation Learning Hub, 27 May 2021, sanitationlearninghub.org/2021/05/27/call-a-period-a-period-exploring-the-language-and-knowledge-of-menstruation/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Thorpe, J.R. “41 Awesome Euphemisms for Vagina around the World, Because Your Pupusa Speaks All Languages.” Bustle, 26 Feb. 2015, www.bustle.com/articles/66680-41-awesome-euphemisms-for-vagina-around-the-world-because-your-pupusa-speaks-all-languages. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

West, Mary. “Female Reproductive Organ Anatomy, Parts, and Function.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 8 Oct. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/female-reproductive-organ-anatomy#uterus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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After writing about menstruation, periods, tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and the stigma surrounding them, I realized that there was still an oft-ignored member of the party that I had to pay homage to: menopause. “Menopause”, the word I only first heard after getting my first period, a word filled with mystery, saturated with finality. I remember thinking it was funny how words surrounding female reproduction sounded both grammatical and masculine, all starting with “men”- menopause, menstruation– and containing words like “period” and “pause”. I thought it was funny how dissimilar grammar and menstruation were- one messy and somewhat unpredictable, the other rigid and abstract- and how peculiar it was that menstruation didn’t belong to men even though it sounded like it did. I also remember wanting to ask people what it was like, how long it lasted, if it hurt, if it was miserable, when it would happen to me, but always feeling held back by the worry that they would get offended by the mere suggestion that they might have the experience required to answer my questions. 

The National Institute on Aging defines menopause as the point in time 12 months after a menstruator’s last period. The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, is what you call the year leading up to that point, in which menstruators might experience changes in their monthly cycle, hot flashes, or other symptoms. It often begins between ages 45 and 55, lasting roughly seven years but sometimes stretching to 14. How long it lasts depends on lifestyle factors such as age, smoking, race, and ethnicity. During this period of time, the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, both produced by the ovaries, can be variable.

Yet menopause is a phenomenon that transcends biology, marking a point in life that many find daunting and challenging on an existential level. Indeed, there is a long history in Western society of menopause being used to antagonize women of a certain age, with pressures all around to make anyone past their time of reproduction feel excluded and underappreciated.  

One striking example of this discrimination toward older women has appeared throughout history through the persecution of those accused of witchcraft. According to Britannica, the European witch-hunt craze peaked in the 1580s and 90s to the 1630s and 40s, with about three quarters of the hunts taking place in western Germany, France, northern Italy, and Switzerland. It is impossible to know exactly when the trials began, but it is generally thought that the number of trials and executions “varied according to time and place”, although generally speaking a total of roughly 110,000 people were tried for witchcraft and between 40,000 to 60,000 were executed.”

Witches were thought to be followers of Satan who “traded their souls for his assistance”. They would then allegedly employ demons to desecrate the crucifix and the consecrated bread and wine of Holy Communion; shapeshift to and from an animal form, riding through the air at night to secret meetings called “sabbats”, where they would partake in orgies and sometimes have sex with Satan himself; and kidnap and murder children for the sake of eating them or using their fat for magical ointments. Naturally though- while there were admittedly some individuals who did worship the devil, try to practice maleficium– malevolent sorcery- and yes, there were even people with moles and warts, no one was actually a witch by the definition of the time. 

Looking back, there is still no reasonable explanation for women making up the overwhelming majority of people accused of witchcraft- about three quarters of those convicted. Older women, single women, and widows were particularly susceptible to accusations. That is to say, menopause and witchcraft have been intimately interwoven for centuries. 

I mention this in order to demonstrate an important point about the depiction of menopausal women throughout history. Namely, that the decrease in fertility that occurs during menopause has, for hundreds of years, been associated with powerful evil. In fact, the deeply embedded understanding of menopausal women as witches still contributes to the pathologization of menopause today. This is why a witch, predominantly considered evil in Western culture, is depicted as old, infertile, and isolated from the rest of society. 

 As a result of this attitude, so deeply embedded within the patriarchal codes of Western society, menopause has been the source of shame and stigma for centuries. This is, however, quite strange given that shame manifests when societal norms have been transgressed. Yet everyone has a body bound by the confines of time. Everyone grows older, everyone goes through puberty, and everyone has a few stray pimples and hairs. Rather than acknowledge this mostly-universal truth, shame is an emotion which causes people to turn their focus inward, cutting deep into their identity. 

According to this medically-reviewed article on PsychCentral, it could manifest through feelings of worthlessness, worrying about what others think of you, being afraid to look stupid, perfectionism, negative self-talk, or anger in response to shame triggers, resulting in side effects such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, sleeping issues, stomach pain, overeating or loss of appetite, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and codependency. While personal experience for some might corroborate this long list of symptoms, there is also evidence to underpin these concerns. Dr. June Tangey and Ronda L. Dearing have evidence to suggest that people with a propensity for feeling shame often have low self-esteem and that shame can increase risks of developing other psychological conditions such as depression. In 2010, a study led by Ulrich Orth of the University of Bern, those in their teen years were particularly sensitive to shame, with this inclination decreasing until it resurged again in older age, in which people felt shame toward their bodily appearance.

 Dr. Brené Brown is yet another well-known shame researcher who advocates for vulnerability. “Shame derives its power from being unspeakable,” she says. How simple, and yet how terrifying, to speak the unspeakable, to strip away the power of silence with just your voice. What if, through asking about menopause, we discovered that the shame surrounding it could be replaced with pride? 

This is where we meet the grandmother hypothesis, an idea that has been put forward by researchers to explain why homo sapiens evolved menopause, the biological mystery that means females stop being able to reproduce about halfway through their life. While it does exist in a small selection of other species, such as Japanese aphids and killer whales, it is extremely uncommon throughout the animal kingdom.

The grandmother hypothesis suggests that instead of disadvantaging homo sapiens, menopause actually allows older females to better support their offspring- and their offspring’s offspring, allowing more offspring to survive into adulthood. So while the individual female can no longer pass down her genetic material, she can more readily ensure the survival of those who are carrying it. 

How does this fit into the way we view menopause today? Sure, like me, you may live an ocean away from your grandmothers, or perhaps not be lucky enough to have them in your life, but this is a phenomenon that goes beyond being a grandmother; It is about being a leader. It is about reinventing yourself. It is about getting clear on what you value. 

“Shame derives its power from being unspeakable,” Dr. Brené Brown says. The shame surrounding menopause is just one example. In reality, fertility or the lack thereof never made menopausal women any more “witch” than the rest of us. In fact, Japanese and Mayan culture view the menopausal transition as a period of growth, renewal, and spiritual rebirth. This highlights not only that it’s possible to rewrite the narrative, but that a positive narrative of menopause already exists. Using our voices to dismantle shame is one tool to get there, but today I want to propose a different kind of expression, one that might terrify you even more. 

Sure, we all know you sing in the shower and bop your head when listening to something groovy. But what if there is something even more powerful to be said for dancing? What if it can dismantle shame? What if it can promote social bonding, increase self-esteem, and fight depression and anxiety? Well, research from 2021, results of which are published in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), suggests that this could all be the case. Results seem to support the claim that dance improves cholesterol levels, physical fitness, self-image and self-esteem for postmenopausal females. 

This is particularly important for this demographic, as postmenopausal females are more likely to experience weight gain, overall/central body adiposity increases, and metabolic disturbances such as increases in triglycerides and bad cholesterol. This leads to a higher cardiovascular risk, but is also complemented with decreased self-esteem and self-image. According to the study, “dance therapy is seen as an attractive option because it is a pleasant activity with low associated costs and low risk of injury for its practitioners.” Dance therapy also offers the added benefits of improved balance, posture, strength, and “overall physical performance”. In fact, dance therapy, first pioneered by Marian Chace back in the 1940s, has been used to help patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other studies by Leste & Rust have highlighted the power of dance classes to reduce anxiety. 

Yet this is, to some extent, old news in the grand scheme of human history. According to the 2015 paper Synchrony and exertion during dance independently raise pain threshold and encourage social bonding, the performance and enjoyment of music and dance in a group setting is somewhat ubiquitous across all human cultures. “Dance is fundamentally cooperative in nature,” it explains. “And may have served the evolutionary function of encouraging social bonds, cooperation and prosocial behaviors between group members.” The authors of this paper- Bronwyn Tarr, Jacques Launay, Emma Cohen and Robin Dunbar- attribute this to the empirically proven link between synchrony, which is performing the same movement at the same time, and bonding. It suggests that synchronization between people influences their positive social feelings toward each other, blurring the perception of ‘self’ and ‘other’. 

By breaking down this barrier between ‘self’ and ‘other’, another thing gets broken down- shame. This is why dance offers such a powerful tool in tackling the physical and emotional toll of menopause. Not only does it provide exercise, but it also acts as a way of bonding and expressing oneself. Shame derives its power from being unspeakable. Yes, this is true. But shame also derives power from being undanceable. 

Sources:

(meno)PAUSE TO CHECK YOUR SOURCES

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—. “Why Should We Dance?” Psychology Today, 2013, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meaning-in-motion/201305/why-should-we-dance. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

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Jackson, Melissa. “Dance Therapy for Mental Patients.” News.bbc.co.uk, 3 Apr. 2004, news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3551063.stm. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Johnson, Jacquelyn. “Toxic Shame: Causes, Consequences, and How to Cope.” Psych Central, 13 May 2022, psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-toxic-shame#recap. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Jone Johnson Lewis. “Witch Hunts in Europe: Timeline.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 23 Jan. 2013, www.thoughtco.com/european-witch-hunts-timeline-3530786. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Kämmerer, Annette. “The Scientific Underpinnings and Impacts of Shame.” Scientific American, 19 Aug. 2019, www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-scientific-underpinnings-and-impacts-of-shame/#. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Lambert, Jonathan. “Living near Your Grandmother Has Evolutionary Benefits.” NPR.org, 7 Feb. 2019, www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/02/07/692088371/living-near-your-grandmother-has-evolutionary-benefits. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Lamia, Mary. “Shame: A Concealed, Contagious, and Dangerous Emotion.” Psychology Today, 2011, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/intense-emotions-and-strong-feelings/201104/shame-concealed-contagious-and-dangerous-emotion. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Lesté, A., and J. Rust. “Effects of Dance on Anxiety.” Perceptual and Motor Skills, vol. 58, no. 3, 1 June 1984, pp. 767–772, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6473025, https://doi.org/10.2466/pms.1984.58.3.767. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Lewis, Ioan M., and Jeffrey Burton Russell. “Witchcraft | Definition, History, Varieties, & Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Oct. 2022, www.britannica.com/topic/witchcraft#ref214880.

McKie, Robin. “Killer Whales Explain the Mystery of the Menopause.” The Guardian, 15 Jan. 2017, www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jan/15/killer-whales-explain-meaning-of-the-menopause. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

National Institute on Aging. “What Is Menopause?” National Institute on Aging, 2017, www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

North American Menopause Society. “Postmenopausal Women Can Dance Their Way to Better Health.” ScienceDaily, 28 July 2021, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210728105640.htm. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Selva, Joaquin. “Shame Resilience Theory: How to Respond to Feelings of Shame.” PositivePsychology.com, 14 June 2017, positivepsychology.com/shame-resilience-theory/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Tarr, Bronwyn, et al. “Synchrony and Exertion during Dance Independently Raise Pain Threshold and Encourage Social Bonding.” Biology Letters, vol. 11, no. 10, Oct. 2015, p. 20150767, https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0767.

Teixeira, Giovana Rampazzo, et al. “October 2021 – Volume 28 – Issue 10 : Menopause.” Journals.lww.com, Oct. 2021, journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Citation/2021/10000/Dance_practice_modifies_functional_fitness. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Vogel, Kaitlin. “Whether You’re 25 or 65, Here Are 50 Quotes about Menopause That Will Resonate with Every Woman.” Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays, 26 July 2021, parade.com/1239990/kaitlin-vogel/menopause-quotes/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Wallenfeldt, Jeff. “Salem Witch Trials | History & Causes.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 30 Nov. 2018, www.britannica.com/event/Salem-witch-trials#ref332153.

Women’s Health Network. “Menopause in Different Cultures.” Women’s Health Network, 18 Nov. 2013, www.womenshealthnetwork.com/menopause-and-perimenopause/menopause-in-different-cultures/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2023.

Thought to Action:

1. Dance: Take some time to dance to your favorite music or even consider joining a class. Just focus on enjoying yourself. There is no such thing as “too old”, “too weird” or “too uncoordinated”.
2. Educate: Teach yourself what a period is and how it works by watching this phenomenal TED Talk, Why Can’t We Talk About Periods?, by Dr. Jen Gunter, a renowned gynecologist and author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. 
3. Support: Support the women in your life going through menopause by using some of these tips:
   1. Encourage open discussions about menopause with everyone, even husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, etc. A supportive community is needed to make women feel more comfortable during this transition. 
   2. If you have already experienced menopause, share your experience with others to demystify the process and alleviate the shame surrounding it.
   3. Be mindful of the “little” things women might experience during menopause, like the discomfort of a hot flash in the middle of the night, the need to keep the room a bit cooler, sudden mood swings, and the difficulty of coping with menopause in the workplace.
   4. Read this article to find out more.
4. Petition: Consider signing:
   1. this petition to call ministers of health in New Zealand to make menopause training mandatory for all GPs and medical students, create menopause awareness and support in every workplace, and to include menopause in school curriculums. 
   2. this petition to end period poverty in the U.S.
5. Language: How we talk about issues like period poverty affects the way we think about them. Update some of basic linguistic habits to remove the stigma around menstruation by checking out this link. 
6. Read: Check out Emilia Clarke’s three-issue comic mini-series M.O.M.: Mother of Madness about a single mom, Maya, who uses the secret powers rooted in the various points in her menstrual cycle to take on a group of evil human traffickers.
7. Inspire: Consider incorporating some of these witty feminist comebacks into your lexicon:
   1. “Menopause. A pause while you reconsider men.” (Margaret Atwood)
   2. “A man told me that for a woman, I was very opinionated. I said, ‘For a man, you’re kind of ignorant’.” (Anne Hathaway)
   3. “My coach said I run like a girl. And I said if he ran a little faster he could too.” (Mia Hamm)
   4. “I’m tough, ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” (Madonna)
   5. “Of course, I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.” (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)

The post Not a Witch, Bitch Or Hag: The Art of Dance & Menopause appeared first on Green Also Green.

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If you’re one of the lucky ones among us who menstruate- or ever has or will- you should know a decent chunk of the humans that have ever existed would think you had a magical ability. Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and natural philosopher, believed a nude menstruating woman could prevent hail storms and lightning, even scaring insects away from farm crops. In some cases in Mayan mythology, menstrual blood is believed to have the potential to turn into medicinal plants too. In some cultures, this blood was used as a kind of charm based on the idea that it could purify, protect, or cast spells. In ancient Egypt, the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC) suggested it could be used as an ingredient in certain medicines. 

There is also a flipside to this wonderful ability though. In biblical times, ancient Hebrew laws of Niddah meant that menstruating women went into seclusion and had to be isolated from the rest of society for seven “clean” days. Pliny the Elder, who certainly believed in the mystical power of periods, thought their power was for the destruction of crops, turning “new wine sour”, making entire hives of bees die, and turning crops barren. Mayan mythology taught that, despite its medicinal potential, menstruation first began as a punishment for the Moon Goddess after sleeping with the Sun god. Her blood was then stored in thirteen jars, where it turned into snakes, insects, poisons and diseases. And thus began the long history of stigma that persists even today. There was blood, lots of it, coming out of women regularly, even when nothing was wrong, and it appeared to be synced with the moon and the tide. Yikes! The female body must be magical. 

That said, while deriving superhuman abilities from your period sounds cool enough to be the modus operandi of the next Marvel superhero, menstruation has lived largely in the shadows for centuries…and when it wasn’t in the shadows, it was allegedly sabotaging harvests and being taken as medicine. Historians assume the ancient menstruators- the ones living among good old Pliny the Elder- used rag cloths which were constantly rewashed, or tampons made of papyrus, wooden sticks wrapped in lint, or loincloths if you were in Egypt. In medieval times, similar methods were used, but researchers believe that many women also simply bled their clothes. This method was used for most of history throughout the world. 

Truth be told, little is known about how menstruation was handled in the distant past, because most of the scribes were men. Nevertheless, there is a wonderfully amusing story about Hypatia, one of the first female mathematicians, throwing a used menstrual cloth at a man in an effort to get him to go away. This provides a glimmer of insight into what it was like to be a menstruator in the 4th century. I, for one, don’t envy Hypatia.

Fast forward a few centuries and it was only in the late 19th century that products for “feminine hygiene” were even advertised somewhat publicly, and only in 1985 that the word “period” was first spoken on television. It was by Courtney Cox as part of a Tampax commercial, in case you were wondering. 

So what happened to period technology in the course of two and a half centuries to go from rags and papyrus to tampons, maxi pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear? A lot, my friend. It involves a world war, lots and lots of blood, a spoonful of sexism, some cotton, silicone, and plastic, and of course a hint of sketchy advertising.  

What finally got the ball rolling in the 19th century was a growing concern in the medical community around whether bleeding into the same clothes over the course of many days was healthy and sanitary. For reference, it was in the mid to late 1800s that Louis Pasteur demonstrated that microorganisms can cause disease, so you can imagine how the fear of bacterial infection served as a call to action in terms of menstrual health. This is when advertisements for the first commercial pads and tampons started to surface, albeit filled with euphemisms and awkwardness.  

Between 1854 and 1915, 20 patents were filed for menstrual products, including rubber underwear, Lister’s towels, elastic belts you could attach to a pad and antiseptic pad- which would be the main option for menstruators until the 1970s- and the first menstrual cups, which were made of aluminum or hard rubber. These were first made available through catalogs in the 1890s, which was quite a contrast to the occasional door-to-door marketing that occurred by the 1870s. 

When World War I struck, the menstrual product industry was forever changed. Nurses observed that cellulose, the most abundant organic polymer, was better at absorbing blood than cloth bandages. This inspired the Kotex sanitary napkin, which was made from surplus high-absorption war bandages and became the first commercial success for sanitary napkins. Not only did this revolutionize what pads were made of, but it revolutionized the career paths of women. As they started to work in factories as a result of the second world war, advertisements for menstrual products encouraged them to “toughen up”, working longer hours without having to weigh up their menstrual health. This newfound autonomy only grew with the new menstrual product industry. Menstruators were able to participate in activities that had previously been restricted and to pursue career paths that were initially reserved for men. 

This was, however, only the beginning. The first tampon wasn’t invented until 1929 by Dr. Earle Haas, who got the idea for the tampon after learning his friend in California used a sponge tucked into the vagina to absorb blood. Don’t ask me who he tested this on, but when Dr. Haas decided to take strips of cotton fiber and connect it to a cord extending out of the vagina, the tampon we all know and love was well on its way. Kind of… At this point in time, the stigma surrounding menstruation still meant that to purchase “feminine” products, women had to discreetly place money into a box specifically for these items rather than paying directly to a salesperson. The clip below sums it up nicely… 

With the 1930s there came several more innovations, including modern disposable tampons patented under the name “Tampax”, and the first patent of a menstrual cup by Leona Chalmers in 1937. In 1956 Mary Kenner, an African-American inventor, invented the first sanitary belt which included an adhesive to secure the pad in place. In 1956, Leona Chalmers then improved the design of the menstrual cup, using softer materials more akin to the silicone cups used today. 

1972 saw the introduction to the first beltless pads, finally leading to the demarcation between heavy flow, light flow, and mini-pads. Feminist and environmental movements throughout the 70s led to reusable menstrual cups, period sponges, and biodegradable options becoming more popular. The 1980s brought us modern maxi pads, pads with wings. By this point the belted sanitary napkin was totally fazed out and pads with adhesive strips could be attached to underwear, with the ergonomics being constantly improved to make pads more absorbent and less leaky. Between 1979 and 1996, over 5,000 cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome were documented. This was related back to a particular brand whose products are no longer available, but Toxic Shock Syndrome is still a reason many give for not wearing tampons. 

Phew! Deep breath. That was a lot of dates, names, and inventions. Now we’re up to today, in which the global menstrual market is expected to grow to $27.7 billion by 2025. Compared to our ancestors, we are overflowing(no pun intended) with period products. As of 2000, over 80% of women used tampons, with pads and panty liners coming in just under. More and more reusable options are also gaining traction, including menstrual cups and reusable pads.

All in all, this blast through the history of period products highlights to me not only the important place of scientific innovation in empowering women, but the importance of asking the right questions. Period poverty is still a pressing concern for millions around the world, which means that the zero to hero story of how menstrual products have developed still has a long way to go. And its future lies with us. 

This begs the question: What’s next? There are several factors to consider. Firstly is the environment. According to Health Line, the average nonorganic pad takes 500-800 years to decompose. In comparison, a cotton tampon takes six months. Non organic tampon brands, however, aren’t biodegradable as they are likely wrapped in plastic or used with a plastic applicator. To top all this off, an estimated 45 billion menstrual products end up in the trash every year, which is equivalent to more than five times the number of people on this planet. Considering that a disgraceful 91% of all plastic doesn’t get recycled and a large portion of it doesn’t biodegrade, we’ve got a huge problem on our hands- especially considering the amount of plastic found in menstrual products. 

Nonetheless, there are some fascinating innovations taking place including hemp pads and tampons, recycled nylon from ocean waste, reusable medical-grade silicone, and more. One company innovating in this arena is Rif, which uses “regenerative, plant based” inputs to make period products out of hemp fiber, a breathable, durable material made using fiber from the Cannabis sativa plant that has been used for millennia. With more innovations like this, the menstrual product industry is gradually becoming less wasteful and more environmentally-friendly. 

The other big factor: access. Read over my article Closing the Comma on Period Poverty to look into this on a deeper level, but to summarize, period poverty is a global health crisis which prevents about 500 million menstruators worldwide from fully partaking in their careers, education, and day-to-day lives. It results from a lack of access to period products, a lack of education and safe health and waste management facilities, the stigmatization of menstruation and menopause, or any combination of these. In this sense, ‘access’ not only refers to having access to the right products, but also having access to the right education, facilities, and emotional support. This also includes addressing the issue of stigma toward menstruation. I delved into this in my article Menstrual Menstralas: Why Art is the Path Out of Stigma, but must reiterate its message, so beautifully summed up by Dr. Jen Gunter: “It shouldn’t be an act of feminism to know how your body works.” It seems radical to suggest out loud, in a room full of people, that menstruators should be empowered to know their basic physiology, but it is truly a reasonable request. 

Ultimately, while we’ve certainly come a long way from Pliny the Elder’s day, menstruation and menopause are still highly stigmatized throughout the world due to cultural pressures, religious beliefs about menstrual blood, stereotypes about how menstruators behave on their period, and overall gender discrimination. Chances are that even you, as enlightened as you might be, would still cringe if someone brought up the topic in normal conversation. This is why the first step to breaking the vicious chain of period poverty is so difficult- because no one wants to bring it up first.  

This is how we start: by asking the right questions. Whether you are the upcoming Leona Chalmers, patenting the next evolution of the menstrual cup, or are finally building up the courage to ask that-question-you alway-wanted-to-ask about that-part-of-your-body-you-never-talk-about, you are taking an important step. There is no need to cure diseases or turn new wine sour; menstruation can be magical all on its own. 

Thought to Action:

1. Check out the Netflix documentary Period. End of Sentence. Which won an Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject for 2019
2. Education: Teach yourself what a period is and how it works by watching this phenomenal TED Talk, Why Can’t We Talk About Periods?, by Dr. Jen Gunter, a renowned gynecologist and author of The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. 
3. Consumption: If you menstruate, you can opt for products that are kind to the environment and kind to your body.
4. Language: How we talk about issues like period poverty affects the way we think about them. Update some of basic linguistic habits to remove the stigma around menstruation by checking out this link. 
5. Support: Support the women in your life going through menopause by using some of these tips:
   1. Encourage open discussions about menopause with everyone, even husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, etc. A supportive community is needed to make women feel more comfortable during this transition. 
   2. If you have already experienced menopause, share your experience with others to demystify the process and alleviate the shame surrounding it.
   3. Be mindful of the “little” things women might experience during menopause, like the discomfort of a hot flash in the middle of the night, the need to keep the room a bit cooler, sudden mood swings, and the difficulty of coping with menopause in the workplace.
   4. Read this article to find out more.
6. Read: Check out Emilia Clarke’s three-issue comic mini-series M.O.M.: Mother of Madness about a single mom, Maya, who uses the secret powers rooted in the various points in her menstrual cycle to take on a group of evil human traffickers.

Sources

Fact check…period! 

Aduviri, Brooke. “Material Sciences in Menstrual Health and Hygiene.” Events.engineering.oregonstate.edu, 14 May 2022, events.engineering.oregonstate.edu/expo2022/project/material-sciences-menstrual-health-and-hygiene. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Ali, Zoia. “The Evolution of Menstrual Products: From the 1800s to Present.” The Girls Company, 12 Mar. 2021, thegirlsco.com/blogs/news/the-evolution-of-menstrual-products-from-the-1800s-to-present. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Bell, Jen. “What Advertising Teaches Us about Periods.” Helloclue.com, 12 Sept. 2017, helloclue.com/articles/culture/what-advertising-teaches-us-about-periods. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Bushak, Lecia. “A Brief History of the Menstrual Period: How Women Dealt with Their Cycles throughout the Ages.” Medical Daily, 23 May 2016, www.medicaldaily.com/menstrual-period-time-month-history-387252. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Davies, Jack. “Primrose, Pearl and Period Pads: Menstrual Products in the Collection.” Science Museum Blog, 15 Apr. 2019, blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/primrose-pearl-and-period-pads-menstrual-products-in-the-collection/. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Hennegan, Julie, et al. “Menstrual Health: A Definition for Policy, Practice, and Research.” Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, vol. 29, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2021, p. 1911618, https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1911618.

Kotler, Jennifer. “A Short History of Modern Menstrual Products.” Helloclue.com, Clue, 20 Nov. 2018, helloclue.com/articles/culture/a-short-history-of-modern-menstrual-products. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Lapidos, Juliet. “Do Plastic Bags Really Take 500 Years to Break down in a Landfill?” Slate Magazine, 27 June 2007, slate.com/news-and-politics/2007/06/do-plastic-bags-really-take-500-years-to-break-down-in-a-landfill.html. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

“Menstruation and Modern Materials.” Science Museum, 7 May 2020, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/everyday-wonders/menstruation-and-modern-materials. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Parker, Laura. “A Whopping 91% of Plastic Isn’t Recycled.” National Geographic, 20 Dec. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Praderio, Caroline. “Organic Tampons Aren’t Worth Your Money — Here’s Why.” Insider, 2 Aug. 2017, www.insider.com/are-organic-tampons-safer-better-2017-9. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Ross, Charley. “Why Is There Plastic in Tampons?” HuffPost UK, 10 Mar. 2018, www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/why-is-there-plastic-in-my-tampon_uk_5a96cc5be4b07dffeb6ec7bb. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Spinks, Rosie. “Disposable Tampons Aren’t Sustainable, but Do Women Want to Talk about It?” The Guardian, 27 Apr. 2015, www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/27/disposable-tampons-arent-sustainable-but-do-women-want-to-talk-about-it. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

Trowbridge, Meg. “What I Learned from Switching to Organic Menstrual Brands.” Healthline, 20 May 2019, www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/organic-tampons-review#L.:-regular-and-super-tampons. Accessed 8 Feb. 2023.

The post From Cloth To Comfort: A Menstrual Revolution In a Material World appeared first on Green Also Green.

There is a moment every female-bodied tween dreads- the day your sporadic, temperamental period comes early and you’ve forgotten your pad. You’re stuck in the bathroom stall on a muggy summer afternoon in the middle of French and you know your only option is to stuff toilet paper into your panties and say a prayer. After class you’ll have to ask around to see if anyone will let you have one of their pads, but you’ll still have to sit in class for what feels like millenia, dreading any of several incriminating stains that could seep through. In school. In front of everyone. Blazed into your memory. After waddling back to class cautiously, precariously sitting yourself back down, you grab your pen and look up, trying to focus, but you can’t. Your mind is conjuring up a bloody red menagerie of worst-possible-scenarios, and now you’re starting to feel some cramps too. How do you say ‘to be on your period’ in French anyway?

Well it’s avoir ses règles, and for many menstruating people worldwide, a lack of adequate supplies to handle menstruation safely has led to what we now call period poverty. In fact, period poverty is considered a global health crisis. 

Let’s take a step back though, because the word ‘period’ makes sense and so does ‘poverty’, but when the two are put together it starts to get a bit confusing. Truth be told, many definitions are circulating, some which center around being able to financially afford menstrual products, others with focus on access, education or awareness. In reality, period poverty counts as all of these. The definition I found to be most aligned with this all-encompassing definition is the one on Medical News Today, which states that “period poverty is a lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management, or a combination of these”.

Now while that sounds like a definite issue, what elevates it to the status of a global health crisis? In short, why should you care? Perhaps you’re even reading this as someone who has never menstruated or never will. 

cottonbro studio. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/sanitary-pad-on-white-background-3926751/. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

If you’re a proponent of utilitarianism and appreciate a bit of hedonic calculus, join me as we crunch some numbers: There are about 8 billion people on this planet. According once again to Medical News Today, 500 million people who menstruate lack access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities. That’s about 6.25% of the global population having several days of discomfort on a monthly basis due to lacking access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities. If every person on the planet were a grain of sand, all 8 billion of us put together would weigh as much as a grand piano. If you were to take all 500 million of the people lacking menstrual products and hygiene facilities, they would weigh as much as three full size watermelons. Now let’s say you took the estimated 16.9 million people who menstruate living in poverty in the U.S. alone. If they were all grains of sand and you put them together, it would weigh as much as an iPad. In fact, a 2021 study found that almost two-thirds of women in the U.S. with a low income could not afford menstrual products in the last year, while nearly half sometimes had to choose between buying food or menstrual products. 

This kind of constant stress at the back of someone’s mind every month for several days can prevent them from participating in their education or careers, which has significant economic implications for their ability to financially support themselves and their families, as well as their participation in the wider economy. 

Undoubtedly, this is a concern from the very first time a young person gets their period. One widely-quoted statistic is that one out of every ten African girls misses school due to menstruation, although there is admittedly much difficulty in measuring absences and the reasons for them. That said, poor school attainment nevertheless “reduces girls’ economic potential over her life course, impacts population health outcomes; which extends to girls’ sexual and reproductive health outcomes, self-esteem, and sense of control”.

The impacts of this also affect women already in the workforce. According to the University of Leeds Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development’s 2019 report, results from a pilot menstrual health intervention by Business for Social Responsibility’s (BSR) HER project show that 73% of women working in factories in Bangladesh missed work for an average six days a month. When the HER project provided pads and a behavior change work-based intervention, absenteeism dropped to 3%.

Vaitkevich, Nataliya. Pexels, www.pexels.com/photo/red-and-white-heart-decors-5712294/. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

With that in mind, we can imagine what it would look like to eradicate period poverty. In this ideal world, where menstrual health is neither stigmatized nor out of reach, people would have access to information about menstruation, life changes, and hygiene practices. They would be able to take care of themselves during menstruation. They’d have access to water, sanitation, and healthcare, the ability to receive a diagnosis for menstrual cycle disorders, a positive and supportive environment in which to make decisions, and the empowerment necessary to participate in all aspects of life, such as going to work, school, and anywhere else.

The tricky thing is how to get there. Of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, I could think of at least nine which tie into the trials and tribulations of period poverty, indicating that there is definitely a need for a solution. 

Below I’ve mentioned which ones I saw an immediate connection to and their number on the list of the seventeen total SDGs:

• 3. Good Health & Wellbeing
• 4. Quality Education
• 5. Gender Equality
• 6. Clean Water & Sanitation
• 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
• 10. Reduced Inequalities
• 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
• 13. Climate Action
• 16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

So we’ve established that period poverty is a problem for everyone and that it’s necessary to overcome it in order to create a sustainable future. However, it’s a complicated quagmire of socioeconomic, cultural, biological, and anthropological factors that take creativity and collaboration to tackle. I can’t do it all by myself and nor can you, but we can make a start with a few simple steps and creative ideas. 

One way to deconstruct the stigma behind menstruation is through art. Through art we open ourselves up to bold curiosity; Through curiosity we open the door to normalization. As Dr. Jen Gunter, an outspoken gynecologist and science communicator says, “It shouldn’t be an act of feminism to know how your body works.” This attitude has been reflected by several artists already, such as Vanessa Tiegs, who creates menstralas to spread awareness about menstrual health; Sarah Naqvi, who uses embroidery to depict menstrual blood; or Rupi Kaur, whose controversial photograph of a woman with a menstrual blood stain was once temporarily removed from Instagram. 

Another way to approach period poverty is by diving into the marriage between material science and menstruation, a marriage involving menstrual cups, tampons, pads, and the environment which sits on the receiving end of all we dispose of. By understanding how best to balance comfort, finance, women’s health, the environment, and the other forces at play, we can prevent women from having to make unjust sacrifices. 

No one should have to choose between buying tampons or food. No one should have to compromise their career or education because they can’t access menstrual products. No one should have to feel ashamed of the way their body functions. No one should have to worry about whether they can make it twenty hours with the same pad. So now it’s the job of you and me, dear reader, to address the neglected global health crisis of period poverty one word at a time. 

Thought to Action 

1. Education: Investigate further about how to how to support menstruators and decrease the stigma relating to menstruation by:
   1. Asking questions & starting conversations about menstruation, menopause, period poverty, and bodily shame.
2. Consumption: If you menstruate, you can opt for products that are kind to the environment and kind to your body.
3. National Advocacy: Menstruators need the support of their government to provide the appropriate infrastructure and access to hygienic menstrual products. Protective legislation can ensure that everyone who menstruates receives this, while reducing taxes on menstrual products, making them available to all who need them. Check out this petition to end period poverty in the U.S.:https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/sign-now-end-period-poverty
4. Language: How we talk about issues like period poverty affects the way we think about them. Update some of your basic linguistic habits to remove the stigma around menstruation by checking out this link. 
5. Advertising: Inform businesses of how their advertising might promote bodily shame. Watch some of these empowering new ad campaigns that challenge toxic beauty standards.
   1. Dove’s #MyBeautyMySay
   2. Always’s #LikeAGirl
6. Legislation: Protective legislation can ensure affordable access to proper facilities and menstrual hygiene products. Governments can also reduce taxes on menstrual products, making them more affordable.

Sources

“E nānā mau i nā kumu,” is Hawaiian for “Always check your sources.”

Action Aid. “Period Poverty.” ActionAid UK, 2021, www.actionaid.org.uk/our-work/womens-rights/period-poverty. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

Bodyform. “What Is Period Poverty? | Bodyform.” Bodyform.co.uk, Bodyform, 20 Sept. 2018, www.bodyform.co.uk/our-world/period-poverty/. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

Brooksbank, Kate. “Period Poverty: One in Eight Likely to Struggle to Afford Sanitary Products They Need in next Year | YouGov.” Yougov.co.uk, 14 Sept. 2022, yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/09/14/period-poverty-one-eight-likely-struggle-afford-sa. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

geng. “What Is Period Poverty?” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 16 Sept. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/period-poverty#what-is-it.

Hampton, Janie. “Call a Period a Period: Exploring the Language and Knowledge of Menstruation.” Sanitation Learning Hub, 27 May 2021, sanitationlearninghub.org/2021/05/27/call-a-period-a-period-exploring-the-language-and-knowledge-of-menstruation/. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

Menstrual Health Coalition. “Menstrual Health Coalition.” Menstrual Health Coalition, www.menstrualhealthcoalition.com/. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

Periods Matter. “Period Poverty – the Facts.” Periods Matter, www.periodsmatter.co.uk/period-poverty-the-facts. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

Sedghi, Amy. “14 Best Sustainable Period Products, Reviewed.” The Independent, 6 Aug. 2021, www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/best-sustainable-period-products-uk-review-b1821265.html. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023.

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