Achieving menstrual health implies that women, girls, and all other people who experience a menstrual cycle, throughout their life-course, are able to:

• access accurate, timely, age-appropriate information about the menstrual cycle, menstruation, and changes experienced throughout the life-course, as well as related self-care and hygiene practices.
• care for their bodies during menstruation such that their preferences, hygiene, comfort, privacy, and safety are supported. This includes accessing and using effective and affordable menstrual materials and having supportive facilities and services, including water, sanitation and hygiene services, for washing the body and hands, changing menstrual materials, and cleaning and/or disposing of used materials.
• access timely diagnosis, treatment and care for menstrual cycle-related discomforts and disorders, including access to appropriate health services and resources, pain relief, and strategies for self-care.
• experience a positive and respectful environment in relation to the menstrual cycle, free from stigma and psychological distress, including the resources and support they need to confidently care for their bodies and make informed decisions about self-care throughout their menstrual cycle.
• decide whether and how to participate in all spheres of life, including civil, cultural, economic, social, and political, during all phases of the menstrual cycle, free from menstrual-related exclusion, restriction, discrimination, coercion, and/or violence.

Citation: Hennegan, J., Winkler, I. T., Bobel, C., Keiser, D., Hampton, J., Larsson, G., … Mahon, T. (2021). Menstrual health: a definition for policy, practice, and research. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 29(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1911618

Why progress on menstrual health matters

Progress on menstrual health matters because it enables girls, women, and all people who menstruate to manage menstruation with dignity, safety, comfort, and confidence. When menstrual health needs are not met, people may lack access to the information, supplies, supportive environments, health care, and facilities needed to manage their periods effectively. They may also experience stigma, psychological distress, pain, restricted participation in daily activities, or unmet health needs. Addressing menstrual health can contribute to progress across a wide range of development priorities, including health and wellbeing, education, gender equality, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), while supporting countries' efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Read more in our article published in Global Health Action.

Advancing menstrual health and hygiene: global advocacy pathways

Research led by WaterAid, in partnership with AiMHI and the Global Menstrual Collective (GMC), explored how the current political economy shapes opportunities to increase prioritization and investment in menstrual health. The research analyzed the underlying power dynamics, interests, mandates, and incentives at different levels that promote or constrain action. Using these insights, the group produced a report proposing five advocacy pathways to elevate global advocacy and drive greater prioritisation and investment in MHH. Read the full report.

Terminology: Is it MH, MHH, or MHM?

Recognizing that various terms are used across contexts, AiMHI primarily uses Menstrual Health (MH) across this website, recognizing that hygiene is inherently part of health. Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) or Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) are also used in AiMHI resources and to reference historical pieces of work.