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