Global study highlights menstrual stigma, with conversations key to change, UWA researcher says

UWA research shows social stigma is a huge barrier to menstrual health across the board. (ABC News: Margaret Burin)

New research shows periods "produce a range of adverse personal impacts" for people around the world, with shame and stigma exacerbating the burden of menstruation.

The study was completed across various institutes, including the University of Western Australia.

It compiled data from more than 10,000 people from high and low-income countries.

UWA lead researcher Dani Barrington said social stigma was a huge barrier to menstrual health across the board.

"This stigma, it's all-encompassing around the world, and it's having really negative impacts on people, even in countries where they can afford to buy menstrual products," Dr Barrington said.

Dr Barrington says social stigma exacerbates the burden of menstruation. (Supplied)

"If we are going to sustainably achieve good menstrual health for everyone, we must do more than throw free pads at the problem."

Frank conversations needed

Dr Barrington said talking honestly about menstruation was the key to change.

She said open conversations could foster more menstruation-friendly environments, especially in workplaces.

"It's about having an environment where people who have periods feel they can take leave when they need to … making sure they have facilities, that they can leave meetings if they need to because they've had an event where they desperately need to get to the bathroom."

'Crass stereotypes' part of problem

While menstruation is traditionally considered a "women's issue", Dr Barrington said everyone should work to destigmatise periods.

She said part of the problem was crass stereotypes and outdated jokes about periods.

"That's what a lot of people who don't have periods are exposed to — so having more education around the reality [of menstruation] is really useful," Dr Barrington said.

Dr Barrington's research also highlights the role women have to play in supporting people who struggle with their periods.

"We saw in a lot of cases, women would go to work really sick, or would say they couldn't go to work because they weren't feeling well enough, and other women would chastise them for it, saying, 'My periods aren't that bad, so yours can't be either,'" she said.