ArticleWomen's health (London, England)
Periods and well-being: A focus group study to discuss how menstruation affects the well-being of women aged 18-40.
Article in Women's health (London, England). The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Physical activity for psychological and physical well-being in menstruating individuals: an integrative review.BMC women's health · 2026Pooled it
- Menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in schools: recommendations for menstrual health education in England.BMC public health · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundMenstruation is a central experience in women's lives throughout their reproductive years, and in some cases, it can significantly impact quality of life. Investigating women's attitudes towards their periods, how it may affect their well-being and identifying areas for improved education and support is crucial.
objectivesTo explore women's attitudes towards their periods, the impact on their well-being, their management strategies, and their experiences with menstrual education, along with suggestions for improvement.
designQualitative analysis of online focus group discussions.
methodsParticipants were divided into two groups according to their age. Five focus groups were conducted for each group. Group 1 included 26 women aged 18-25 and group 2 included 29 women aged 26-40. Women were recruited online via social media to participate in a focus group to discuss their menstrual experiences. The discussions were transcribed and analysed using content analysis to identify key themes and commonalities.
resultsParticipants expressed mixed attitudes towards their periods, often highlighting the inconvenience to their daily lives, whereas some noted a sense of community among women. Overall menstruation negatively impacted various aspects of their well-being, from physical health to personal relationships. Participants employed a range of management strategies and overwhelmingly felt that their education inadequately prepared them for menstruation. Stigma emerged as a pervasive theme, influencing their attitudes, well-being, management approaches, and educational experiences.
conclusionThis study underscores the significant impact of menstruation on women's well-being and highlights the urgent need for improved menstrual education and support. Recommendations include providing early, gender-inclusive education and ensuring there is support for those with difficult periods. The importance of support networks in managing menstrual health is also emphasised.
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Registered trials
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