--- title: "A Conversation about Environmental, Reproductive, and Women's Health with Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah" date: 2025-08-05T08:58:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-conversation-about-environmental-reproductive-and-womens-health-with-dr-shruthi-mahalingaiah" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# A Conversation about Environmental, Reproductive, and Women's Health with Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah By Shruthi Mahanlingaiah • Last Updated: August 1, 2025 Our Bodies Ourselves menstrual cycle context experts [Sasha Goodfriend](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/sasha-goodfriend-chair) and [Sarah Pillone](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/people/sarah-pillone), interview Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah about her research looking at the intersection of environmental and reproductive health. Dr. Mahalingaiah is an associate professor of environmental, reproductive, and women’s health in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She serves clinically as a physician specializing in ovulation disorders, reproductive endocrinology, and infertility at the Massachusetts General Hospital in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In this interview Dr. Mahalingaiah shares her insights on how environmental factors, like air pollution, impact reproductive health. She emphasizes the need for personal awareness and advocacy, encouraging people to track their menstrual health as a vital sign and learn what is normal for their personal cycle. Dr. Mahalingaiah is hopeful that the future of research in this field will provide further understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental and menstrual health. \[[00:02:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F82YNsDFVoc&t=158s)\] What brought you to choose environmental, reproductive, and women’s health as your career? \[[00:10:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F82YNsDFVoc&t=612s)\] How was your area of study (menstrual and environmental health) received by the medical community? \[[00:18:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F82YNsDFVoc&t=1109s)\] In your experience as a physician, what are some of the common misconceptions you see most in your practice? \[[00:31:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F82YNsDFVoc&t=1864s)\] How did you learn what is normal for your personal menstrual cycle? **Learn more about Dr. Mahalingaiah's menstrual cycle research here:** ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions) - [environmental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/environmental-health) - [infertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/infertility) - [fertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/fertility) - [reproductive technologies](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/reproductive-technologies) - [endometriosis](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/endometriosis) - [menstrual pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-pain) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## The Menstrual Cycle What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel? ![A drawing of a person riding a surfboard, the background is red and the wave is light pink, like they are "riding the crimson wave”.](data:image/png;base64,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) What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-menstrual-cycle) [ResourcesRead ## Menstruation in Girls and Adolescence: Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign This publication by ACOG encourages us to consider menstruation as a vital sign related to overall health, like blood pressure or pulse. ![Menstruation in Girls and Adolescence- Using the Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Sign](data:image/png;base64,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) This publication by ACOG encourages us to consider menstruation as a vital sign related to overall health, like blood pressure or pulse.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstruation-in-girls-and-adolescence-using-the-menstrual-cycle-as-a-vital-sign) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Wishing I Had Knowledge of Menstrual Cycles at a Younger Age L discusses the taboo around birth and menstruation in her French culture and the process of learning to chart her menstrual cycle as an adult. ![Free Menstruation Stock Photo Gallery:When period blood turns into art- A photo gallery](data:image/png;base64,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) L discusses the taboo around birth and menstruation in her French culture and the process of learning to chart her menstrual cycle as an adult.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wishing-i-had-knowledge-of-menstrual-cycles-at-a-younger-age) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Understanding Why Women’s Health Has Been So Stigmatized XY describes how her mindset around menstruation has changed and how her previous mindset was informed by her Asian culture. ![My Story: Giving Advice to Anyone Who Menstruates](data:image/png;base64,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) XY describes how her mindset around menstruation has changed and how her previous mindset was informed by her Asian culture.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-why-womens-health-has-been-so-stigmatized) [ResourcesRead ## Black Women, Reproductive Justice, and Environmental Justice We have the right to form and raise families in safe, healthy environments that are free of toxic chemicals. This fact sheet from “In Our Own Voice” shows how reproductive justice and environmental justice intersect. ![A protest on a beach with a woman standing in the middle with megaphone](data:image/png;base64,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) We have the right to form and raise families in safe, healthy environments that are free of toxic chemicals. This fact sheet from “In Our Own Voice” shows how reproductive justice and environmental justice intersect.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-women-reproductive-justice-and-environmental-justice) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Infertility ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis. ![Elena](data:image/png;base64,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) ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)