---
title: Challenges When Menstruating While Homeless
date: 2025-01-24T14:21:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/challenges-when-menstruating-while-homeless"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Challenges When Menstruating While Homeless

This article from the University of Southampton reviews research on homeless women’s experiences of period poverty. It is the first review of its kind.

A team from the University of Southhampton analyzed nine studies on period poverty and homelessness from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Nepal. They identified three key themes.

1: It can be difficult for homeless women to access clean, private spaces to change their menstrual products. This is because they are often turned away from public and private bathrooms. It can also be difficult to access menstrual products as service providers often experience shortages.

2: For homeless women, menstruation can be a source of embarrassment and shame. They may hide their periods or feel judged for not being able to maintain menstrual health.

3: Homeless women cope with the unavailability of essential materials by making their own products out of sponges, clothing, or toilet paper. They may need to reuse disposable products. They also may have to turn to herbal remedies to treat infections.

According to the review, services that provided menstrual health products, birth control products, and sexual health services were helpful. Welcoming cafes and day centers provided access to clean facilities and a place to soothe period pain. Homeless women also shared information with each other.

The review's findings highlight the need to address period poverty as a public health and human rights issue.

The study also highlights the limited research on menstruating people who do not identity as women. The research team has secured funding to conduct followup research that explores the experiences of trans and nonbinary people who menstruate.

> A review of research published in Women and Health has found homeless women experienced practical challenges in managing menstruation alongside feelings of embarrassment and shame, with many ‘making do’ due to inadequate provision.

[Read the full article ](https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2024/03/homeless-womens-experiences-of-period-poverty.page)

SOURCE: University of Southampton • LAST UPDATED: March 14, 2024

![A woman volunteer in a yellow vest speaks with a woman at a shelter](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAVCAIAAACor3u9AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADUElEQVQ4jV1V0Y7kNgwjKWe2h/7/9xRof2l353YskX3wzN61jhA4SCCapKTwn7//QmxP9+79cz/u+/F5YvrL3kCoWuuPdftxe/vzxPX247p+rOtWtcgCiMQeT0/3zJ7enrFnJUni/H8B+N4weF7/W44ZKa9v4xP+lXPNTGJ7ZmbG32vGduwAAcTxlGs845lRW2qwCrTzG4OZ6XOzJ561HzuI3dN7eu/dfVi+AIEkA5o9rWE11eAOVGbJVD3p2jP9rZJnEq+vr68g9rh396P37r17d+85IgIg4XTQwQ6287A1g6qohhTAk//bBk/bbXvd7/fgiLSnH91fsx/de3pPdzJIqBr3eI9rXGvUjdqpGmqRAp8MPGP3TJ9N7PX5eQdiT45K8zX9Nf2Y3p4XAM1CtbpZzdpYy6pRLWmBelXEARhPHzaJ1+fHx2EQt71ntvvh+ZrZ8Y4nACEKKqigR6qs1dKDdZEilWNyHPt4a08ySdbHxzueRTXx0e7h2XbHfQAAkoYsmRppqE2tlz6HAb6rNJ7XPuv+/v56O08Md9xOx/NqCgIDDDhkQ5tc4CILFECAJ8k5K+DESICsn/d3PLvKyeE1zsR2JqdrwITJBA0U8AgKLKBIAgIAggAQIGCAEAGy9s8P4GUSvjvxFY4DGw7tTuQoEaKgABEESZAkBREkyJBHWazs+wv3YHxL6EnsjDPGGDO0adNRTEQASYkUJfFECRQlkCCwlEcAAk6AM0BehjhttNOTnoOBGcZEiJCQqJJKXCc3CIohQYEk1tI8HSDmJH8JNkk7+xU9mIHnaCuFRZECJJaEKq5iFapw2JBYtxUADpwooZOEx1fYSCc72cZOHBogJFoShRKu4lW8llZxLa1SlSQ9Ad6u57SdoA0YmQxwMIwYHqSJBizgnBks6Srdqm5Vt1VX1bVqVf0HAFxvtwrgZBzaGJusjgQ4ke0MMsQICQWKLGmprqrbWm+rbmvdfgd4nZ/Euq4CMI4SDEMMsBMGPIQYKw4iJgApqeqZ/cTbbwClA8CDsK5VAeScH8cgSsoQ8RzDz5JBQIoiVarSWrVWXWtda11n8zr+LwuIpRKSM8+UKE/k0ykgwADIGQd41rykA1N1XK16PtZ6vqZIAv8CCMf9dFik8EQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) pressmaster/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ menstruation politics & policy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/menstruation-politics-policy)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)
- [period poverty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/period-poverty)
- [poverty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/poverty)
- [housing](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/housing)
- [economic inequalities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/economic-inequalities)
- [human rights](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/human-rights)

![](/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 Realities of Period Poverty: How Homelessness Shapes Women's Lived Experiences of Menstruation

Through personal interviews, researcher Shailini Vora studied how people without stable housing experience and view their periods.

![The Realities of Period Poverty How Homelessness Shapes Womens Lived Experiences of Menstruation scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Through personal interviews, researcher Shailini Vora studied how people without stable housing experience and view their periods.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-realities-of-period-poverty-how-homelessness-shapes-womens-es-lived-experiences-of-menstruation)

[ResourcesRead

## Period Poverty and How to Solve It

This article discusses the concept of period poverty around the world, with a focus on affordable menstrual products and the experiences of young menstruators.

![It cannot be this way What is period poverty and how to solve it jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article discusses the concept of period poverty around the world, with a focus on affordable menstrual products and the experiences of young menstruators.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/period-poverty-and-how-to-solve-it)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Dirty Business: Lack of Menstrual Equity in Colombian Prisons

I worked as a teacher and coach in a medium security prison in Sogamoso, Colombia. I have seen many shocking things in my work Particularly upsetting is the paltry number of menstrual pads (about 25 per year) that women inmates receive.

![Toallas carcel 3](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFJUlEQVRIiVVW3c7stg2c4Y+82wJ9/+ve592CImjyWSSnF/LuSRezAi3LHpMUh+K/f/sNgKSZ6VZXd/XevXfvuw7un32Muqt2VfVUz7RmpAFEiAQJGkgeGyQJAwQIEgR8/8AzD0mfCUiQzudA0OfWM0g4EwKeG5LiTOqs/kAS5mNI0kijOatGEp5RxwNIJGACoCEIEiJJhGa+BJo5wLT02FL/zXgwMydEOASQKBNAwAAeEHgIpMH37ed5zYlyTz/jdKtb3dN17PkQECI1FAkKRuikAQh1n9hpRj3TT66n6xmnp0vzXD6ohxgaaEh9ADMcJhACYrqedIymWz3q1pS69XBsdU3t6T1dXTUHxyENMMTYhwOmZzsBpELdTwpGz9t/vbq+HA+qpnZX9f4QTBNNjDhmD4FRMIASEPrlwajnSWOXpjCl2eoHjxO1Z9fs6ip1aZpqso2HY2ADk5nAx4NfIUI3etCFaXRj6m/YmC/T3bt6b1VpNtVkiW3W9JE9gAlEYOa7/TGD6TNSDTUf46FRb/U9dc/ec99TW72pTWzYptd40wve8KGGnOB8KmVEDTWGsZM3DTFEn0uqqMJs9Fb9zP6Z+1b9QD/GH9oP48fyT+CvU2gEaAh+yt2eEpcgg5wag5uccMo5RhkGaqg0W3XP/af2n5j/gn9Y/gEABjpMMMAIEmH86g5BPkViBjMZx22c42xnOczkJmKoVj8c7N/lf4lAgIAR5jCHB2gIN4MASnoicuocEHAkyDXe7VEWYeXmDlKEMI2+1X+BjzSYwwIeiIQHzBDh8RE+STM2bmyjGewhE6SZme6urr09wsPNjcajyTQwYAlPxEJcyPUhyEh8RfjRzO5ubzdzmh1pfxpGTe2qVZVr5225VG/4v2z9xxZ8wS/E9crXO9eKSHOLzPVpA19N6pnpaa9ydzMjTTi7V1VTe/bdcVfvlgSZ5T/9NfH2eK98r/XKXBnp5hZrXZ/2cprGSJrpno4qjzB3mgOUOIMq1J59z76nS6BB6dnxZrwi35nvzFeuK/MhuK6nX/HTjI5kd3e31zYPmgM2sm7uwt66t3Krh7CArsiJt8U78p3rH+t65boy0t0t1vXC0xsejtO/eqa7vNL9pjngI/Zgl/bW2tobPQYLqCMVb8t3rneu91rvxwN3j+v1fhwgwNN+NecI0B1V7gELwEas5i7cW2vr3qgxWQAdiXx5vjPf6xBcV+aK//fg6UFnQ50oVVWZB+iC9XAXdum+dd9YGzUGS6EjGW/PV+ZrPRxXrl8EnzL5cgjHhfIqWoA2sG6cz89r8jW5lW2ykCYX84p85Xqt9brWa61XruXuHuu6wHOK+XJ8+1t71clwD6u0ttY96+r8mbgUzbGQJhbjirhWvFZeVz4E4e6R1wU8R6UvTs11t3uRJlkNdmntyZ/O1bkml6I4LGEiLa7Ia+VaeV15rbxWrgi3yLwedeUvGkAz49M0F9jiau09uTpXx6pYFdmRGJggT/MMXyvWFevKdeXKXOHhEZkgyI+u2KN0o5lu0AT0oNbE3ZEVuSNXZHm2pxw8BJEZsTyvg1gZK8IPwZOAIzwkBWA0p4uPFK3YHbkjIiIjwj080mNMFORhFmmZHum5ItNjHU0Mc+fJwRHHjwcma1LC+IS3h7uHe9gvuHnYQJC5PZOR7mGeHvkhMP8mwIzfHJyTrbnM3dzN/GPYY9uBBNHN3M3ib8sehJk9ITKeKIEgNDNmNCNppNHMaKSZGZ/fYwifNfwaRnvwP5puHlapxy87AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

I worked as a teacher and coach in a medium security prison in Sogamoso, Colombia. I have seen many shocking things in my work Particularly upsetting is the paltry number of menstrual pads (about 25 per year) that women inmates receive.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Fighting for the Incarcerated Who Struggle to Find Menstrual Hygiene Products

KH addresses her desire to discuss menstrual hygiene and incarceration, which stems from her personal experience and advocacy work.

![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEsElEQVRIiWWWW47kyg1ETwSz+k7vwftfgn8Mr8mP6+nHtMjwR6a6xnAhIQhSiUEyyCD1t7//lSRpcmW+mF+ZT/qT+SRf5DKRZK+ql1o/1nqtx+vj8bpeXtfjx+Plj/V4WY9HrbVWVbnKLlmSkXCSEO5fgBDOgee7IPJ8mAAk5/yfhey3KwmEJBMmmZDz7BtkkKKEiXxbDM8b8htSCAgSJNbMEGC+ATIwYSAoEkgSQpKZ0QwTMpkkyb5xnldtV0jQ6h7Yf59z3XH8LwAoQqMeNHjowZOeeDKTmWgyAqPBMEbJuq7eAKQzO45JYCBSkGQpqCT6fK+OHDeqeKLJftLbeQgYSazr64IkQyZppjNDwoQgJJBVUVAQBiMjRz3brjxy1EGhA/ibg6+vL+AGuJhOZgehALLQaKyJBiIiUHB0RR5p5KBB2x/ACbtM169fvwM02QDfpSfvCKyKFgqcYLZRDx6uOQDsd+PYO4LPz1+7fG+MORgJsBm2VFaNNvdDou3y4G26t/UDENtjS9INsNvtFN6cwoZdnj4R0KEPwMBkY9DIMGGTQBLbOgAfn6cNk7vHyJ0fSRa2ytTQi1P75AbobNKP6d2P2JwIPj4+vxv9KQAAQpawsKmihkdO+oYJExocjJT780lWys4BeH//2M7ulHz3Fhgh2Y6dqqxKTx4zyUw6eBMd9C1KE1aYSZVlS6yPt48jZDrFgRxqfyjLSlWqWJW1m/Y0ZMOp2QMAk8xMrar2pmG9v78/2VeBo0KJSkaWLdurZi09ZmZ6omy7UfJMTnI0o2bKN8DH2zvH28o56y5zVLJVNau0Wt09o6RvrX6qbjKzI5yqrjtFWu9v77ufQkULP6JkM2fJcqlKq1iLLSLPOso2vRV1ZWZmdc+qdtkb4PPtbSc7WtEDT5RU8G4wDsDiMez+y9z1yH40sHJy09PVVS7fZfr2k5OfR3xFkwoOBYU3wKI703tahBlRZGCU3dqTqUxNV7erdopkaf16+wmKFnrEf8RJJQUlSl5UUZ1ZW1+jjCgxisUoTYrxE+Byre8MaX29/QmOHvFLPKnEsEihha/0yppkohllHO+rY9GKSRFnPFPdXuW67MOx1vX+L6joJf5xAIos2AArPqozV5YZY9OFjYUVK2Y2gOdyl6t0S5HqL69vc33k6vQhLKOMDotbYk5HbWPxGQoRo8Pz5qczV7oz1/TV/dV9rXxc4UJv8eeOYBbs88juWjOzp72qqZZbbnxhR4rYPrWmVOZ2H4nF55Yi8L9xU+hSHqJvfWEP6D15K6pxjdzI8oUUsWCINaZ90ichWDT6Xpr0kxIFDY9dMxF7cgVPvOKVq0ceeaS+hTTNmHE2M1IEEsv3gnZ2tv4PllrJHmf3fHdUQ4ceXLHjPcyY0APOlgAxVrRXErL2lN6L2GlU/Zmu7YEtG1XU0FGHXqnJVFojTatzZDuaaERv8kUgy8XZgp5DB80/YWFrWUtuqaVhVw1nB3T6e8gMOiNI+6Q3c0tGe7+8MfbaRP+D60X9UC+mSGmKXEQcEQomwxDtPqTD5VxwKU1azNoUnyF2xyAgTX+qv5RL0+eDFJnfhozOIGcmbRquyaVc2Vfmv5yLzhOlFwUFAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

KH addresses her desire to discuss menstrual hygiene and incarceration, which stems from her personal experience and advocacy work.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-fighting-for-the-incarcerated-who-struggle-to-find-menstrual-hygiene-products)

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[ResourcesRead

## A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.

![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,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)

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period)

[ResourcesRead

## A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.

![22 A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers Families 22 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-national-paid-leave-program-would-help-workers-families)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion: Key Facts

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.

![Abortion Key Facts scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-key-facts)