---
title: The Problem of Low Menstrual Health Literacy
date: 2026-02-06T12:14:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-problem-of-low-menstrual-health-literacy"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Problem of Low Menstrual Health Literacy

Why do we have periods? Menstrual Matters founder, Dr. Sally King, examined sixteen different high school and college textbooks in the UK to see how they explain menstruation. King found that none of the textbooks accurately describes why we menstruate.

According to evolutionary biologists, menstruation protects us from unviable or dangerous pregnancies. However, many textbooks say only that the purpose of menstruation is reproduction. They also focus on shifting sex hormones during menstruation, which contributes to the stereotype that women are naturally irrational and hysterical because of their hormones.

Meanwhile, the textbooks ignore the whole experience of menstruating. They do not address period pain or blood loss.

Understanding the menstrual cycle is vitally important. Knowing the full range of facts about periods helps us identify problem and affirm that women’s pain should be taken seriously. It also enables us to push back against the stigma that still surrounds menstruation.

> Fewer than half of the textbooks mentioned any associated health issues, such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or the cyclical exacerbation of asthma, migraine, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, auto-immune disorders, or anxiety and depression. So, even doctors are not taught enough about female-prevalent illnesses, which must surely have a negative impact on the health outcomes of their patients.

[Read the full article ](https://theconversation.com/menstrual-health-literacy-is-alarmingly-low-what-you-dont-know-can-harm-you-222016)

SOURCE: The Conversation • AUTHOR: Sally King • LAST UPDATED: March 12, 2024

![A girl reads a book on the floor of a library](data:image/png;base64,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) Syda Productions/Adobe Stock

![](/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)
- [ menstruation politics & policy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/menstruation-politics-policy)
- [sex education](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sex-education)
- [youth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/youth)
- [menstrual pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-pain)
- [puberty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/puberty)
- [premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/premenstrual-syndrome-pms)
- [estrogen](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/estrogen)
- [fertility](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/fertility)

![](/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)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## How Menstrual Education Can Shape Body and Sex Positivity

This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall.

![pexels-karolina-grabowska-7281538](data:image/png;base64,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)

This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-menstrual-education-can-shape-body-and-sex-positivity)

[ResourcesRead

## What We Still Don't Know About Periods

Yasmine AlSayyad sums up new efforts to better understand periods and the female reproductive system. The article highlights two recent books: "Womb" by midwife Leah Hazard and "Period" by anthropologist Kate Clancy.

![Covers of the following books: "Period: The Real Story of Menstruation" by Kate Clancy and "Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began" by Leah Hazard](data:image/png;base64,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)

Yasmine AlSayyad sums up new efforts to better understand periods and the female reproductive system. The article highlights two recent books: "Womb" by midwife Leah Hazard and "Period" by anthropologist Kate Clancy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-we-still-dont-know-about-periods)

[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

## Menstrual Equity and Schools

A resource for teachers about how schools can be a space to advocate for better menstrual policies and services.

![Equity Period scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A resource for teachers about how schools can be a space to advocate for better menstrual policies and services.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstrual-equity-and-schools)

[ResourcesRead

## Oregon Department of Education: Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit

This toolkit outlines the requirements of the Menstrual Dignity Act and includes recommendations for ensuring student equity and menstrual dignity.

![Oregon Department of Education- Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit](data:image/png;base64,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)

This toolkit outlines the requirements of the Menstrual Dignity Act and includes recommendations for ensuring student equity and menstrual dignity.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/oregon-department-of-education-menstrual-dignity-for-students-toolkit)

[ResourcesRead

## Now More Than Ever, It’s Time for Universal Menstrual Education

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.

![pexels-rodnae-productions-4911023](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/now-more-than-ever-its-time-for-universal-menstrual-education)

[ResourcesRead

## Dirty Red: How Periods Have Been Stigmatized through History

Menstruation has a very long history of stigma, which continues into the present.

![Kotex Wonderform Belt in a purple cardboard box with a cut-out window displaying a white belt against a gold background.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Menstruation has a very long history of stigma, which continues into the present.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/dirty-red-how-periods-have-been-stigmatized)

[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)