Janet Lindsay
Chief Executive Officer, Wellbeing of Women
This Endometriosis Month, let’s end the stigma around menstrual health. With many women not getting help for period pain and heavy bleeding, it’s time for change. It’s not ‘just a period.’
Contrary to popular belief, heavy bleeding and pain during periods do not only affect an ‘unlucky few.’ Wellbeing of Women found 62% of women aged 16-40 suffer from severe period pain, with nearly 30% experiencing heavy bleeding most or every period.
Period stigma persists
Women deserve better, yet menstrual health discussions remain shrouded in stigma. On average, women wait 22 months before seeking help for difficult period symptoms. Heavy bleeding and pain are often dismissed by friends, family and healthcare professionals, forcing generations of women to endure debilitating symptoms. Period mishaps are common — affecting 86% of those who menstruate — yet 77% would feel ashamed if it happened publicly, and 45% even in private.
Women face a loss of jobs, careers and
financial independence, as they struggle to
cope with symptoms that are often dismissed.
Impact beyond ‘just a period’
For young girls, the impact is profound. They miss out on education and social plans, as pain and heavy bleeding often keep them confined to their beds. Women face a loss of jobs, careers and financial independence, as they struggle to cope with symptoms that are often dismissed. In progressive and chronic conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids, delays in treatment can result in A&E admissions, blood transfusions, emergency, complex and riskier surgeries and can even impact fertility — all with additional, significant costs to the NHS.
In December 2024, the Women and Equalities Select Committee highlighted that lack of education, societal stigma and medical neglect have led to gynaecological conditions being overlooked. This is despite up to one in three women living with heavy menstrual bleeding and 1 in 10 having endometriosis or adenomyosis.
Period symptom checker
To address this, Wellbeing of Women has developed a Period Symptom Checker, helping women identify symptoms, seek appropriate care and advocate for their health. Ending the stigma requires better education, public awareness, increased research funding and workplace support. Menstrual health is a societal issue; when women are well, everyone benefits.
The Just a Period Campaign aims to ensure no one is held back by period symptoms. By understanding what’s normal, women can seek timely care and take control of their health.
