Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Background:

Menstrual health can significantly impact physical, mental, and social well-being. Period poverty is defined as "The lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products, inaccessibility to basic sanitation services, facilities, and menstrual hygiene education" (Jaafar et al., 2023). It is estimated that 25% of menstruators in the United States will experience period poverty at some point during their life (Casola et al., 2022). This review examines how period poverty resources bridge gaps by addressing access to menstrual education, sanitation materials, and services.

Methods:

A literature review began with a PubMed search for “menstrual health”, identifying the Hennegan et al. (2021) framework. Hennegan’s framework defined multiple components of menstrual health; this review focused on the two components of the framework closely linked to period poverty: information and materials, facilities, and services. A subsequent search in PubMed and Google Scholar was completed, adding the keywords "health literacy”, “accessibility”, and “period poverty". Nine scholarly sources were mapped to explore if period poverty resources can bridge gaps in these two components of menstrual health.

Results:

This literature review found that period poverty resources could bridge gaps by improving access to menstrual education, products, facilities, and services necessary for optimal menstrual health. Yet, combating period poverty is complex, in part due to long-standing stigmatization and shaming that have made discussing the menstrual cycle difficult. Given the complexities, further research is needed to address additional gaps related to menstrual health.

Implications:

Action can take place at the individual level through conversations and involvement in local efforts. Through coordination efforts, academic institutions, medical facilities, governments, policymakers, and non-profit organizations such as Period Kits Colorado (PKC) can improve menstrual health equity by increasing menstrual education and expanding access to products and services, directly benefiting menstruators in Colorado.