“I don’t like my body because it fails me socially, physically, and emotionally.”

These words, spoken by a young person during a recent study published last month, stopped me in my tracks. They sum up the silent battle that so many young people face when it comes to menstrual health. And it’s the real, raw truth about how managing periods isn’t just a matter of physical discomfort—it’s a personal struggle that shapes how they view themselves, their worth, and how they relate to others.

For too long, menstrual health has been treated as an inconvenience to be quietly managed, or worse, a topic to be avoided entirely. The result? Millions of young people suffering in silence, missing out on opportunities, and feeling as though their bodies are working against them. The numbers are staggering. Studies show that:

Up to 91% of school-aged teens experience severe menstrual pain, known as dysmenorrhoea.  

And 30% endure heavy bleeding that makes attending school or participating in sports nearly impossible.

But these figures only scratch the surface. Behind every statistic is a child whose life is being shaped by the stigma, pain, and lack of support surrounding periods. The stories shared during the study’s focus group with teens and their parents described dropping out of sports clubs or missing exams because they couldn’t manage their symptoms. “It’s so much pressure to be looking after yourself… as well as keeping up academically and not overloading your friends with, like, ‘Oh, I’m in so much pain today.’” Another spoke about the emotional toll, saying, “I don’t like my body because it fails me socially, physically, and emotionally.” These aren’t isolated experiences. Period stigma and a lack of proper education about menstrual health are holding young people back in ways that have long-term consequences.

The Silence That Shapes Lives

Why is it that we still find it so hard to talk about periods openly? For many young people, menstrual education in schools is described as “superficial” or even “shame-based.” They learn about the mechanics of reproduction but are often left in the dark about what’s normal, what’s not, and when they should seek help. I personally dealt with a debilitating UTI when I first started my period, which I thought was normal. It took three weeks to disappear on its own, and I wouldn’t go anywhere more than a two-minute run from the toilet. My self-confidence plummeted. If someone had noticed or told me what wasn’t normal, it would have saved me a lot of years rebuilding that self-confidence.

Teachers often avoid in-depth discussions, and boys are frequently excluded from the conversation altogether.

This lack of education doesn’t just affect young people’s understanding of their bodies—it also impacts their mental health. Many feel isolated, believing they’re the only ones experiencing such severe pain or heavy bleeding. Some even report feelings of depression and hopelessness. One participant in the focus group revealed how their pain led to suicidal thoughts, a heartbreaking reminder of how deeply these issues can cut.

Parents and carers often feel just as unprepared to address the challenges. Many don’t know how to start a conversation about periods, let alone how to support their child through severe symptoms. This silence perpetuates a cycle of misunderstanding and stigma, leaving young people to navigate their menstrual health alone.

The Consequences of Neglect

The impacts of this neglect ripple through every aspect of a young person’s life. School attendance is one of the most obvious areas affected. Imagine missing days—or even weeks—of school every year because of period pain. The result isn’t just lower grades; it’s a loss of confidence, a sense of falling behind, and a growing belief that you’re different from your peers.

Sports and physical activities are another casualty. For many young people, periods become the reason they stop participating in the activities they once loved. Whether it’s the fear of leaking, the lack of proper facilities, or the simple fact that their body feels like it’s working against them, the barriers to participation are enormous. And with those barriers come lost opportunities to build friendships, develop resilience, and experience the joy of movement.

Even close social relationships aren’t immune. One teen shared how they avoided going out with friends during their period, worried about accidents or the need to make frequent bathroom trips. Over time, this avoidance can lead to feelings of isolation and a growing sense of alienation from the very people who should be their support network.

What Can We Do? Change

So, what can we do to change this? First, we need to break the silence. Parents, carers, and educators have a vital role to play in normalising conversations about periods. It starts with listening—really listening—to the experiences of young people. Ask questions, offer support, and create an environment where they feel safe discussing their concerns.

Schools need to go beyond the basics of anatomy and provide young people with the tools they need to manage their menstrual health. This includes teaching about the signs of abnormal periods, how to advocate for themselves in medical settings, and how to support peers who may be struggling. Boys and male caregivers should be included in these conversations, too, so they can play an active role in breaking down stigma and building understanding. 

At LU, we believe education is as essential as the products we design. That’s why we’re working to create resources tailored specifically for young adventurers, helping them manage their menstrual health in challenging environments. Whether it’s a camping trip, a sports tournament, or a remote worksite, these resources are designed to empower young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to keep doing what they love.

One of our guiding principles is that if you can conquer a mountain, you can conquer anything. And that’s what we want every young person to feel, not limited by their body, but strengthened by it.

Climbing the Mountain Together

But this isn’t a challenge we can solve alone. It’s going to take a collective effort from parents, educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers to create a world where menstrual health is prioritised and normalised.

So here’s my call to action: let’s support research into menstrual health solutions that address the real challenges young people face. Let’s advocate for better education and resources in schools, so no child has to feel isolated or ashamed of their body. And let’s amplify the voices of young people, making space for their stories and their struggles to be heard.

Because when we do, we create a world where no child has to say, “I don’t like my body because it fails me socially, physically, and emotionally.” Instead, they can stand at the top of their mountain, proud of what they’ve overcome and confident in what they can achieve

Read the Study here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17455057241303003