Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Why India Must Break the Silence on Periods
As the world marks Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, the spotlight returns to a critical but often neglected aspect of public health—menstrual hygiene management. While India has made strides in awareness and product accessibility, millions of women and girls still grapple with period poverty, social stigma, and undiagnosed health conditions linked to menstruation.
In an exclusive conversation with The Patriot, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Head of Gynaecology at AIIMS, New Delhi, shed light on the clinical and social realities of menstrual health in India—and the urgent need for systemic change.
40% of Gynaecology OPD Cases at AIIMS Are Menstrual Issues
According to Dr. Malhotra, menstrual health concerns account for nearly 40% of outpatient visits in her department. These issues span every stage of a woman’s life:
- Teenagers (13–19 years): Irregular cycles are common due to hormonal immaturity. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and obesity are rising, leading to heavier or delayed periods.
- Young Women (20s–30s): PCOS remains common. Conditions like endometriosis and fibroids emerge, often affecting fertility.
- Midlife (35–45 years): Endometrial hyperplasia and polyps cause abnormal bleeding.
- Above 40: Women face adenomyosis, fibroids, and potential early signs of endometrial cancer.
“Many women don’t directly report period issues,” Dr. Malhotra noted. “They complain of fatigue or weakness, and we later identify anaemia linked to heavy bleeding.”
Adolescent Anaemia: A Crisis in the Shadows
India continues to struggle with adolescent anaemia, often linked to unaddressed menstrual blood loss.
“Society largely focuses on anaemia in pregnancy but ignores that the condition often begins in adolescence,” said Dr. Malhotra. “Girls are taught that period pain and heavy bleeding are ‘normal,’ which delays diagnosis of serious conditions.”
At AIIMS, a root-cause study is underway to assess why anaemia persists despite improved nutrition—and how unreported menstrual issues are a key factor.
Poor Menstrual Hygiene = Infections, Infertility, and Risks in Pregnancy
In underserved areas, the use of unsafe menstrual materials—such as rags, ashes, or paper—can lead to bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). These infections can cause long-term reproductive complications, including infertility and miscarriage.
During pregnancy, the risks increase further. Pelvic infections raise the chances of preterm birth and low birth weight in newborns.
Are Conditions Like PCOS and Endometriosis Linked to Hygiene?
Dr. Malhotra clarified that PCOS is not hygiene-related, but there may be a weak correlation between poor hygiene and endometriosis, possibly due to retrograde menstruation caused by menstrual obstruction. However, more research is needed.
Stigma, Silence, and Delayed Medical Attention
One of the biggest barriers remains the social stigma surrounding menstruation.
“Many women avoid seeking help until their symptoms become unbearable,” said Dr. Malhotra. “At AIIMS, we’re conducting community studies to understand how cultural taboos delay care.”
Taboos also lead to mental health stress and missed school or work days for girls and women, severely impacting their quality of life.
Are Menstrual Cups and Reusable Pads Safe?
With growing awareness around sustainability, many are turning to menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads.
“These are safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly—if used properly,” explained Dr. Malhotra. “But improper cleaning and poor education on their use can cause infections. There’s a need for robust hygiene education and cultural sensitisation.”
A Significant Gap in Menstrual Education
A large number of girls encounter menstruation without any prior knowledge.
“There’s a glaring gap in menstrual education,” said Dr. Malhotra. “This can be bridged through school health programmes, parental involvement, and community-level awareness.”
Menstruation education should be institutionalised in school curricula and teachers must be trained to address it sensitively and scientifically.
AIIMS Outreach in Rural India
AIIMS is running community outreach projects in places like Ballabhgarh, investigating socio-cultural barriers to menstrual care and mapping out effective intervention models.
Urban Teenagers and Period Irregularities: A Lifestyle Fallout
Urban adolescent girls increasingly report irregular or delayed periods, and the reasons are clear:
- High stress from academics or peer pressure
- Obesity and poor diet
- Excessive screen time and disrupted sleep patterns
- Lack of physical activity
“PCOS is rampant among urban teens,” said Dr. Malhotra. “If delayed cycles persist beyond two to three months or come with acne, weight gain, or facial hair, medical advice is essential.”
A Message on Menstrual Health: Normalize, Educate, Empower
Dr. Malhotra’s core message is clear: Normalize menstruation. Eliminate shame. Prioritize health.
“Menstruation affects everything—from fertility to mental health to education,” she concluded. “Ignoring menstrual hygiene and health is not just a women’s issue—it’s a national health concern.”
Key Facts on Menstrual Health in India:
- Over 50% of adolescent girls in India are anaemic.
- Around 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to period poverty.
- Only 36% of women in India use sanitary pads or menstrual products.
- Lack of awareness and stigma prevent timely medical care.
