Breaking the Barrier: Menstruation Matters: A Dialogue Unveiled
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Discourse on Menstruation Remains Scarce: Underrepresentation of Women's Experiences - Unspoken Topic of Menstruation: Insufficient Discourse Regarding Women's Menstrual Health
The monthly cycle, accompanied by symptoms such as intense cramps, mood swings, and a sense of embarrassment—menstruation continues to dwell in the shadows of taboo. In a survey by Forsa, commissioned by KKH Kaufmaennische Krankenkasse, 85% of women aged 14 to 50 years old residing in Germany expressed they felt this topic was not adequately discussed in public discourse.
Not only this, but the survey also highlighted that a substantial 91% of these respondents believed that the influence of menstruation and hormones on various aspects warranted significantly more information or reporting. "It is essential to understand the intricacies of our bodies for personal health management," Vijitha Sanjivkumar, an expert at KKH, emphasizes. She explains that the female cycle typically lasts 28 days, passing through different phases, each with specific health needs.
By tailoring exercise and diet to the phases of a menstrual cycle, individuals may find relief from fatigue, emotional fluctuations, and stomach cramps. Sanjivkumar recommends, when possible, incorporating light activities like walking, yoga, or Pilates into daily life during menstruation, as this can help improve circulation, blood flow, and potentially alleviate cramps.
It's worth noting that the survey unveiled a widespread understanding among women regarding taking sick leave due to menstrual symptoms, with 80% of respondents expressing their sympathies. To effectively manage one's menstrual cycle, Sanjivkumar suggests tracking it over months using tools like calendars or apps. Remarkably, more younger women aged 14-39 (68% and 66%, respectively) employ this method than their older counterparts aged 40-50 (46%).
The comprehensive survey questioned 1,002 women from Germany about "Women's Health" between March 4 to 14, 2022. KKH, a sizable health insurer in Germany with approximately 1.5 million insured, was behind the survey.
- Menstruation
- Women
- Taboo topic
- KKH
- Period pain
- Mood swings
- Health Management
Insights:
Face-to-face conversation with experts can be beneficial in achieving a deeper understanding of menstruation and its impact on an individual's health. Additionally, understanding the connection between lifestyle, physical activity, and menstruation can lead to improved self-care and symptom management. Lastly, utilizing tracking methods, like calendars or apps, helps to monitor menstrual patterns more effectively.
- The dialogue unveiled by the survey commissioned by KKH Kaufmaennische Krankenkasse reveals that menstruation, a taboo topic, continues to be an underdiscussed issue, with 85% of women voicing their concerns.
- Vijitha Sanjivkumar, an expert at KKH, highlighted the importance of understanding menstruation and hormones' influence on various aspects of life, suggesting that this understanding could aid in personal health management.
- In her recommendations for improved self-care, Sanjivkumar suggests incorporating light activities like walking, yoga, or Pilates during menstruation to potentially alleviate symptoms such as cramps, while tracking menstrual patterns using calendars or apps can help manage symptoms more effectively, with younger women utilizing these tools more than their older counterparts.
