60 per cent of Indian women have menstrual health-related mental stress: Survey

As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, Mpower and Ujaas, the pioneering initiatives from the Aditya Birla Education Trust, released findings from ‘Mindful Menstruation: A Survey on the link between Menstrual Health and Mental Wellbeing’.

The survey found that 60 per cent of surveyed women from across India agreed to have increased levels of stress, anxiety and mood swings before or during their menstrual cycle.

The survey aimed to highlight the correlation between menstrual health and mental wellbeing, and encapsulated responses from over 2,400 women across the country. It further found that 55 per cent of the women claimed to have trouble focusing on or completing work and other daily tasks during their menstrual cycle.

Additionally, 58 per cent of women shared that practising self-care or relaxation methods during or before menstruation has had a positive impact on their daily functioning. These findings emphasise the importance of acknowledging and addressing the diverse impacts of menstrual cycles on daily functioning and productivity, as well as the necessity for tailored support and accommodations across different contexts.

Sharing her thoughts on these numbers, Advaitesha Birla, founder, Ujaas, said, “Menstrual health isn`t just a biological phenomenon but a crucial determinant of overall well-being. With a significant number of women reporting increasing stress, anxiety, and mood swings, and difficulty in grappling with focus and daily task completion, the impact is undeniable.

The survey highlights the pressing need to acknowledge and address menstrual health-related challenges. These findings reinforce our commitment to supporting women`s holistic well-being, reminding us of the importance of developing a culture that recognises menstrual health as an integral facet of overall wellness.”