Menstrual health is increasingly recognised as integral to overall wellbeing, including mental health. Young people often begin menstruating with limited education or support, making their early experiences crucial in shaping their menstrual health understanding. Yet, the topic remains underexplored in mental health care, particularly within community settings, where it is unclear whether professionals consider it in their practice. This study aims to explore the perspectives on menstrual health among mental health professionals working with young people in community settings.
Thirteen mental health professionals with diverse roles and areas of expertise - including clinical psychologists, mental health nurses, and children’s wellbeing practitioners - were recruited through purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis with a critical realist lens was used to identify patterns across participants’ accounts, allowing for an in-depth exploration of how menstrual health is understood, acknowledged, and engaged with professionally.
The analysis generated an overarching theme, "Menstrual health finding its place", which reflects the complexity and uncertainty surrounding menstrual health, a topic often concealed and misinterpreted. Participants highlighted its neglect within clinical services, while expressing openness to engage with the topic, suggesting potential pathways for integration into mental health practice. This was outlined in the four main themes: (1) Menstrual health between the dualism of mind and body, (2) Menstrual health as a shared and diversified experience, (3) “It’s complicated”: how stigma and lack of knowledge reinforce menstrual concealment, (4) Paths to knowledge in “the ginormous topic of menstrual health”.
The study suggests mental health professionals possess the reflective capacity to engage meaningfully with menstrual health, offering a foundation for future research, education, and policy. However, findings also emphasise the urgent need for menstrual health training among mental health professionals. Systemic changes, including multidisciplinary collaboration, could enhance awareness, reduce stigma and improve care for young people.
