Medical Doctor, Content Creator, Kotex Brand Ambassador, Dr. Nosipho Mhlanga is a passionate advocate for women's reproductive and mental health. Here she chats to us about her role in elevating the conversation around menstruation.
Kotex recently launched the inaugural P-Word Survey on World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 which signals a shift towards more neutral or positive sentiments about menstrual cycles among women. A significant percentage however still experiences discomfort and disruption. How does Dr Mhlanga interpret this contradiction? “This contradiction suggests that while societal attitudes towards menstruation are becoming more neutral or positive, many women still face practical challenges and discomfort related to their menstrual cycles.” Asserting that this indicates that improving perceptions alone isn't sufficient; there is a continued need for better menstrual health management, access to products, education, and support to address the physical and emotional impacts of menstruation.
As a South African woman and healthcare practitioner, Dr Mhlanga says being part of the conversation on menstruation is vital to break cultural stigmas, empower women with accurate information, improve access to menstrual products, and provide comprehensive, holistic care that enhances public health and well-being in the community.
Glamour: The survey highlights persistent stigmatisation around menstruation, especially among younger women and in certain communities. How can healthcare providers and organizations like Kotex help mitigate this stigma?
Dr Mhlanga: Mitigating the stigma around menstruation requires a multifaceted approach involving education, advocacy, and community engagement. Some viable strategies would include:
Implementing comprehensive menstrual health education in schools and in the community to provide accurate information and dispel myths. These programs should start at an early age and be inclusive of all genders to foster understanding and support.
Public awareness campaigns, using various media platforms to run brand campaigns that normalise and de stigmatise menstruation.
Advocate for policy changes, to ensure free or subsidised menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and public facilities.
These strategies could help significantly reduce the stigma around menstruation, promote menstrual health, and empower women to manage their menstrual health with confidence.
Glamour: Period poverty remains prevalent in South Africa, with many women facing financial constraints in accessing menstrual products. How effective are initiatives like the Stay YOUnique School Programme in addressing these challenges?
Dr Mhlanga: Initiatives like the Stay YOUnique School Programme are highly effective in addressing period poverty in South Africa. They provide free menstrual products, educate young girls about menstrual health, and help reduce stigma. By ensuring access to essential supplies and information, these programs improve school attendance and empower girls to manage their menstrual health confidently.
Glamour: The survey also indicates a lack of adequate menstrual education in schools and communities. What steps should be taken to improve comprehensive menstrual health education nationwide?
Dr Mhlanga: Awareness is the key to change. A startling fact is that many of our schools and communities lack adequate menstrual education, leaving many uninformed and unprepared. This is not just a women's issue, it is a societal issue that needs addressing. We can improve this by advocating for comprehensive menstrual health education nationwide, which includes not only the biology behind it but also the importance of hygiene, mental health aspects, and debunking myths. We encourage everyone to join the conversation, engage in open dialogue, and break the stigma. Together, we can ensure every girl, every woman, is empowered with knowledge and confidence.
Glamour: Only a third of women use apps or other means to track their menstrual cycles. What are the health benefits of cycle tracking, and how can this practice empower women to manage their health better?
Dr Mhlanga: Tracking menstrual cycles can offer numerous health benefits and empower women to manage their health more effectively. Here are some key advantages:
Identifying Irregularities: Tracking can help identify irregular periods, missed periods, or other abnormalities that might indicate underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances.
Reproductive Health: For those trying to conceive, tracking can pinpoint ovulation periods, increasing the chances of pregnancy. For women that are not looking to have a baby cycle tracking can also be used as a natural form of contraception by avoiding intercourse on fertile days (though this method is less reliable than other forms of contraception).
Body Awareness: Cycle tracking helps women to be more in tune with themselves and this helps them gain a better understanding of their bodies and how their cycles affect their emotions, energy levels, and overall health.
Overall, menstrual cycle tracking is a valuable tool for improving women's health and well-being, fostering a deeper connection with their bodies, and facilitating more informed and effective healthcare decisions.
Glamour: You mentioned cycle syncing as a way to optimise lifestyle based on hormonal changes. Could you explain how cycle syncing works and its potential impact on women's overall well-being?
Dr Mhlanga: Cycle syncing is a practice that involves aligning lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, work, and social activities, with the different phases of the menstrual cycle. This approach aims to optimise health and well-being by considering the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the cycle.
The Menstrual cycle has 4 phases:
1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)
Hormones: Low levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
Impact: Energy levels might be lower, and
women may experience menstrual cramps and fatigue.
2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)
Hormones: Rising oestrogen levels.
Impact : Increased energy, better mood, and improved cognitive function.
3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 15-17)
Hormones: Peak oestrogen, luteinising hormone (LH) surge.
Impact: High energy, increased libido, and social motivation.
4. Luteal Phase (Days 18-28)
Hormones : Rising progesterone, followed by a drop if no pregnancy occurs.
Impact: Possible PMS (pre menstrual syndrome) symptoms, lower energy, increased cravings, and mood swings.
Adjusting your lifestyle to accommodate the impact that every phase has can lead to a more balanced, health-conscious lifestyle that flows with the natural rhythms of the body, potentially improving overall well-being and quality of life for women.
Glamour: What are the biggest challenges you foresee in achieving menstrual equity in South Africa, and what innovative solutions do you believe could address these challenges effectively?
Dr Mhlanga:
Challenges
Economic Barriers : High cost of menstrual products and widespread poverty.
Cultural Stigma : Taboos and misconceptions around menstruation.
Lack of Education : Insufficient menstrual health education.
Inadequate Infrastructure : Poor sanitation facilities and accessibility in rural areas.
Solutions
Affordable Products : Provide free or subsidised menstrual products and promote reusable options.
Education Programs : Integrate menstrual health into the school curriculum and community outreach.
Infrastructure Improvement : Upgrade sanitation facilities and use mobile health clinics.
Policy Advocacy : Support legislation for free products in schools and public facilities, and foster public-private partnerships.
Glamour: A significant number of women do not feel comfortable discussing menstrual health issues with their healthcare providers. How can healthcare professionals create more open and supportive environments for these discussions?
Dr Mhlanga: Healthcare professionals can create more open and supportive environments for discussing menstrual health issues by:
1. Providing cultural sensitivity and ongoing education on menstrual health.
2. Using a patient-centered approach and fostering long-term patient-provider relationships.
3. Ensuring privacy in consultation rooms and using inclusive language.
4. Initiating discussions about menstrual health and offering educational materials.
5. Utilizing telehealth options and recommending menstrual health apps.
Glamour: How can communities be further engaged to break taboos and foster more positive attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual health?
Dr Mhlanga: Engaging communities to shatter taboos and foster positive attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual health is a collective responsibility. It begins with open, shame-free discussions about menstruation at home, in schools, and within communities. We can challenge the stigma by educating both men and women, girls and boys, about this natural biological process. This will help to ensure that no girl or woman feels embarrassed or disadvantaged because of her period.
Glamour: In the context of women empowerment, what's your message for Women's Month?
Dr Mhlanga: During Women's Month and throughout the rest of the year, it's important to recognise and value the significant contributions and accomplishments of women in all walks of life. Women's empowerment is not just about gender equality, but it's also about acknowledging and appreciating the strength, resilience, and grace of every woman. Let's continue to inspire, empower, and lift each other up, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings. Remember, every woman is unique, every woman is important, and every woman deserves respect and equality.
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