Society for Menstrual Cycle Research

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Society for Menstrual Cycle Research

The Society for Menstrual Cycle Research is a nonprofit, interdisciplinary research organization com

The Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1979 by a multidisciplinary group of women who were pioneers in understanding the centrality of menstrual cycle research to women’s health. We are an interdisciplinary group of researchers, health care providers, policy makers, and students who share an interest in women’s lives and health needs as they are related to the menstrual cycle. We sponsor a biennial conference, a newsletter, the journal Women’s Reproductive Health, and the blog Re:Cycling. Our mission is to be the source of guidance, expertise, and ethical considerations for researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funding resources interested in the menstrual cycle. We offer a network of communication and support that spans discipline, professional responsibilities, and geography to provide woman-centered perspectives on menstrual experiences. Membership is open to individuals who have an interest in research on the menstrual cycle or related issues, and who support the purposes of the Society:

-to identify research priorities, to recommend research strategies, and to promote interdisciplinary woman-centered research on the menstrual cycle.
-to provide a formal communication network to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue about menstrual cycle events in the context of women’s health over the life span.
-to examine the practical, ethical and policy issues surrounding menstrual cycle research.
-to generate and exchange information and to promote public discussion of issues related to the menstrual cycle.
-to influence public policy for the enhancement of women’s health.

10/26/2026

Using design thinking and a qualitative descriptive approach, the Perinatal Mindful Education Program (PRIME) was co-developed and evaluated through classes and semi-structured interviews with 15 expectant fathers in Indonesia between July and August 2025. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: promoting paternal involvement, addressing stigma through father inclusivity classes, and encouraging holistic well-being. Findings suggest that PRIME is a feasible, human-centred approach to enhancing paternal engagement and supporting maternal and neonatal health.

✍️ Giyawati Yulilania Okinarum, A. Pramono, I. Ceria, K. Ambarwati & T. Marliana

Read more: https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2703587
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

10/12/2026

Written from the perspective of two disabled, q***r humans, this article uses autotheoretical artistic methods to provide an intimate portrait of q***r crip s*x. Placing analysis of personal experiences expressed through poems, photographs, doodles, and journal entries in conversation with disability scholarship concepts on interdependency/dependency and crip time, this article challenges the myth that disabled people are void of s*xual desire.

✍️ Bri Noonan & Joy Young

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2703585
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

***r

10/12/2026

This qualitative study used interviews with 24 people aged 18–24 with endometriosis to explore their experiences. Seven key themes emerged, highlighting diagnostic uncertainty, complex medical experiences, disruption to teenage life, emotional distress, unmet support and information needs, and concerns about the future. These findings underscore the need for age-appropriate care that prioritises young people’s experiences and concerns.

✍️ A. E. Randhawa, A. D. Tufte-Hewett, G. L. Jones & A. M. Weckesser

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2697785
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

09/23/2026

The article draws on interviews with 14 key experts to explore how UK period poverty initiatives tailor their services to include diverse individuals. Findings show that initiatives broaden accessibility through improved access to period products, menstrual education, and inclusive language, while navigating structural barriers. Through challenging assimilationist discourses and systemic constraints, these initiatives reclaim inclusivity as a context-responsive practice.

✍️ Emma Craddock, Gemma Williams & Annalise Weckesser

Read more: https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2700308
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

09/21/2026

This cross-sectional survey investigated the prevalence, severity, impact, and treatment of dysmenorrhea among people of reproductive age in New Zealand. Dysmenorrhea was reported by 95% of respondents, with 78% experiencing moderate-to-severe pain that affected emotional wellbeing, sleep, daily activities, and exercise; Māori respondents reported higher prevalence. Most participants self-managed symptoms with over-the-counter analgesics and heat, highlighting the normalization of severe menstrual pain and barriers to accessing healthcare and treatment.

✍️ Melissa Perry, Blake Perry, Augustus Anderson, Allie Eathorne, Jane E. Girling, Alex Semprini, Melemafi Porter, Jordan Tewhaiti-Smith & Mike Armour

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2692114
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

09/11/2026

This study explores experiences, coping strategies, and unmet needs related to dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). An anonymous qualitative survey of 223 Australian women aged 16–24 years, which collected demographic, menstrual, and free-text data, was analysed through reflexive thematic analysis.

The findings showed that dysmenorrhea affected all participants, and 93.7% reported HMB, with symptoms substantially disrupting education, work, social life, and mental wellbeing. Participants used various medical and self-management strategies but reported a need for earlier diagnosis, validation, affordable care, better menstrual health education, and person-centred support.

✍️ Shiva Pouraliroudbaneh, Jennifer Marino, Elisha Riggs, Yasmin Jayasinghe & Michelle Peate

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2697776
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

09/05/2026

This review examines the acclaimed south Indian film Feminichi Fathima (2025, dir. Fasil Muhammed). Centred on an ordinary object - a mattress – this film explores themes of decolonial feminism, patriarchy, religion and reproductive ecology.

✍️ Muhammed Shareef C. K. & Amal Sana Faizal K. P.

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2700309 . .
Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

08/27/2026

Using quantitative and qualitative data from an online survey of 339 participants, this study examines the impact of obstetric violence (OV) on postpartum psychosocial health. Self-compassion and medical mistrust were also examined as protective and risk factors through moderation analyses. While moderation effects were not statistically significant, regression analyses showed that experiences of OV significantly predicted postpartum anxiety and depression.

✍️ Hope O’Neill, Julia Dodd, Shana Byerley & Shalini Venkat

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2692119
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

08/22/2026

The study used thematic analysis of interviews with 18 Dutch women working in policing and healthcare, across frontline and desk-based roles, to examine how workplace environments shape menopausal experiences. Findings show that police officers experienced greater stigma, while healthcare workers managed taboo through self-sacrifice. Frontline roles also increased challenges due to physical demands, rigid schedules, and limited flexibility, whereas desk-based roles offered greater autonomy. The study emphasises how organisational culture and job type intersect to shape how women experience and manage menopause.

✍️ Renée Anouk Hofman & Tali Spiegel

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2692125
. .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

08/19/2026

The study used interpretative phenomenological analysis of interviews with five Czech childfree women to explore their experiences of voluntary sterilization, particularly its effects on s*xuality and autonomy. Following sterilization, participants reported psychological relief, s*xual confidence and intimacy, highlighting the procedure as an acceptable choice that reinforces reproductive autonomy within a pronatalist context.

✍️ Petra Coufalová, Zuzana Brandová & Hana Přikrylová Kučerová

Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2026.2692131 . .

Women’s Reproductive Health is the official journal of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Join the Society to receive free access to the journal: https://www.menstruationresearch.org/

Address

27 Greenleaves Drive #721
Amherst, MA
01002

Website

http://menstruationresearch.org/

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