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Bakgrund: Många kvinnor i olika åldrar upplever mensrelaterade besvär. Studier indikerar att mens kan påverka elevers deltagande i idrott och hälsa. Skolans värdegrund säger att undervisningen ska anpassas till varje elevs förutsättningar och behov. Syfte och frågeställningar: Studien syftar till att undersöka elevers upplevelser och hur mens påverkar elever, i relation till idrott och hälsa i skolan. Studien ämnar besvara följande frågeställningar: Är mens en faktor till att elever inte deltar på lektioner i idrott och hälsa och vilka mensrelaterade faktorer anger de som anledning till det? Upplever elever att mens är ett stigmatiserat ämne i relation till undervisningen i idrott och hälsa? Hur upplever elever att lärare i idrott och hälsa hanterar uteblivet deltagande på idrottslektioner på grund av mens? Vad, om något, efterfrågar elever för ett öppnare och tryggare klimat i anknytning till ämnet idrott och hälsa i relation till mens? Teori och metod: Studien omfattar 143 högstadie- och gymnasieelever över 15 år med mens. Studien grundas i ett fenomenologiskt perspektiv för att förstå elevers upplevelser kring mens och dess påverkan. En kvantitativ enkätmetod användes genom online- verktyget Google Forms. En pilotstudie genomfördes för att förbättra enkätens utformning. För analysen användes statistikprogrammet Jamovi samt innehållsanalys. Resultat: Resultatet visar att 23 % av eleverna inte deltar på idrottslektioner när de har mens. Smärta uppgavs som den vanligaste faktorn till att inte delta, följt av rädsla för läckage. Resultatet visar att elever upplever positiva aspekter i bemötande från lärare men samtidigt betonas ett behov av ökad förståelse och kunskap kring mens. Vidare, visar studien att både elever och lärare införlivar stigmatiseringen kring mens. Slutligen visar studien att elever främst önskar anpassningar, förståelse och lyhördhet från idrottslärare för att öka deltagandet under mens. Slutsatser: Mens är en faktor till att elever inte deltar på, Background: Numerous women, in various age groups, experience with challenges linked to menstruation. Research suggests that menstruation can impact students' engagement in physical education. The school's core values state that teaching should be adapted to each student's conditions and needs. Aim and research questions: The study aims to explore students' experiences and how menstruation affects their participation in physical education in school. The study intends to answer the following research questions: Is menstruation a factor in students not participating in physical and health education, and what menstruation-related factors do they state as reasons for this? Do students perceive menstruation as a stigmatized topic in relation to physical and health education? How do students perceive the way teachers in physical and health education handle non-participation in PE-lessons due to menstruation? What, if anything, do students request for a more open and secure climate regarding the subject of physical and health education in relation to menstruation? Theory and methodology: The study encompasses 143 middle and high school students aged 15 or older who have experienced menstruation. Grounded in a phenomenological perspective, the study aims to understand students' experiences concerning menstruation and its impact. Employing a quantitative survey approach facilitated by the online tool Google Forms. A pilot study was conducted to refine the survey's design. For analysis, both the statistical program Jamovi and content analysis were utilized. Results: The findings reveal that 23% of students refrain from participating in physical education classes during menstruation. Predominantly, pain is cited as the primary factor, followed by apprehension about leakage. The results suggest that students acknowledge positive aspects in teachers' responses yet underscore a pronounced need for increased comprehension and knowledge regarding menstruation. Furthermore, the stud

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of female high school students’menstruation in relation to the subject of physical education, as well as students' experiencesof teachers' responses to menstruation during lessons. The following research questions are:1. What are the students' views on menstruation?2. How do the students perceive the impact of menstruation on their participation in physicaleducation?3. How do the students perceive the way teachers address and adapt the teaching in relation tomenstruation? Theory and Method: A semi-structured qualitative interview method was applied, involvingseven menstruating women in high school. The study draws inspiration from hermeneutic andphenomenological analysis. Data processing is based on a thematic analysis from which threecategories emerge. The study utilizes curriculum theory. Results: The results show that the students have different views on menstruation, bothpositive and negative. These views are shaped by factors such as knowledge and normssurrounding menstruation, as well as their mental and social well-being during menstruation.Knowledge and experience of both students and teachers are found to be very importantduring menstruation, as communication and management by teachers are considered crucialfor student’s participation. The results also show that the students have a positive view onparticipation during menstruation, where the students experience reduced pain and improvedwell-being during and after physical education. Despite this, students do not participateextensively in the subject of physical education and health during menstruation. Conclusion: The study shows that the students have different views on menstruation and thatit affects them in various ways both positively and negatively, which is consistent withprevious research. The students experience that movement during menstruation is positive.However, it turns out that the students do not participate in physical education du, Syfte och frågeställningar: Denna studie syftar till att undersöka kvinnliga elevers upplevelser av menstruation kopplat till ämnet idrott och hälsa samt elevers erfarenhet av lärares bemötande vid menstruation i undervisningen. Studiens frågeställningar lyder: 1. Vad är elevernas syn på menstruation? 2. Hur upplever eleverna att menstruation påverkar deras delaktighet i ämnet idrott och hälsa? 3. Hur upplever eleverna att lärare bemöter och anpassar undervisningen i relation till menstruation? Teori och metod: En semistrukturerad kvalitativ intervjumetod tillämpades, där sju menstruerande kvinnor på gymnasiet deltog. Studien hämtar inspiration från en hermeneutisk och fenomenologisk analys. Databearbetningen utgår ifrån en tematisk analys där tre kategorier framkommer. Studien använder sig utav läroplansteorin. Resultat: Resultatet visar att eleverna har olika syn på menstruation, både positiv och negativ syn. Eleverna uttrycker att deras syn på menstruation påverkas bland annat av kunskap och normer kring menstruation samt utifrån deras psykiska- och sociala mående vid menstruation. Kunskap och erfarenhet hos både eleverna och lärare visar sig vara mycket väsentligt vid menstruation, då kommunikation och hantering av lärarna anses vara bristfällig och spela stor roll för elevernas deltagande. Resultatet visar även på att eleverna har en positiv syn på delaktighet vid menstruation på grund av minskad smärta och ökat mående under och efter idrottslektionen. Trots detta deltar inte eleverna i hög utsträckning i ämnet idrott och hälsa vid menstruation. Slutsats: Studien visar att eleverna har olika syn på menstruation och att det påverkar dem både positivt och negativt i ämnet idrott och hälsa, vilket överensstämmer med tidigare forskning. Eleverna upplever att rörelse vid menstruation är positivt, trots detta deltar inte eleverna under idrottslektionerna vid menstruation. Detta verkar bero på den norm om menstruation som förekommer i skolan, där fördomar och nedtystn

Menstrual Health and Hygiene (“MHH”) is an increasing focus for the development sector because of the potential to improve the lives of women and girls by empowering them to understand and care for their bodies and to overcome the shame and stigma associated with cultural taboos around menstruation that exist all over the world. In West Bengal, India, embarrassment and secrecy surrounding menstruation, which is commonly considered an impurity, means that many menstruators do not understand the biological causes of menstruation, and many do not share information about their experiences managing menstruation and its impact on their daily lives. In addition, managing the waste generated by disposable sanitary pads has become a policy focus in India. This program uses reusable sanitary pads, an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to the disposable version, as a grassroots entry point to promote community discussion and education about menstruation. Activities to develop a market for affordable reusable sanitary pads are expected to provide opportunities for members of the target communities to learn about menstruation, make informed choices, and improve their economic circumstances by saving money on menstrual materials and earning money from sales activities.

This document aims to analyze the scientific production related to menstruation and feminism using three search engines (Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences). The searches were carried out without retrospective limit with a cut-off date of March 31, 2023. The terms “menstruation” and “feminism” were used, MeSH or DeCS terms were not used as we did not intend to limit the search to this disciplinary field. We focus on comparing the technical (country, language, year of publication, area of ​​knowledge) and methodological (method, technique, results, and conclusions) elements of the articles, as well as reflecting on their general contributions. As a result of the established criteria 52 articles were chosen in a range of 31 years that oscillated between 1992 and 2023. The dominant language to spread knowledge is still English with 49 texts (94.2%) and only 5.8% (3) were redacted in Spanish. The countries with the highest number of publications were: United Kingdom (23), United States of America-USA (15) and Spain (2). The areas that concentrate most of the documents were: social sciences (12), followed by psychology (9) and medicine (6). Finally, the investigations tend for qualitative methods with techniques that allows them to access the experiences of menstruation mediated by discourse (content analysis, discourse analysis, literary analysis; open interview, in-depth interview, semi-structured interview; focus groups; ethnography). Menstruation can be seen from various areas of knowledge under differentiated methods and techniques that highlight various aspects of it. Talking about blood as a fluid product of menstruation challenges us in various ways and opens possibilities not only for highlight the topic but also for resistance., Este documento busca analizar la producción científica vinculada a la menstruación y feminismo mediante el uso de tres buscadores bibliohemerográficos (Medline, Scopus y Web of Sciences). Las búsquedas se llevaron sin límite retrospectivo con fecha de corte del 31 de marzo de 2023. Se utilizaron los términos “menstruation” y “feminism”, no se utilizaron términos MeSH o DeCS pues no pretendíamos limitar la búsqueda a este campo disciplinar. Nos centramos en comparar los elementos técnicos (país, idioma, año de publicación, área de conocimiento) y metodológicos (método, técnica, resultados y conclusiones) de los artículos, así como reflexionar sobre sus aportaciones generales. Se eligieron 52 artículos en un rango de 31 años que oscilaron entre el periodo de 1992-2023. El idioma dominante para divulgar conocimiento sigue siendo el inglés con 49 textos (94.2%) y solo un 5.8% (3) de los mismos estaba en español. Los países con el mayor número de publicaciones fueron: Reino Unido (23), Estados Unidos de Norteamérica-USA (15) y España (2). Las áreas de conocimiento en donde se concentraron la mayoría de los textos fueron: las ciencias sociales (12), seguido de la psicología (9) y finalmente la medicina (6). Finalmente, las investigaciones se decantan por métodos cualitativos con técnicas que les permiten acceder a las experiencias de la menstruación que se encuentran mediadas por el discurso (análisis de contenido, análisis de discurso, análisis literario; entrevista abierta, entrevista a profundidad, entrevista semiestructurada; grupos focales; etnografía). La menstruación puede ser vista desde diversas áreas de conocimiento bajo métodos y técnicas diferenciados que resaltan diversos aspectos de esta. Hablar de la sangre como un fluido producto de la menstruación nos interpela de diversas maneras y nos abre posibilidades no solo de socialización sino también de resistencia.

BackgroundDomains of adequate menstrual health (MH) include access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). People who menstruate with social disadvantages-such as homelessness or drug injection practices-often face barriers to WASH access. However, validated instruments to measure MH are limited among marginalized populations, and available instruments involve lengthy surveys. We developed and evaluated psychometric properties of a novel 'MH WASH Domain Scale-12' among people who menstruate and who inject drugs in the Tijuana-San Diego region and identified correlates of MH access using this scale.MethodsWe constructed a MH-scale based on access to twelve WASH-related items: (1) menstrual products, (2) body hygiene (bathing per week), (3) water sources for bathing, (4) improved, (5) non-shared, (6) available, (7) private, (8) nearby, (9) and safe sanitation facilities, (10) availability of soap, (11) water source for handwashing, and (12) handwashing facilities with soap/water. Variables were dichotomized and summed, with scores ranging from 0-12 points and higher scores indicating better MH access. We assessed the scale's reliability and construct and content validity using data from a binational cross-sectional study. The sample included people who inject drugs (PWID) who had ever menstruated in their lifetime and were 18+ during 2020-2021. MH-WASH items were described, and the scale was further used as an outcome variable to identify correlates.ResultsAmong 125 (124 cis-female and 1 trans-male) PWID that reported menstruating, our 'MH WASH Domain Scale-12' was reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.81, McDonald's Omega total = 0.83) and valid. We identified two sub-domains: Factor-1 included items describing 'WASH availability' and Factor-2 contained items related to 'WASH security'-encompassing physical and biological safety. Scale scores were significantly lower among participants experiencing unsheltered homelessness compared to participants experiencing sheltered h

Stigma toward menstruation is closely linked to a lack of knowledge about menstrual health taboos and negative attitudes toward sex and bodies. The menstrual cup (MC), an alternative menstrual product to pads and tampons, may mitigate these negative perceptions through the high levels of body contact and menstrual and anatomical knowledge required to use it. Hence, the current study examines the relationship between MC usage and 1) knowledge about menstruation and reproductive anatomy, 2) personal comfort with sexuality, and 3) attitudes toward menstruation. This study utilized a quantitative survey to investigate the attitudes and experiences of 180 menstruators ages 19-34 and the menstrual products they use. As predicted, more frequent MC usage was associated with higher knowledge, greater comfort with sexuality, and lower disgust and shame toward menstruation.

Adequately managing menstruation is an important factor in the overall quality of life for women. With a growing discussion of the global need for its improvement, it is clear that better management of menstruation can positively influence social, educational, and professional outcomes. Herein, we describe a biopolymer-based formulation that gels blood in a mechanism alternative to coagulation. We first tested several biopolymer mixtures with blood and quantified increases in viscosity, finding that high-molecular-weight alginate in combination with glycerol could rapidly absorb and gel blood. We then demonstrated that this powder could be deployed both as a traditional menstrual pad filler and as an additive to menstrual cups to reduce leakage and spillage, respectively. Finally, we include an antimicrobial polymer to impair the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with toxic shock syndrome. Collectively, our work describes a biodegradable formulation derived from renewable resources that can improve menstrual care.

Based on fieldwork among young Danish women aged 16-20, this thesis investigates the impact of the menstrual etiquette on their embodiment, perceptions and interactions with their menstruation. Through an analysis of menstrual pain, shame and activism, this thesis shows how young Danish women are forced by cultural norms to conform to the menstrual etiquette and keep their menstrual experiences hidden. In this study, I draw on theoretical frameworks regarding pain and embodiment to explore the role of menstrual pain. By analyzing the fieldwork, the findings reveal how the young women’s experiences of intense period pain forces them to become aware of their bodies. Conforming to the menstrual etiquette, the young women hide their pain to avoid being judged. Furthermore, by utilizing theories on shame and menstrual concealment when diving into the concept of menstrual shame, I uncover how the menstrual etiquette enforces the taboo surrounding menstruation, leading the young women to embody shame. Shame becomes particularly evident when the young women accidentally expose their menstruation through menstrual products and blood. Fearing this shame, the young women conform to the menstrual etiquette by hiding their menstruation and helping each other to do so. Finally, I examine how these young women perform acts of everyday menstrual activism. As acts of defiance, by refusing to hide their menstrual experiences, the young women are motivated by the desire to normalize menstruation among their peers. These acts are not without consequences for the women, as they risk being judged for their actions, while also fighting their own embodied shame. Nonetheless, they are inspired by the broader menstrual movement and wish to contribute to breaking the stigma. Conclusively, this thesis emphasizes the necessity of understanding menstrual experiences through a cultural and gendered lens. Moreover, these insights can be applied to further academic and political action at all level

Based on fieldwork among young Danish women aged 16-20, this thesis investigates the impact of the menstrual etiquette on their embodiment, perceptions and interactions with their menstruation. Through an analysis of menstrual pain, shame and activism, this thesis shows how young Danish women are forced by cultural norms to conform to the menstrual etiquette and keep their menstrual experiences hidden. In this study, I draw on theoretical frameworks regarding pain and embodiment to explore the role of menstrual pain. By analyzing the fieldwork, the findings reveal how the young women’s experiences of intense period pain forces them to become aware of their bodies. Conforming to the menstrual etiquette, the young women hide their pain to avoid being judged. Furthermore, by utilizing theories on shame and menstrual concealment when diving into the concept of menstrual shame, I uncover how the menstrual etiquette enforces the taboo surrounding menstruation, leading the young women to embody shame. Shame becomes particularly evident when the young women accidentally expose their menstruation through menstrual products and blood. Fearing this shame, the young women conform to the menstrual etiquette by hiding their menstruation and helping each other to do so. Finally, I examine how these young women perform acts of everyday menstrual activism. As acts of defiance, by refusing to hide their menstrual experiences, the young women are motivated by the desire to normalize menstruation among their peers. These acts are not without consequences for the women, as they risk being judged for their actions, while also fighting their own embodied shame. Nonetheless, they are inspired by the broader menstrual movement and wish to contribute to breaking the stigma. Conclusively, this thesis emphasizes the necessity of understanding menstrual experiences through a cultural and gendered lens. Moreover, these insights can be applied to further academic and political action at all level

This short essay introduces the Bellagio Declaration on the Human Right to Healthy Menstruation, a statement signed by an interdisciplinary group of academics, artists, policymakers, clinicians, and practitioners in 2024. The Declaration frames the human right to healthy menstruation as including (1) non-discrimination on the basis of menstruation; (2) dignity in all matters related to menstruation; (3) access to facilities, resources, and supplies that facilitate the management of menstruation in a manner that is affordable and safe and that fosters a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment; (4) lifelong access to timely and medically accurate information about all aspects of menstruation; (5) lifelong access to informed and affordable menstruation-related health care; and (6) menstruation-related privacy, including privacy protection for menstruation-related data. The Declaration immediately follows.

This short paper outlines a potential solution to the ENDO Challenge posed by the US National Institutes of Health to spur development of painless, noninvasive diagnostic tools for early diagnosis in women suffering needlessly from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a common condition caused by regurgitation of menses backwards through the Fallopian tubes from the uterine cavity into the abdominal cavity during menstruation. A few still viable endometrial cells then implant widely and unpredictably throughout the abdominal cavity and become established on the surfaces of internal organs and the abdominal wall. There they live and remain responsive to cyclic hormones. The resulting patches of endometrial tissue bleed into the abdominal cavity with successive menstrual periods, causing pain. Because the endometrial implants can be scattered widely throughout the peritoneal cavity and can also spread to new locations therein, endoscopic or even open surgical methods rarely discover and eliminate all of them. The more that endometriosis spreads, the more difficult it is to diagnose and treat. Sadly, diagnosis may be delayed many years, with continued spread, due to normalization of intense menstrual pain by patients and their healthcare providers. Simple, noninvasive, low-cost screening methods, applicable to large numbers of women worldwide, are needed. The present proposed solution is a smart phone application that prompts the patient to track and record symptoms day-by-day, and later to compare the detailed patient record both with data for known populations of healthy women versus data for women with recently diagnosed endometriosis. The foundational principle for success is asking the best questions, based upon understanding of the abnormal physiology and anatomy of the endometriosis and published studies. Day to day tracking should reveal more abundant, accurate, and precise data than one-time history taking in a provider’s office. Use of artificial intelligence and

Studien behandlar den komplexa problematiken kring konsumentmedvetenhet och val av mensskydd, där bristande lagstiftning, företags marknadsföring och det kulturella tabut kring menstruation spelar en central roll. Genom att fokusera på svenska konsumenters medvetenhet om kemikalier i mensskydd och deras produktval undersöker studien vilken information konsumenter har tillgång till och hur detta påverkar deras val av mensskydd. Studien kombinerar en litteraturstudie och en enkätundersökning för att ge en djupare förståelse för ämnet. Enkäten besvarades av 79 menstruerande personer, och hade en blandning av fritextsvar och färdiga svarsalternativ. Det finns även indikationer på att menstrosor är en växande produktkategori, dock finns det potentiella problem med tillsatta ämnen i vissa av dessa produkter. En analys av produktbeskrivningar för menstrosor genomfördes för att se om dessa påverkar konsumenters val av produkt. Resultatet indikerade att konsumenter sällan jämför olika märken eller läser på om menstrosor före köp. Studien indikerar även på att konsumenternas medvetenhet om mensskydd generellt är låg, men att det finns en förväntan om säkra produkter och striktare krav på företag. Trots detta finner många respondenter det svårt att navigera bland vilseledande marknadsföring, samt tenderar att prioritera andra faktorer som komfort och absorptionsförmåga i valet av mensskydd. Tidigare forskning visar dock på exempel där påtryckningar från konsumenter om säkra mensskydd har lett till positiva förändringar. Konsumentmedvetenhet är därmed avgörande för utvecklingen av säkra mensskydd, med lagstiftning som stöd. Sammanfattningsvis betonar studien behovet av transparent produktinformation och framhåller vikten av fortsatt forskning och åtgärder för att öka medvetenheten och främja en informerad konsumtion., This research addresses the complex issue of consumer awareness and choices of menstrual products, where inadequate legislation, corporate marketing, and the cultural taboo surrounding menstruation play a central role. By examining Swedish consumers' awareness of chemicals in menstrual products, as well as their product choices, the study also examines the information available to consumers and how it affects their preferred options of products. The study combines a literature review and a survey to provide a deeper understanding of the subject. The survey was answered by 79 menstruating individuals and included a mix of open-ended responses and predefined response options. There are indications that menstrual underwear is a growing product category; however, there are potential issues with added chemicals in some of these products. An analysis of product descriptions for menstrual underwear was conducted to determine if these descriptions influence consumers' product choices. The results indicated that consumers rarely compare different brands or research menstrual underwear before purchasing. The study also suggests that consumer awareness of menstrual products in general is low, but that there is an expectation of safe products and stricter requirements for companies. However, many respondents find it difficult to navigate through misleading marketing and tend to prioritize other factors, such as comfort and absorbency when choosing menstrual products. Previous research has shown examples where consumers have demanded safe menstrual products which have led to positive changes. Consumer awareness is thus crucial for the development of safe menstrual products, with regulated laws as support. In summary, the study emphasizes the need for transparent product information and highlights the importance of continued research and measures to increase consumer awareness.

Naturliga preventivmetoder är ett övergripande begrepp för preventivmetoder som bygger på att kvinnor avläser fysiska symptom på fertilitet och anpassar sitt sexuella beteende utifrån dessa. Kunskapen att avgöra fertila tecken och förståelsen för menstruationscykelns uppbyggnad kan kallas för fertilitetsförståelse. Naturliga preventivmetoder används av kvinnor och par på flera håll runt om i världen och det råder delade meningar om dess effektivitet som preventivmetod. Studier visar att anledningarna till att kvinnor väljer dessa metoder är bland annat för att de är fria från biverkningar och möjliggör för kvinnan att lära känna sin kropp, aspekter som kan inverka på kvinnors sexuella hälsa. Det övergripande syftet med den här uppsatsen är att få fördjupad kunskap om sju kvinnors upplevelser av användandet av naturliga preventivmetoder. Studien syftar också till att förstå kvinnornas upplevelser av fertilitetsförståelse i relation till övergripande hälsa och sexuell hälsa. Insamlandet av data har skett genom kvalitativa, semi-strukturerade intervjuer och tematisk analys användes för att bearbeta materialet. Som teori användes ett flerdimensionellt perspektiv på hälsa, begreppen empowerment och contraceptive work. Resultatet av den här studien visar på hur kvinnornas upplevelse av naturliga preventivmetoder till stor del motiveras genom olika aspekter av hälsa men också att användandet innebär ett arbete på individuell och interpersonell nivå. Den subjektiva upplevelsen av vad som känns hälsosamt, i kombination med erfarenheter av biverkningar eller dysfunktioner är väsentliga delar. Majoriteten av informanterna belyste också fertilitetsförståelsen som kunskapskälla och förmågan att kunna påverka sitt eget mående. Uppsatsen visar på vilka sätt naturliga preventivmetoder uppfattas positivt för hälsan, den sexuella hälsan och bidrar till en känsla av egenmakt.

Intimacy is conventionally associated with familiarity and comfort. Yet, within the temporal unfolding of intimate relations comes discomfort, ambivalences, breakdowns, and disruptions. My dissertation research builds on this critical and feminist understanding of intimacy and relations to design long-term and plural modes of intimate care technologies. I present three previous research projects that use discomfort as a resource for intimate technologies. These include affective discomfort, menstrual discomfort, and unhabitual movements. Inspired by feminist crip technoscience and feminist theories on materiality of bodies, I inquire how we could design intimate technologies that enrich long-term and embodied relationship with our own menstruating bodies. In my upcoming studies, I plan to investigate the potential of close-to-body shape-changing touch as a modality for generating situated bodily knowledge and fostering proactive self-care for menstrual pain., Part of ISBN 979-840070632-5QC 20240725

Objective To examine the prevalence of menstrual pain among women of reproductive age and its impact on their daily lives and professional responsibilities. Methods A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in July and August 2022. Phone interviews were carried out using a random system to select women aged between 15 and 49 years old. The questionnaire included sociodemographic variables, contraception method used, characteristics of the menstrual pattern (pain and bleeding amount), its influence on their working life, and if they would need to resort to sick leaves due to the impairments arising from the menstrual symptoms. Results A total of 1800 women representative of the Spanish population took part in this study. 72.6% of them report menstrual pain, with 45.9% requiring medication. 35.9% identify their menstrual bleeding as intense or very intense. 38.8% assert that menstrual discomforts affect their everyday life. 34.3% would have required not attending their work activities or having requested sick leave due to the discomforts, although only 17.3% of the women finally requested so, mainly because 58.4% considered that it might imply consequences in their professional environment, especially those with Higher Education. The women who report more discomfort are the youngest ones and those who resort to condoms as a contraceptive method (p < 0.001). Conclusions Menstrual pain is a prevalent problem among women of reproductive age and can affect their everyday life and professional environment, requiring work leaves on some occasions.

Through a Thematic Qualitative Text Analysis and semi-structured interviews with journalists, athletes, and coaches, this thesis investigates the relationship between gender, sports, and media representation of menstruation in Belgian online sports news. This research emphasizes the delicate balance in sports media between normalizing discussing menstruation and avoiding sexist ideologies. One effective approach to breaking the menstrual taboo is to adopt the rationalist discourse of self-instrumentalization, where athletes enhance their performance by the use of science and technology. Given that menstruation is a physiological process connected to maximizing performance, it is vital to normalize its media coverage. There is, nevertheless, a palpable tension between private and public conversation. Journalists tend to concentrate on the personal stories and physical challenges of athletes, yet the coverage of the menstrual influences remains underrepresented. A more nuanced and ethical approach is needed, balancing public interest with athletes' privacy. The thesis advocates that menstruation should be normalized in the sports discourse in order to promote more inclusive media practices that reflect and fairly portray the experiences of female athletes.

Naturliga preventivmetoder är ett övergripande begrepp för preventivmetoder som bygger på att kvinnor avläser fysiska symptom på fertilitet och anpassar sitt sexuella beteende utifrån dessa. Kunskapen att avgöra fertila tecken och förståelsen för menstruationscykelns uppbyggnad kan kallas för fertilitetsförståelse. Naturliga preventivmetoder används av kvinnor och par på flera håll runt om i världen och det råder delade meningar om dess effektivitet som preventivmetod. Studier visar att anledningarna till att kvinnor väljer dessa metoder är bland annat för att de är fria från biverkningar och möjliggör för kvinnan att lära känna sin kropp, aspekter som kan inverka på kvinnors sexuella hälsa. Det övergripande syftet med den här uppsatsen är att få fördjupad kunskap om sju kvinnors upplevelser av användandet av naturliga preventivmetoder. Studien syftar också till att förstå kvinnornas upplevelser av fertilitetsförståelse i relation till övergripande hälsa och sexuell hälsa. Insamlandet av data har skett genom kvalitativa, semi-strukturerade intervjuer och tematisk analys användes för att bearbeta materialet. Som teori användes ett flerdimensionellt perspektiv på hälsa, begreppen empowerment och contraceptive work. Resultatet av den här studien visar på hur kvinnornas upplevelse av naturliga preventivmetoder till stor del motiveras genom olika aspekter av hälsa men också att användandet innebär ett arbete på individuell och interpersonell nivå. Den subjektiva upplevelsen av vad som känns hälsosamt, i kombination med erfarenheter av biverkningar eller dysfunktioner är väsentliga delar. Majoriteten av informanterna belyste också fertilitetsförståelsen som kunskapskälla och förmågan att kunna påverka sitt eget mående. Uppsatsen visar på vilka sätt naturliga preventivmetoder uppfattas positivt för hälsan, den sexuella hälsan och bidrar till en känsla av egenmakt.

Studien behandlar den komplexa problematiken kring konsumentmedvetenhet och val av mensskydd, där bristande lagstiftning, företags marknadsföring och det kulturella tabut kring menstruation spelar en central roll. Genom att fokusera på svenska konsumenters medvetenhet om kemikalier i mensskydd och deras produktval undersöker studien vilken information konsumenter har tillgång till och hur detta påverkar deras val av mensskydd. Studien kombinerar en litteraturstudie och en enkätundersökning för att ge en djupare förståelse för ämnet. Enkäten besvarades av 79 menstruerande personer, och hade en blandning av fritextsvar och färdiga svarsalternativ. Det finns även indikationer på att menstrosor är en växande produktkategori, dock finns det potentiella problem med tillsatta ämnen i vissa av dessa produkter. En analys av produktbeskrivningar för menstrosor genomfördes för att se om dessa påverkar konsumenters val av produkt. Resultatet indikerade att konsumenter sällan jämför olika märken eller läser på om menstrosor före köp. Studien indikerar även på att konsumenternas medvetenhet om mensskydd generellt är låg, men att det finns en förväntan om säkra produkter och striktare krav på företag. Trots detta finner många respondenter det svårt att navigera bland vilseledande marknadsföring, samt tenderar att prioritera andra faktorer som komfort och absorptionsförmåga i valet av mensskydd. Tidigare forskning visar dock på exempel där påtryckningar från konsumenter om säkra mensskydd har lett till positiva förändringar. Konsumentmedvetenhet är därmed avgörande för utvecklingen av säkra mensskydd, med lagstiftning som stöd. Sammanfattningsvis betonar studien behovet av transparent produktinformation och framhåller vikten av fortsatt forskning och åtgärder för att öka medvetenheten och främja en informerad konsumtion., This research addresses the complex issue of consumer awareness and choices of menstrual products, where inadequate legislation, corporate marketing, and the cultural taboo surrounding menstruation play a central role. By examining Swedish consumers' awareness of chemicals in menstrual products, as well as their product choices, the study also examines the information available to consumers and how it affects their preferred options of products. The study combines a literature review and a survey to provide a deeper understanding of the subject. The survey was answered by 79 menstruating individuals and included a mix of open-ended responses and predefined response options. There are indications that menstrual underwear is a growing product category; however, there are potential issues with added chemicals in some of these products. An analysis of product descriptions for menstrual underwear was conducted to determine if these descriptions influence consumers' product choices. The results indicated that consumers rarely compare different brands or research menstrual underwear before purchasing. The study also suggests that consumer awareness of menstrual products in general is low, but that there is an expectation of safe products and stricter requirements for companies. However, many respondents find it difficult to navigate through misleading marketing and tend to prioritize other factors, such as comfort and absorbency when choosing menstrual products. Previous research has shown examples where consumers have demanded safe menstrual products which have led to positive changes. Consumer awareness is thus crucial for the development of safe menstrual products, with regulated laws as support. In summary, the study emphasizes the need for transparent product information and highlights the importance of continued research and measures to increase consumer awareness.

This study investigated the acute effects of caffeine intake on sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, oestradiol, and progesterone) following resistance exercise performance during the early follicular phase. In addition, the total number of failed repetitions was determined. Ten resistance-trained females performed two consecutive trials (48 h apart). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either caffeine (4 mg/kg) 1 h before exercise or a placebo, using a double-blind crossover design. Each trial included the following resistance exercises: chest press, lat pulldown, triceps pushdown, and rowing torso. Each exercise was performed in three sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of 1-RM, with a 90 s recovery interval, followed by repetitions to failure at the same intensity during the fourth set. Two-minute breaks were allocated between each exercise’s third and fourth sets of and between exercises. Blood samples were collected from each participant 1 h after the completion of each trial. Data revealed no statistical difference (p ˃ .05) in ergogenic response to caffeine on sex hormones during the early follicular phase between trials. However, serum prolactin level significantly decreased (p = .039) after caffeine intake compared to the placebo. The overall repetitions to failure were significantly higher (p = .023) in the caffeine trial than in the placebo. In conclusion, caffeine intake (4 mg/kg) 1 h before multiple resistance exercises had no effect on sex hormone responses during the early follicular phase, except for prolactin. However, the overall repetitions until failure were higher following caffeine intake.

The experience of menstruation is often associated with negative connotations and gender stereotypes, which results in making it invisible. This research aimed to explore the perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of young Spanish women regarding the menstrual cycle and menstruation and their impact on their lives. The study delves into their understanding, menstrual management practices, the types of menstrual products employed, and their experiences related to menstrual health. Qualitative methodology was used with discussion groups as a data collection technique. The participants comprised 45 young Spanish women, aged between 18 and 23, hailing from both rural and urban areas. The majority were university students, with some engaged in part-time work, and one participant working full-time. While many experienced menstrual pain ranging from mild to debilitating, a normalization of this pain often led them to forego seeking specialist assistance. Disposable menstrual products (DMPs) are the most used by participants, despite limited awareness of their absorption capacity. Regarding reusable menstrual products (RMPs), menstrual cup users emphasized comfort but expressed a need for proper training. Negative menstruation experiences could evoke fear and difficulties, underscoring the importance of providing comprehensive menstrual health education encompassing both theoretical and practical components.

Through a Thematic Qualitative Text Analysis and semi-structured interviews with journalists, athletes, and coaches, this thesis investigates the relationship between gender, sports, and media representation of menstruation in Belgian online sports news. This research emphasizes the delicate balance in sports media between normalizing discussing menstruation and avoiding sexist ideologies. One effective approach to breaking the menstrual taboo is to adopt the rationalist discourse of self-instrumentalization, where athletes enhance their performance by the use of science and technology. Given that menstruation is a physiological process connected to maximizing performance, it is vital to normalize its media coverage. There is, nevertheless, a palpable tension between private and public conversation. Journalists tend to concentrate on the personal stories and physical challenges of athletes, yet the coverage of the menstrual influences remains underrepresented. A more nuanced and ethical approach is needed, balancing public interest with athletes' privacy. The thesis advocates that menstruation should be normalized in the sports discourse in order to promote more inclusive media practices that reflect and fairly portray the experiences of female athletes.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of female high school students’menstruation in relation to the subject of physical education, as well as students' experiencesof teachers' responses to menstruation during lessons. The following research questions are:1. What are the students' views on menstruation?2. How do the students perceive the impact of menstruation on their participation in physicaleducation?3. How do the students perceive the way teachers address and adapt the teaching in relation tomenstruation? Theory and Method: A semi-structured qualitative interview method was applied, involvingseven menstruating women in high school. The study draws inspiration from hermeneutic andphenomenological analysis. Data processing is based on a thematic analysis from which threecategories emerge. The study utilizes curriculum theory. Results: The results show that the students have different views on menstruation, bothpositive and negative. These views are shaped by factors such as knowledge and normssurrounding menstruation, as well as their mental and social well-being during menstruation.Knowledge and experience of both students and teachers are found to be very importantduring menstruation, as communication and management by teachers are considered crucialfor student’s participation. The results also show that the students have a positive view onparticipation during menstruation, where the students experience reduced pain and improvedwell-being during and after physical education. Despite this, students do not participateextensively in the subject of physical education and health during menstruation. Conclusion: The study shows that the students have different views on menstruation and thatit affects them in various ways both positively and negatively, which is consistent withprevious research. The students experience that movement during menstruation is positive.However, it turns out that the students do not participate in physical education du, Syfte och frågeställningar: Denna studie syftar till att undersöka kvinnliga elevers upplevelser av menstruation kopplat till ämnet idrott och hälsa samt elevers erfarenhet av lärares bemötande vid menstruation i undervisningen. Studiens frågeställningar lyder: 1. Vad är elevernas syn på menstruation? 2. Hur upplever eleverna att menstruation påverkar deras delaktighet i ämnet idrott och hälsa? 3. Hur upplever eleverna att lärare bemöter och anpassar undervisningen i relation till menstruation? Teori och metod: En semistrukturerad kvalitativ intervjumetod tillämpades, där sju menstruerande kvinnor på gymnasiet deltog. Studien hämtar inspiration från en hermeneutisk och fenomenologisk analys. Databearbetningen utgår ifrån en tematisk analys där tre kategorier framkommer. Studien använder sig utav läroplansteorin. Resultat: Resultatet visar att eleverna har olika syn på menstruation, både positiv och negativ syn. Eleverna uttrycker att deras syn på menstruation påverkas bland annat av kunskap och normer kring menstruation samt utifrån deras psykiska- och sociala mående vid menstruation. Kunskap och erfarenhet hos både eleverna och lärare visar sig vara mycket väsentligt vid menstruation, då kommunikation och hantering av lärarna anses vara bristfällig och spela stor roll för elevernas deltagande. Resultatet visar även på att eleverna har en positiv syn på delaktighet vid menstruation på grund av minskad smärta och ökat mående under och efter idrottslektionen. Trots detta deltar inte eleverna i hög utsträckning i ämnet idrott och hälsa vid menstruation. Slutsats: Studien visar att eleverna har olika syn på menstruation och att det påverkar dem både positivt och negativt i ämnet idrott och hälsa, vilket överensstämmer med tidigare forskning. Eleverna upplever att rörelse vid menstruation är positivt, trots detta deltar inte eleverna under idrottslektionerna vid menstruation. Detta verkar bero på den norm om menstruation som förekommer i skolan, där fördomar och nedtystn

Bakgrund: Många kvinnor i olika åldrar upplever mensrelaterade besvär. Studier indikerar att mens kan påverka elevers deltagande i idrott och hälsa. Skolans värdegrund säger att undervisningen ska anpassas till varje elevs förutsättningar och behov. Syfte och frågeställningar: Studien syftar till att undersöka elevers upplevelser och hur mens påverkar elever, i relation till idrott och hälsa i skolan. Studien ämnar besvara följande frågeställningar: Är mens en faktor till att elever inte deltar på lektioner i idrott och hälsa och vilka mensrelaterade faktorer anger de som anledning till det? Upplever elever att mens är ett stigmatiserat ämne i relation till undervisningen i idrott och hälsa? Hur upplever elever att lärare i idrott och hälsa hanterar uteblivet deltagande på idrottslektioner på grund av mens? Vad, om något, efterfrågar elever för ett öppnare och tryggare klimat i anknytning till ämnet idrott och hälsa i relation till mens? Teori och metod: Studien omfattar 143 högstadie- och gymnasieelever över 15 år med mens. Studien grundas i ett fenomenologiskt perspektiv för att förstå elevers upplevelser kring mens och dess påverkan. En kvantitativ enkätmetod användes genom online- verktyget Google Forms. En pilotstudie genomfördes för att förbättra enkätens utformning. För analysen användes statistikprogrammet Jamovi samt innehållsanalys. Resultat: Resultatet visar att 23 % av eleverna inte deltar på idrottslektioner när de har mens. Smärta uppgavs som den vanligaste faktorn till att inte delta, följt av rädsla för läckage. Resultatet visar att elever upplever positiva aspekter i bemötande från lärare men samtidigt betonas ett behov av ökad förståelse och kunskap kring mens. Vidare, visar studien att både elever och lärare införlivar stigmatiseringen kring mens. Slutligen visar studien att elever främst önskar anpassningar, förståelse och lyhördhet från idrottslärare för att öka deltagandet under mens. Slutsatser: Mens är en faktor till att elever inte deltar på, Background: Numerous women, in various age groups, experience with challenges linked to menstruation. Research suggests that menstruation can impact students' engagement in physical education. The school's core values state that teaching should be adapted to each student's conditions and needs. Aim and research questions: The study aims to explore students' experiences and how menstruation affects their participation in physical education in school. The study intends to answer the following research questions: Is menstruation a factor in students not participating in physical and health education, and what menstruation-related factors do they state as reasons for this? Do students perceive menstruation as a stigmatized topic in relation to physical and health education? How do students perceive the way teachers in physical and health education handle non-participation in PE-lessons due to menstruation? What, if anything, do students request for a more open and secure climate regarding the subject of physical and health education in relation to menstruation? Theory and methodology: The study encompasses 143 middle and high school students aged 15 or older who have experienced menstruation. Grounded in a phenomenological perspective, the study aims to understand students' experiences concerning menstruation and its impact. Employing a quantitative survey approach facilitated by the online tool Google Forms. A pilot study was conducted to refine the survey's design. For analysis, both the statistical program Jamovi and content analysis were utilized. Results: The findings reveal that 23% of students refrain from participating in physical education classes during menstruation. Predominantly, pain is cited as the primary factor, followed by apprehension about leakage. The results suggest that students acknowledge positive aspects in teachers' responses yet underscore a pronounced need for increased comprehension and knowledge regarding menstruation. Furthermore, the stud

The experience of menstruation is often associated with negative connotations and gender stereotypes, which results in making it invisible. This research aimed to explore the perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of young Spanish women regarding the menstrual cycle and menstruation and their impact on their lives. The study delves into their understanding, menstrual management practices, the types of menstrual products employed, and their experiences related to menstrual health. Qualitative methodology was used with discussion groups as a data collection technique. The participants comprised 45 young Spanish women, aged between 18 and 23, hailing from both rural and urban areas. The majority were university students, with some engaged in part-time work, and one participant working full-time. While many experienced menstrual pain ranging from mild to debilitating, a normalization of this pain often led them to forego seeking specialist assistance. Disposable menstrual products (DMPs) are the most used by participants, despite limited awareness of their absorption capacity. Regarding reusable menstrual products (RMPs), menstrual cup users emphasized comfort but expressed a need for proper training. Negative menstruation experiences could evoke fear and difficulties, underscoring the importance of providing comprehensive menstrual health education encompassing both theoretical and practical components.

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) encompass an array of conditions with discrepant classification systems, hampering accurate prevalence estimation. Despite potentially affecting up to 25% of women during their lifetime, many remain undiagnosed, underestimating the true extent. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the impacts of the menstrual cycle on PFDs and dysfunctions. Secondary objectives included investigating differences between athletic and nonathletic women. Methods: An online questionnaire examined the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) on 477 women’s pelvic symptoms (aged 16–63 years), stratified by athletic status. This ad hoc instrument built upon a validated screening tool for female athletes. Results: Most participants reported symptom fluctuations across menstrual phases, with many modifying or reducing exercise participation. A concerning number experienced daily undiagnosed pelvic floor symptoms, emphasizing needs for comprehensive medical evaluation. Conclusions: Exacerbated pelvic symptoms showed complex relationships with menstruation, highlighting the importance of considering the MC in customized clinical management approaches. Symptoms demonstrated differ ential links to menstruation, indicating needs for individualized evaluation and tailored treatment plans based on symptom profiles and hormonal interactions. Educating professionals and patients remains essential to enhancing awareness, detection, and therapeutic outcomes. Further controlled longitudinal research should elucidate intricate relationships between menstrual cycles and pelvic symptom variability.

[EN] This research is part of a much broader work, which emerges as a concern about the creative process that involves menstruation as a research topic, as a creative material, and as part of artistic creation. Over time, menstrual blood has been attributed to a variety of cultural interpretations and both positive and negative connotations, depending on the culture and territory. Although it is still taboo today to show menstrual blood as a waste and label it dirty, there are many artists and researchers who for years have approached, explored, and shaped the issue from different perspectives: political, activism, emotional, ritual, and as a way to reconnect with ancestry. This research focuses on the study of the representation of the pre-colonial imaginary of Maya and Nahua culture around menstruation and as part of the creative process. From the analysis of these representations and linked to the works of several artists, I developed a fabric that encompasses different branches such as anthropology, artistic research, archaeology, feminisms, decolonial studies, sexualities, and dissident bodies., [ES] La presente investigación, forma parte de un trabajo mucho más amplio, que surge como una inquietud en torno al proceso creativo que implica la menstruación como tema de investigación, como material creativo y parte de la creación artística. A la sangre menstrual a través del tiempo se le han adjudicado una variedad de interpretaciones culturales y tanto connotaciones positivas como negativas, dependiendo de la cultura y el territorio. Si bien en la actualidad continúa siendo tabú evidenciar la sangre menstrual al considerarla un desecho y tildarla de sucia, existen muchísimas artistas e investigadoras que desde hace años han abordado, explorado y plasmado el tema desde distintas perspectivas: política, activismo, emocional, ritual y como forma para reconectar con la ancestralidad. Esta investigación se enfoca además en el estudio de la representación del imaginario precolonial de la cultura maya y nahua en torno a la menstruación y como parte del proceso creativo. A partir del análisis de estas representaciones y ligado a las obras de una serie de artistas, elaboré un tejido que abarca distintas ramas como la antropología, la investigación artística, la arqueología, los feminismos, estudios decoloniales, las sexualidades y cuerpos disidentes.

[EN] This research is part of a much broader work, which emerges as a concern about the creative process that involves menstruation as a research topic, as a creative material, and as part of artistic creation. Over time, menstrual blood has been attributed to a variety of cultural interpretations and both positive and negative connotations, depending on the culture and territory. Although it is still taboo today to show menstrual blood as a waste and label it dirty, there are many artists and researchers who for years have approached, explored, and shaped the issue from different perspectives: political, activism, emotional, ritual, and as a way to reconnect with ancestry. This research focuses on the study of the representation of the pre-colonial imaginary of Maya and Nahua culture around menstruation and as part of the creative process. From the analysis of these representations and linked to the works of several artists, I developed a fabric that encompasses different branches such as anthropology, artistic research, archaeology, feminisms, decolonial studies, sexualities, and dissident bodies., [ES] La presente investigación, forma parte de un trabajo mucho más amplio, que surge como una inquietud en torno al proceso creativo que implica la menstruación como tema de investigación, como material creativo y parte de la creación artística. A la sangre menstrual a través del tiempo se le han adjudicado una variedad de interpretaciones culturales y tanto connotaciones positivas como negativas, dependiendo de la cultura y el territorio. Si bien en la actualidad continúa siendo tabú evidenciar la sangre menstrual al considerarla un desecho y tildarla de sucia, existen muchísimas artistas e investigadoras que desde hace años han abordado, explorado y plasmado el tema desde distintas perspectivas: política, activismo, emocional, ritual y como forma para reconectar con la ancestralidad. Esta investigación se enfoca además en el estudio de la representación del imaginario precolonial de la cultura maya y nahua en torno a la menstruación y como parte del proceso creativo. A partir del análisis de estas representaciones y ligado a las obras de una serie de artistas, elaboré un tejido que abarca distintas ramas como la antropología, la investigación artística, la arqueología, los feminismos, estudios decoloniales, las sexualidades y cuerpos disidentes.

[EN] This research is part of a much broader work, which emerges as a concern about the creative process that involves menstruation as a research topic, as a creative material, and as part of artistic creation. Over time, menstrual blood has been attributed to a variety of cultural interpretations and both positive and negative connotations, depending on the culture and territory. Although it is still taboo today to show menstrual blood as a waste and label it dirty, there are many artists and researchers who for years have approached, explored, and shaped the issue from different perspectives: political, activism, emotional, ritual, and as a way to reconnect with ancestry. This research focuses on the study of the representation of the pre-colonial imaginary of Maya and Nahua culture around menstruation and as part of the creative process. From the analysis of these representations and linked to the works of several artists, I developed a fabric that encompasses different branches such as anthropology, artistic research, archaeology, feminisms, decolonial studies, sexualities, and dissident bodies., [ES] La presente investigación, forma parte de un trabajo mucho más amplio, que surge como una inquietud en torno al proceso creativo que implica la menstruación como tema de investigación, como material creativo y parte de la creación artística. A la sangre menstrual a través del tiempo se le han adjudicado una variedad de interpretaciones culturales y tanto connotaciones positivas como negativas, dependiendo de la cultura y el territorio. Si bien en la actualidad continúa siendo tabú evidenciar la sangre menstrual al considerarla un desecho y tildarla de sucia, existen muchísimas artistas e investigadoras que desde hace años han abordado, explorado y plasmado el tema desde distintas perspectivas: política, activismo, emocional, ritual y como forma para reconectar con la ancestralidad. Esta investigación se enfoca además en el estudio de la representación del imaginario precolonial de la cultura maya y nahua en torno a la menstruación y como parte del proceso creativo. A partir del análisis de estas representaciones y ligado a las obras de una serie de artistas, elaboré un tejido que abarca distintas ramas como la antropología, la investigación artística, la arqueología, los feminismos, estudios decoloniales, las sexualidades y cuerpos disidentes.

[EN] This research is part of a much broader work, which emerges as a concern about the creative process that involves menstruation as a research topic, as a creative material, and as part of artistic creation. Over time, menstrual blood has been attributed to a variety of cultural interpretations and both positive and negative connotations, depending on the culture and territory. Although it is still taboo today to show menstrual blood as a waste and label it dirty, there are many artists and researchers who for years have approached, explored, and shaped the issue from different perspectives: political, activism, emotional, ritual, and as a way to reconnect with ancestry. This research focuses on the study of the representation of the pre-colonial imaginary of Maya and Nahua culture around menstruation and as part of the creative process. From the analysis of these representations and linked to the works of several artists, I developed a fabric that encompasses different branches such as anthropology, artistic research, archaeology, feminisms, decolonial studies, sexualities, and dissident bodies., [ES] La presente investigación, forma parte de un trabajo mucho más amplio, que surge como una inquietud en torno al proceso creativo que implica la menstruación como tema de investigación, como material creativo y parte de la creación artística. A la sangre menstrual a través del tiempo se le han adjudicado una variedad de interpretaciones culturales y tanto connotaciones positivas como negativas, dependiendo de la cultura y el territorio. Si bien en la actualidad continúa siendo tabú evidenciar la sangre menstrual al considerarla un desecho y tildarla de sucia, existen muchísimas artistas e investigadoras que desde hace años han abordado, explorado y plasmado el tema desde distintas perspectivas: política, activismo, emocional, ritual y como forma para reconectar con la ancestralidad. Esta investigación se enfoca además en el estudio de la representación del imaginario precolonial de la cultura maya y nahua en torno a la menstruación y como parte del proceso creativo. A partir del análisis de estas representaciones y ligado a las obras de una serie de artistas, elaboré un tejido que abarca distintas ramas como la antropología, la investigación artística, la arqueología, los feminismos, estudios decoloniales, las sexualidades y cuerpos disidentes.

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) encompass an array of conditions with discrepant classification systems, hampering accurate prevalence estimation. Despite potentially affecting up to 25% of women during their lifetime, many remain undiagnosed, underestimating the true extent. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the impacts of the menstrual cycle on PFDs and dysfunctions. Secondary objectives included investigating differences between athletic and nonathletic women. Methods: An online questionnaire examined the effects of the menstrual cycle (MC) on 477 women’s pelvic symptoms (aged 16–63 years), stratified by athletic status. This ad hoc instrument built upon a validated screening tool for female athletes. Results: Most participants reported symptom fluctuations across menstrual phases, with many modifying or reducing exercise participation. A concerning number experienced daily undiagnosed pelvic floor symptoms, emphasizing needs for comprehensive medical evaluation. Conclusions: Exacerbated pelvic symptoms showed complex relationships with menstruation, highlighting the importance of considering the MC in customized clinical management approaches. Symptoms demonstrated differ ential links to menstruation, indicating needs for individualized evaluation and tailored treatment plans based on symptom profiles and hormonal interactions. Educating professionals and patients remains essential to enhancing awareness, detection, and therapeutic outcomes. Further controlled longitudinal research should elucidate intricate relationships between menstrual cycles and pelvic symptom variability.

The experience of menstruation is often associated with negative connotations and gender stereotypes, which results in making it invisible. This research aimed to explore the perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of young Spanish women regarding the menstrual cycle and menstruation and their impact on their lives. The study delves into their understanding, menstrual management practices, the types of menstrual products employed, and their experiences related to menstrual health. Qualitative methodology was used with discussion groups as a data collection technique. The participants comprised 45 young Spanish women, aged between 18 and 23, hailing from both rural and urban areas. The majority were university students, with some engaged in part-time work, and one participant working full-time. While many experienced menstrual pain ranging from mild to debilitating, a normalization of this pain often led them to forego seeking specialist assistance. Disposable menstrual products (DMPs) are the most used by participants, despite limited awareness of their absorption capacity. Regarding reusable menstrual products (RMPs), menstrual cup users emphasized comfort but expressed a need for proper training. Negative menstruation experiences could evoke fear and difficulties, underscoring the importance of providing comprehensive menstrual health education encompassing both theoretical and practical components.

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of professional female athletes. One thing that both professional and amateur athletes can experience is the effects of their hormonal cycles. These hormonal cycles can affect their performance, and in return, their performance can affect their hormonal cycle. However, the underrepresentation of female athletes in sports research has resulted in most sports guidelines not reflecting this possible connection between the menstrual cycle and performance, causing female athletes to be unaware of it. Athletes should be aware of the connection between their menstrual cycle and performance. Female rowers, in particular, experience a rapid increase in training load and they may be hesitant to discuss menstrual problems with their coach due to their relative newness to the sport, which could cause them to perform less optimally or even unhealthily. This project aims to find an alternative approach to support female rowers to build their knowledge using their sports and menstrual data so that they can perform optimally and healthily. This project followed a research-through-design approach. This meant that knowledge was generated through design activities (Stappers & Giaccardi, 2014). The design activities were performed in three cycles to iteratively increase knowledge and improve a design that supported rowers in understanding the connection between their performance and the menstrual cycle. Each cycle began with a theoretical investigation of current design practices. These practices were then applied during a practical phase. The primary objective of each practical phase was to deploy and evaluate a design prototype with rowers. The first cycle of research investigated how sports and menstrual data could be implemented in designs for female rowers. During the practical phase, a digital prototype was used with rowers and the evaluations indicated that the design shoul, Integrated Product Design

FemTech, technology often in the forms of apps developed to specifically target female health issues, have billions of users globally. Yet, despite the popularity of e.g., period trackers or pregnancy apps, we know little about the potential impact of these technologies, often developed outside controlled and regulated healthcare. How interactive technology is designed, and in our case the cycle represented through the design, has the potential to shape women's understanding of menstruation. In this study we analyse the interaction design of nine of the most downloaded menstruation apps, asking how commercial menstruation apps represent the cycle through their interaction design. While previous research has criticized these types of apps for lacking privacy and for enforcing normative ideals on women, they are often marketed in terms of female empowerment and users do indeed seem to find them very useful for period and fertility tracking. However, the term 'empowerment' is today used broadly and is known for having many potential meanings. Even within the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), 'empowerment' is used frequently but rarely explicitly defined. The question then becomes what empowerment could mean for menstruation tracking. In order to begin exploring the way menstruation and the period is represented in current apps and the way that future apps could design for empowerment, we engage in a comparative design investigation using what we call critical app-walkthrough methodology where an app's design is explored comprehensibly at one point in time and apps interacted with over a longer time period through researcher use-diares. Our results center around three ways in which these apps represent the cycle to users through design. We analyse; (1) interface metaphors used to represent the temporality of bleeding, (2) datafication of menstruation through input and output for intimate data tracking, and (3) the ways fertility predictions convey certainty ove

FemTech, technology often in the forms of apps developed to specifically target female health issues, have billions of users globally. Yet, despite the popularity of e.g., period trackers or pregnancy apps, we know little about the potential impact of these technologies, often developed outside controlled and regulated healthcare. How interactive technology is designed, and in our case the cycle represented through the design, has the potential to shape women's understanding of menstruation. In this study we analyse the interaction design of nine of the most downloaded menstruation apps, asking how commercial menstruation apps represent the cycle through their interaction design. While previous research has criticized these types of apps for lacking privacy and for enforcing normative ideals on women, they are often marketed in terms of female empowerment and users do indeed seem to find them very useful for period and fertility tracking. However, the term 'empowerment' is today used broadly and is known for having many potential meanings. Even within the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), 'empowerment' is used frequently but rarely explicitly defined. The question then becomes what empowerment could mean for menstruation tracking. In order to begin exploring the way menstruation and the period is represented in current apps and the way that future apps could design for empowerment, we engage in a comparative design investigation using what we call critical app-walkthrough methodology where an app's design is explored comprehensibly at one point in time and apps interacted with over a longer time period through researcher use-diares. Our results center around three ways in which these apps represent the cycle to users through design. We analyse; (1) interface metaphors used to represent the temporality of bleeding, (2) datafication of menstruation through input and output for intimate data tracking, and (3) the ways fertility predictions convey certainty ove

FemTech, technology often in the forms of apps developed to specifically target female health issues, have billions of users globally. Yet, despite the popularity of e.g., period trackers or pregnancy apps, we know little about the potential impact of these technologies, often developed outside controlled and regulated healthcare. How interactive technology is designed, and in our case the cycle represented through the design, has the potential to shape women's understanding of menstruation. In this study we analyse the interaction design of nine of the most downloaded menstruation apps, asking how commercial menstruation apps represent the cycle through their interaction design. While previous research has criticized these types of apps for lacking privacy and for enforcing normative ideals on women, they are often marketed in terms of female empowerment and users do indeed seem to find them very useful for period and fertility tracking. However, the term 'empowerment' is today used broadly and is known for having many potential meanings. Even within the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), 'empowerment' is used frequently but rarely explicitly defined. The question then becomes what empowerment could mean for menstruation tracking. In order to begin exploring the way menstruation and the period is represented in current apps and the way that future apps could design for empowerment, we engage in a comparative design investigation using what we call critical app-walkthrough methodology where an app's design is explored comprehensibly at one point in time and apps interacted with over a longer time period through researcher use-diares. Our results center around three ways in which these apps represent the cycle to users through design. We analyse; (1) interface metaphors used to represent the temporality of bleeding, (2) datafication of menstruation through input and output for intimate data tracking, and (3) the ways fertility predictions convey certainty ove

This paper aims to analyse the packaging of menstrual products, taking into account that they are indispensable for women in their cycle days. Within this range of products, menstrual cups stand out. A quantitative analysis of the packaging of the most sold menstrual cups in 2023 will be carried out, looking at the colors, shapes, typographies, materials and textures to see if they respond to the particular state of women on those days. There are numerous studies that investigate the advertising of this type of product, but there is no analysis that explains how the packaging design is adapted to the situation of women during menstruation. This research aims to fill that gap and provide data on this. The conclusion reached is that the most superficial needs of menstruation have been taken into account in the designs observed, but without delving into a more realistic design. The environments evoked are far from reality and therefore from the understanding of women in those days., Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar el packaging de productos menstruales, teniendo en cuenta que son algo indispensable para las mujeres en sus días con el ciclo. Dentro de esta gama de productos destacan las copas menstruales. Se realizará un análisis cuantitativo del packaging de las copas menstruales más vendidas en 2023, atendiendo a los colores, formas, tipografías, materiales y texturas para ver si responden al particular estado de las mujeres en esos días. Existen numerosos estudios que investigan la publicidad sobre este tipo de productos pero no hay un análisis que explique cómo el packaging se adecua a la situación de la mujer durante la menstruación. Esta investigación pretende cubrir esa carencia. La conclusión a la que se ha llegado es que en los diseños observados se han tenido en cuenta las necesidades más superficiales de la menstruación pero sin ahondar en un diseño más realista. Los ambientes evocados están alejados de la realidad y por ende de la comprensión de la mujer en esos días.

The lively outgoing girl becomes withdrawn and diffident when ‘the day’ arrives. This is the day when a girl’s body finallydecides to prepare itself for future, ironically though, without her own consent. This is that moment in her life which every girlendures silently. Though she might have been already taught this in school, but she fails to acknowledge the real gravity of thisphenomenon until she gets to experience it herself! “Why me?” is her first reaction. Now she likes to stay confined to her owndomains most of the times, cursing the Almighty for sending her to this planet as female. Unfortunately, similar is the plight ofthose girls who are rendered ignorant about the biological significance and the truth of menstruation. Had they been told thetruth in time, it would have been easier for them to come to grips with it. A healthy, warm, one to one conversation is all that isneeded. This piece is going to be helpful for parents, teachers, health care professionals and guardians of all such adolescent girls

För att öka användandet av återbrukbara sanitetsskydd under menstruation inkontinensproblematik och som trosskydd i både utvecklade- och utvecklingsländer krävs det att sanitetsskyddet förutom att uppfylla sitt syfte, även sitter på plats och känns tryggt. För att uppnå detta krävs en komfortabel fästanordning som håller skyddet på plats. För att jobba mot en mer hållbar värld genom reducering av engångsartiklar i plast och mot ett samhälle utan mensfattigdom kan återbrukbara sanitetsskydd vara ett steg i rätt riktning. Branschstandard för återbrukbara sanitetsskydd är idag en binda med en tryckknapp som fästanordning. Tidigare studier framhäver dock en viss problematik med att fästanordningen inte håller sanitetsskyddet på plats utan att skyddet åker åt sidan under användning. För att ta fram en optimal fästanordning för återbrukbara sanitetsskydd, har tre stycken nya fästanordningar tagits fram i denna studie. Dessa fästanordningar var en silikonbeläggning applicerad under skyddet, ett ruggat polyestertyg applicerad på skyddets undersida och två stycken silikonband fastsydda i underbyxans gren för sanitetsskyddet att fästas mellan. Dessa tre kom sedermera att jämföras med den redan etablerade fästanordningen med tryckknapp. Studien baserades på en kvalitativ undersökning som genomfördes av sex kvinnor mellan 25-63 år som förde logg om sina upplevelser av de fyra olika fästanordningarna. Den kvalitativa studien fördes parallellt med en kvantitativ studie i form av ett tvätt-, kraft- och friktionstest för att mäta och jämföra de olika fästanordningarnas hållbarhet i relation till tvätt och användning. Det kvalitativa testet visade på att fästanordningen med tryckknapp och fästanordningen med silikonband integrerade i underbyxa var mest komfortabla och kändes säkrast. Från de kvantitativa testerna presterade silikonbanden integrerade i underbyxa bäst och bekräftar den kvalitativa undersökningen. Däremot riktades kritik från respondenterna kring långsiktigt användande, In order to encourage the use of reusable sanitary pads for: incontinence problems, panty liners and menstruation in both developed and developing countries alike, a sanitary pad which feels secure and sits in place, whilst also maintaining its functionality, is required. To achieve this a convenient fastening device that holds the sanitary pad in place is necessary. This in turn, helps create a more sustainable planet by reducing single-use plastic items, whilst simultaneously reducing menstrual poverty. Today, the industry standard for reusable sanitary protection is a pad with a press stud as its fastening device. However, previous studies highlight a particular problem with this pad, in which the fastening device does not hold the sanitary protection properly in place. Instead the press stud design has been shown to consistently move to the side for the user, therefore causing discomfort. In order to develop an optimal fastening device for reusable sanitary pads, this study developed three new fasteners: a sanitary pad with a silicone coating applied underneath the pad, a sanitary pad with a coarse polyester fabric on its underside, and a pair of regular underpants with silicon bands sewn in to allow for a pocket for the sanitary pad. These three designs have been developed to compare with the already established press stud fastener. The study was based on a qualitative survey of six women between the ages of 25-63 who kept a log of their experiences testing the four different fasteners that were applied to a reusable pad. The qualitative study was carried out in parallel with a quantitative study in the form of a: washing, force and friction test to measure and compare the durability of the various fasteners in relation to washing and use. The qualitative test showed that the fastener with a press stud and the fastener with silicone bands sewn into the underpants, were the most comfortable and felt the most secure. From the quantitative tests, the silicone band

Purpose and research question: The purpose with the study was to investigate male coaches’ knowledge about menstruations impact on training. Also, to investigate the communication between coach and athlete about menstruation. The authors used three main questions What kind of knowledge about menstruations impact on training has male coaches? How are their experience about the communication about menstruation with their athletes? What kind of knowledge do they need about menstruation and the impact on training. Method: The authors used a qualitative method where they interviewed six different male coaches. Three coaches from TeamGym and three from cross-country skiing. All material has then been processed through a thematic content analysis.Results: The purpose and questions were answered, and the results was divided into three main questions which were then took down into subcategories. Under the first question, what kind of knowledge the trainers have, it is summarized that the trainers themselves felt that they had a certain knowledge but also that they need continued education about menstruation. Many of the trainers described their knowledge of menstruation linked to energy balance and training load. The coaches also described how they used their knowledge in different situations. To summarize the question about communication with athletes, was that there seems to be a certain taboo. The coaches reflect that the most important factor for breaking taboos seems to lie in the trust between coaches and athletes, coach-athlete relationship. The coaches also want to respect the athlete's integrity. The summary for the last main question, which was, what knowledge do the trainers need more of in further work with menstruations impact on training, they themselves described that they need more practically applicable research, a more open discussion climate and time for continuing education. Conclusion: The conclusion was that more knowledge is needed about menstruati, Syfte och frågeställning: Syftet med studien var att undersöka manliga tränares kunskap om menstruationens påverkan på träning. Vidare var syftet att undersöka samtalsklimatet. Författarna har använt sig av tre huvudfrågeställningar • Vilken kunskap har manliga tränare kring menstruationens påverkan på träning? • Hur upplever tränare samtalsklimatet kring ämnet menstruation med sina aktiva? • Vilken kunskap anser tränarna att de skulle behöva inom området? Metod: Författarna har använt sig av en kvalitativ metod där de har intervjuat sex olika manliga tränare varav tre tränare från truppgymnastik och tre tränare från längdskidåkning. Allt material har sedan bearbetats genom en tematisk innehållsanalys. Resultat: Syftet och frågeställningarna besvarades och resultatet uppdelades i tre teman som sedan har brutits ner till underkategorier. Under den första frågan, vilken kunskap har tränarna, så sammanfattas det med att tränarna själva kände att de hade en viss kunskap men också att det fanns en önskan till fortbildning inom ämnet menstruation. Många av tränarna beskrev sin kunskap om menstruation kopplat till energibalans och träningsbelastning.Tränarna beskrev också på vilket sätt de har använt sig av den kunskapen som de besitter. Föratt sammanfatta frågan hur samtalsklimatet såg ut bland sina aktiva, var att det verkar finnas en viss tabu. Tränarna reflekterar över att den viktigaste faktorn för att bryta tabun verkar ligga i förtroendet för tränare och idrottare emellan samt att tränarna vill respektera idrottarens integritet. Sammanfattningen för den sista huvudfrågan som var, vilken kunskaptränarna behöver mer av i vidare arbete med menstruationens påverkan på träning, beskrev des jälva att de behöver mer praktiskt applicerbar forskning, ett öppnare samtalsklimat och tid till fortbildning. Slutsats: Slutsatsen var att det behövs mer kunskap om menstruationens påverkan på träning och mer av den allmänna kunskapen av menstruationens påverkan på träning. Det krävs, Ämneslärarprogrammet, SpecialidrottUppsatsen tilldelades stipendiemedel ur Överste och Fru Adolf Johnssons fond 2023.

Syftet med studien var att undersöka vilka stressorer och copingstrategier kopplat till menstruation som damfotbollsspelare på elitnivå upplever respektive använder i samband med träning och match. Sammanlagt deltog femton kvinnor i studien, varav alla var mellan 19–31 år gamla (M = 23.9, SD = 3.15). Samtliga deltagare spelade fotboll i antingen OBOS Damallsvenskan eller Elitettan när studien genomfördes. En semistrukturerad intervjuguide användes som var baserad på den transaktionella modellen för stress och coping (Lazarus & Folkman 1984). Resultatet visade att både fysiska och psykologiska symptom under menstruationen upplevdes stressande för fotbollsspelarna. De stressorer som spelarna upplevde var (1) huvudtränarens avsaknad av kunskap och förståelse för menstruation, (2) oro att prestationen ska hämmas av fysiska symptom och (3) oro att blöda igenom under match. När fotbollsspelarna upplevde att de kunde kontrollera situationen använde de problemfokuserad coping. När dessa copingstrategier inte fungerade, eller när de upplevde att de inte kunde kontrollera situationen, använde de emotionsfokuserad coping. Spelarna använde även dysfunktionell coping vilket inte har förekommit i tidigare studier på forskningsområdet., The purpose of the study was to examine which stressors and coping strategies associated with menstruation elite female soccer players experience and use in conjunction with training and competition. A total of fifteen women participated in the study, of which all were between 19-31 years old (M = 23.9, SD = 3.15). All participants played soccer in either OBOS Damallsvenskan or Elitettan during the data collection. A semi-structured interview guide was used which was based on the transactional model of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984). The results revealed that both physical and psychological symptoms during menstruation was perceived as stressful by the soccer players. The stressors that the players experienced were (1) the head coach’s lack of knowledge and understanding of menstruation, (2) worry about performance being affected by physical symptoms during training and competition, and (3) worry about leaking during competition. When the players experienced that they could not control the situation they used problem focused coping. When these coping strategies did not work, or when they experienced that they could not control the situation, they used emotion focused coping. The players also used dysfunctional coping which has not occurred in previous studies in the research area.

I denna uppsats undersöks transmäns relation till sin mens i avseende på deras dysfori och hur de upplevde att den påverkade deras känsla av maskulinitet. Utifrån detta undersöks hur exempelvis diskursen kring mens påverkar dem och huruvida ett transinkluderande språk påverkar dem. De teoretiska infallsvinklarna var bland annat performativitetsteori och queer- teori. Fyra intervjuer gjordes med fyra personer som identifierade sig som transmän och hade erfarenhet av att ha mens. Intervjupersonerna upplevde en del dysfori i förhållande till mensen och kopplade ihop mens med kvinnlighet. Diskussionen fördes bland annat kring hur fenomenet mens kopplas ihop med kvinnlighet och hur det performativt kan reproducera femininitet samt hur mensen är kulturellt och socialt betingat och leder till stigma. Det undersöktes också hur ett transinkluderande språk som till exempel användandet av ordet ”menstruant” kan skapa en normalisering av mens generellt och leda till mindre socialt stigma men också hur det eventuellt kan göra att kvinnligt kodade fenomen fortsätter vara marginaliserade. Detta leder också in på en diskussion kring kvinnan som subjekt i feminismen när det inte enbart är kvinnor som är offer för patriarkala strukturer.

This thesis brings period tracking apps into the discourse of menstruation. How we speak of and communicate around periods contribute into building the idea of the menstruation and, by extension, the female body and femaleness. This is also true for visual communication, which is why this thesis analyses the form, function and representation of three of the most popular period tracking apps. The questions posed are: What are the most important characteristics of the general visual appearance? How are the apps meant to be used? In what ways can form and function be placed into a cultural historical context with focus being on symbolic representation? To answer these questions a method of semiotic analysis paired with case studies are used. Previous research has shown that period tracking apps in some ways play into the idea of menstruation as a taboo. This essay shows that the notion of menstruation as something to be kept and handled in private is present in the design of the apps.

Syftet med studien är att undersöka kvinnliga polisers upplevelser av sin menstruation i relation till deras arbete. Fokuset i denna studie riktas mot att undersöka hur sociala konstruktioner kan ha en inverkan på sambandet mellan menstruation och arbete. Med en abduktiv ansats och med utgångspunkt i en kvalitativ metod har resultatet samlats in genom åtta semistrukturerade intervjuer via verktyget Zoom. En tematisk analys har använts för att analysera resultatet såväl som tre sociologiska teorier om könsmaktsordningar i organisationer, sociala konstruktioner och stigma. Av resultatet kan det konstateras att kvinnor påverkas av sin menstruation i sitt arbete, både psykiskt och fysiskt. Resultatet visar att alla kvinnliga poliser reflekterar och hanterar sin menstruation främst på egen hand men tycks inte tala om det särskilt mycket i grupp. Följande framkommer det från respondenterna att de antar att menstruation är accepterat inom Polismyndigheten. Det tycks däremot vara motsägelsefullt eftersom alla kvinnliga poliser berättar att menstruation faktiskt inte är något som talas om från organisationens sida. Med hjälp av resultatet och de valda teorierna kan det konstateras att sociala konstruktioner och interaktioner har en inverkan på hur och vad som talas om inom organisationen, på grund av detta ses menstruation som något stigmatiserat., The purpose of the study is to investigate female police officer’s experiences of their menstruation and how it might have an impact in their work. The focus of this study is directed towards investigating how social constructions could have an impact on the relationship between menstruation and work. With an abductive approach and based on a qualitative method, the results have been collected through eight semi-structured interviews via Zoom. The results have been analyzed through a thematic analysis as well as with three sociological theories based on gendered organizations, social constructions and stigmatization. From the results, it can be stated that women are affected by their menstruation in their work, both psychologically and physically. The results show that all female police officers reflect and deal with their menstruation mainly on their own, but do not seem to talk about it a lot within groups. As follows, it appears from the respondents that they suppose that menstruation is accepted within the Swedish Police Authority. However, all the female police officers state that menstruation is not actually something that is spoken about by the organization, which seems contradictory. Through the results and the chosen theories, it can be stated that social constructions and interactions do have an impact on how and what is talked about within the organization, because of this, menstruation is seen as something stigmatized.

The influence of sex hormones on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in women has gained attention in recent years. This systematic review examines the impact of hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle, puberty, adulthood, and menopause, on ADHD symptoms in women. Sex hormones, including progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone, significantly affect the central nervous system and the neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, which are involved in mood regulation, behavior, and cognition. Hormonal imbalances can lead to neurocognitive dysfunctions and exacerbate the symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders like ADHD. After a thorough search in two electronic databases (Web o Science and Medline Ebsco), only three original studies were selected as matching the inclusion criteria. These studies observed the effect of sex hormones in women with regular menstruation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or primary dysmenorrhea (PD) on their ADHD symptoms. Based on the reviewed studies, it is evident that hormonal fluctuations throughout different life stages can influence the severity and expression of ADHD symptoms in women, thus affecting treatment and prognosis. Understanding the interaction between sex hormones and ADHD symptoms is essential for personalized treatment approaches and for improving the well-being of women with ADHD.

We don’t sit and talk about this, aims at quite the opposite. While societies such as the Catalan and Swedish have become more gender equal and seem to advance towards being more welcoming for menstruating bodies, there are still many discomforts and oppressions related to the menstrual experience. The research in this subject has been primarily focused on menstrual health and hygiene management issues, while ignoring the social and cultural aspects related to this natural bodily process. Indeed, the menstrual cycle is a biological and psychological journey, throughout women lifespan. Acknowledging the complexity and uniqueness of the menstrual experience, this study aims at exploring and comparing the menarche and menstruation experiences of Primary school teachers. Aiming at examining two specific settings, this research sampled National and International teachers, specifically 9 teachers working and living in Catalonia and 9 teachers working and living in Sweden. Drawing from these two samples, in-depth interviews were conducted, and the resulting findings were analyzed through thematic analysis. The diverse sample of this investigation shows differences and similarities among the two settings, mainly referring to their current embodied experience of menstruation and their way of approaching menstrual-related issues within the school context. It appears, then, that the women that participated in this study faced menarche without the adequate support and information. Besides, menarche was the period where they learnt and interiorized the social and cultural norms of hiding and concealing menstruation and faced physical restrictions. As they grew older, some of these women changed their way of managing and communicating about their period. However, the topic was still difficult to share and discuss, not only in their private life but in their role as teachers, where they attempt to promote a period positive image and help their daughters and students have a comfort

With the digitization of healthcare, there has been an increase in self-tracking technologies for health. One group of self-tracking technologies is FMTs, fertility- and menstruation technologies. By gathering information on users’ menstruation and fertility, these technologies have access to intimate and sensitive data that requires secure protection. Previous research has criticized FMTs for lacking in data security and several risks with this data being shared have been identified. Risks of lacking data security include discrimination against the user in the workplace, and being targeted by cyber-criminals. This thesis explores how users perceive trust and data privacy in fertility- and menstruation technologies by conducting a user study. Participants (n=18) were interviewed in pairs about their experiences of FMTs, data privacy, and trust. Based on the interview findings, seven design guidelines were created to enhance user trust and ensure data privacy. Additionally, an Android application was developed as a high-fidelity prototype to visualize and discuss the guidelines. The research contributes to the field by identifying design aspects that can be used by creators of FMTs to improve their privacy practices and generate trust among their users., Med digitalisering har det skett en ökning av självspårande teknologier inom hälsa. En typ av självspårande teknologier är FMT:er, fertilitet- och menstruationsteknologier. Genom att samla information om användares menstruation och fertilitet har de här teknologierna tillgång till intim och känslig data som kräver ordentligt skydd. Risker med bristande datasäkerhet inkluderar att användaren diskrimineras på sin arbetsplats, blir offer för cyberbrottslingar, och blir kontrollerad av en familjemedlem eller partner. Tidigare forskning har kritiserat FMT:er för bristande datasäkerhet och har identifierat flera risker med detta. Den här uppsatsen utforskar hur användare uppfattar tillit och datasäkerhet till fertilitet- och menstruationsteknologier genom en användarstudie. Deltagare (n=18) intervjuades parvis om deras erfarenhet av FMT:er, datasäkerhet och tillit. Utifrån intervjuresultaten har sju riktlinjer för design av FMT:er för ökad tillit och datasäkerhet tagits fram. Dessutom utvecklades en Android applikation som prototyp för att visualisera riktlinjerna. Denna uppsats bidrar till forskningsområdet genom att identifiera designaspekter som kan användas av FMT utvecklare för att förbättra deras sekretesspraxis och påverka deras användares tillit till deras produkt.

För att öka användandet av återbrukbara sanitetsskydd under menstruation inkontinensproblematik och som trosskydd i både utvecklade- och utvecklingsländer krävs det att sanitetsskyddet förutom att uppfylla sitt syfte, även sitter på plats och känns tryggt. För att uppnå detta krävs en komfortabel fästanordning som håller skyddet på plats. För att jobba mot en mer hållbar värld genom reducering av engångsartiklar i plast och mot ett samhälle utan mensfattigdom kan återbrukbara sanitetsskydd vara ett steg i rätt riktning. Branschstandard för återbrukbara sanitetsskydd är idag en binda med en tryckknapp som fästanordning. Tidigare studier framhäver dock en viss problematik med att fästanordningen inte håller sanitetsskyddet på plats utan att skyddet åker åt sidan under användning. För att ta fram en optimal fästanordning för återbrukbara sanitetsskydd, har tre stycken nya fästanordningar tagits fram i denna studie. Dessa fästanordningar var en silikonbeläggning applicerad under skyddet, ett ruggat polyestertyg applicerad på skyddets undersida och två stycken silikonband fastsydda i underbyxans gren för sanitetsskyddet att fästas mellan. Dessa tre kom sedermera att jämföras med den redan etablerade fästanordningen med tryckknapp. Studien baserades på en kvalitativ undersökning som genomfördes av sex kvinnor mellan 25-63 år som förde logg om sina upplevelser av de fyra olika fästanordningarna. Den kvalitativa studien fördes parallellt med en kvantitativ studie i form av ett tvätt-, kraft- och friktionstest för att mäta och jämföra de olika fästanordningarnas hållbarhet i relation till tvätt och användning. Det kvalitativa testet visade på att fästanordningen med tryckknapp och fästanordningen med silikonband integrerade i underbyxa var mest komfortabla och kändes säkrast. Från de kvantitativa testerna presterade silikonbanden integrerade i underbyxa bäst och bekräftar den kvalitativa undersökningen. Däremot riktades kritik från respondenterna kring långsiktigt användande, In order to encourage the use of reusable sanitary pads for: incontinence problems, panty liners and menstruation in both developed and developing countries alike, a sanitary pad which feels secure and sits in place, whilst also maintaining its functionality, is required. To achieve this a convenient fastening device that holds the sanitary pad in place is necessary. This in turn, helps create a more sustainable planet by reducing single-use plastic items, whilst simultaneously reducing menstrual poverty. Today, the industry standard for reusable sanitary protection is a pad with a press stud as its fastening device. However, previous studies highlight a particular problem with this pad, in which the fastening device does not hold the sanitary protection properly in place. Instead the press stud design has been shown to consistently move to the side for the user, therefore causing discomfort. In order to develop an optimal fastening device for reusable sanitary pads, this study developed three new fasteners: a sanitary pad with a silicone coating applied underneath the pad, a sanitary pad with a coarse polyester fabric on its underside, and a pair of regular underpants with silicon bands sewn in to allow for a pocket for the sanitary pad. These three designs have been developed to compare with the already established press stud fastener. The study was based on a qualitative survey of six women between the ages of 25-63 who kept a log of their experiences testing the four different fasteners that were applied to a reusable pad. The qualitative study was carried out in parallel with a quantitative study in the form of a: washing, force and friction test to measure and compare the durability of the various fasteners in relation to washing and use. The qualitative test showed that the fastener with a press stud and the fastener with silicone bands sewn into the underpants, were the most comfortable and felt the most secure. From the quantitative tests, the silicone band

Purpose and research question: The purpose with the study was to investigate male coaches’ knowledge about menstruations impact on training. Also, to investigate the communication between coach and athlete about menstruation. The authors used three main questions What kind of knowledge about menstruations impact on training has male coaches? How are their experience about the communication about menstruation with their athletes? What kind of knowledge do they need about menstruation and the impact on training. Method: The authors used a qualitative method where they interviewed six different male coaches. Three coaches from TeamGym and three from cross-country skiing. All material has then been processed through a thematic content analysis.Results: The purpose and questions were answered, and the results was divided into three main questions which were then took down into subcategories. Under the first question, what kind of knowledge the trainers have, it is summarized that the trainers themselves felt that they had a certain knowledge but also that they need continued education about menstruation. Many of the trainers described their knowledge of menstruation linked to energy balance and training load. The coaches also described how they used their knowledge in different situations. To summarize the question about communication with athletes, was that there seems to be a certain taboo. The coaches reflect that the most important factor for breaking taboos seems to lie in the trust between coaches and athletes, coach-athlete relationship. The coaches also want to respect the athlete's integrity. The summary for the last main question, which was, what knowledge do the trainers need more of in further work with menstruations impact on training, they themselves described that they need more practically applicable research, a more open discussion climate and time for continuing education. Conclusion: The conclusion was that more knowledge is needed about menstruati, Syfte och frågeställning: Syftet med studien var att undersöka manliga tränares kunskap om menstruationens påverkan på träning. Vidare var syftet att undersöka samtalsklimatet. Författarna har använt sig av tre huvudfrågeställningar • Vilken kunskap har manliga tränare kring menstruationens påverkan på träning? • Hur upplever tränare samtalsklimatet kring ämnet menstruation med sina aktiva? • Vilken kunskap anser tränarna att de skulle behöva inom området? Metod: Författarna har använt sig av en kvalitativ metod där de har intervjuat sex olika manliga tränare varav tre tränare från truppgymnastik och tre tränare från längdskidåkning. Allt material har sedan bearbetats genom en tematisk innehållsanalys. Resultat: Syftet och frågeställningarna besvarades och resultatet uppdelades i tre teman som sedan har brutits ner till underkategorier. Under den första frågan, vilken kunskap har tränarna, så sammanfattas det med att tränarna själva kände att de hade en viss kunskap men också att det fanns en önskan till fortbildning inom ämnet menstruation. Många av tränarna beskrev sin kunskap om menstruation kopplat till energibalans och träningsbelastning.Tränarna beskrev också på vilket sätt de har använt sig av den kunskapen som de besitter. Föratt sammanfatta frågan hur samtalsklimatet såg ut bland sina aktiva, var att det verkar finnas en viss tabu. Tränarna reflekterar över att den viktigaste faktorn för att bryta tabun verkar ligga i förtroendet för tränare och idrottare emellan samt att tränarna vill respektera idrottarens integritet. Sammanfattningen för den sista huvudfrågan som var, vilken kunskaptränarna behöver mer av i vidare arbete med menstruationens påverkan på träning, beskrev des jälva att de behöver mer praktiskt applicerbar forskning, ett öppnare samtalsklimat och tid till fortbildning. Slutsats: Slutsatsen var att det behövs mer kunskap om menstruationens påverkan på träning och mer av den allmänna kunskapen av menstruationens påverkan på träning. Det krävs, Ämneslärarprogrammet, SpecialidrottUppsatsen tilldelades stipendiemedel ur Överste och Fru Adolf Johnssons fond 2023.

The topic of menstruation has gained traction in the last couple of decades amongst critical menstruation scholars and feminist theorists, but it was not until 2015 (“The Year of the Period”) that the topic of menstruation entered mainstream conversations, and policymakers across the globe started taking tangible steps towards menstrual equity. Yet, there is little sociological work done on menstruation, an experience that is still shrouded in stigma and taboo in many cultures. To address this gap, this study aims to explore the experiences of menstruation among young women in the Swedish context. This study uses a phenomenological approach and is based on 10 interviews with 18 young women in a Stockholm high school. From the interview data, four major themes arose: maturity, solidarity, fear & panic, and personal vs. political. These findings shed light on the complexity and situatedness of the menstrual taboo and highlight how strong social bonds and feelings of solidarity help the young women find embodied worth and develop prevention strategies. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the social and cultural significance of menstruation in the Swedish context amongst young Gen Z women.