Period Poverty Across the Life Course

Period poverty, defined as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints, is a hidden yet pressing public health issue in the United States. Between one-half and two-thirds of adolescents and women experience period poverty, leading to medical, mental health, educational, economic, and social consequences. In this column, I review the epidemiology of period poverty, gaps in research and screening, the importance of patient-provider partnerships, and policy implications. I conclude with information from professional organizations and the call to screen for period poverty in clinical settings.