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Stigma, male-centric systems and structural neglect have rendered homeless women's menstrual health largely out of sight and out of mind, according to the authors of a study by the University of Southampton.

The researchers say more openness and discussion about the issue are desperately needed to give women dignity and greater access to sanitary products and improve their well-being.

Period poverty is a global problem and one that women, nonbinary, trans and gender-nonconforming people who menstruate face every day in the U.K. Menstrual health management creates significant challenges for low-income women, particularly if they can't afford proper sanitary products.

"The government has recently made a welcome and bold commitment to end sleeping on the streets in the U.K. We're calling for this ambition to include dignity for women experiencing homelessness—starting with listening to their lived experience and supporting their menstrual health needs," says lead investigator and doctoral researcher Frances Greenway from the University of Southampton.

"A lack of free access and choice in period products, restricted toilet facilities and limited privacy put women in vulnerable positions. Often they are prevented from using public restrooms due to a misconception that they want access to take drugs, leaving women with even fewer safe, dignified options."

Psychologists at the university conducted small-scale but in-depth interviews with a group of homeless women and spoke to frontline and management staff in the homeless care sector.

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