A recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicates that the average age of menarche—the first menstrual period—has reduced among younger generations in the United States, particularly among racial minorities and low-income persons. This study was published on May 29 in JAMA Network Open as part of the Apple Women's Health Study.The study, led by Shruthi Mahalingaiah, found that younger generations are experiencing menarche earlier, with participants born from 2000-2005 having an average menarche age of 11.9 years, compared to 12.5 years for those born from 1950-1969. Additionally, the time it takes for menstrual cycles to become regular has increased, with only 56% of the younger group achieving regularity within two years, down from 76%.The data, collected from 71,341 participants, reveals significant changes among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and low-income persons. According to the researchers, childhood obesity, dietary patterns, psychological stress, and environmental influences may all play a role in these developments. Corresponding author Zifan Wang stressed the need of ongoing study into early menarche and its causes, adding that it is associated with an increased risk of negative health consequences such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study emphasizes the importance of increased funding in menstrual health research to address emerging public health concerns, particularly among disadvantaged communities.

In a pioneering move, the Sikkim High Court has introduced a menstrual leave policy for its women employees, marking a first for any High Court in India. Announced on May 27, the policy allows women employees in the registry to avail themselves of "2-3 days of menstrual leave" each month. Notably, this leave will not be deducted from the employee's overall leave balance and requires prior recommendation from the High Court's Medical Officer.The Sikkim High Court, the smallest in India, has only three judges and nine registry officers, including one woman. Despite its size, this policy sets a significant precedent, highlighting the importance of addressing menstrual health in the workplace.Currently, India lacks a national policy on menstrual leave. In February 2023, the Supreme Court refused to hear a petition advocating for menstrual leave for students and working women, deeming it a policy matter best addressed by the government. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud suggested the petitioner take the matter to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. In December 2023, Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani opposed the idea of menstrual leave. She emphasized that menstruation should not be viewed as a handicap and expressed concerns about potential discrimination, noting that equal opportunities should not be influenced by differing views on menstruation.In the same month, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare drafted a Menstrual Hygiene policy suggesting work-from-home options or support leave to prevent discrimination against women. The Sikkim High Court's policy is a significant step towards recognizing and accommodating women's health needs in the workplace, potentially paving the way for broader national discussions and policies on menstrual health.

Whisper India has launched a bold new campaign featuring billboards nationwide that display an image of a girl hiding her period stain. The campaign aims to highlight the common practice among women of concealing period stains, addressing the stigma and discomfort associated with menstruation. By bringing this issue into the public eye, Whisper India seeks to foster a more open conversation about menstrual health and challenge societal taboos surrounding periods.

The Union Education Ministry has issued an advisory to ensure the availability of free sanitary pads at all Class 10 and 12 board examination centers across India. The directive aims to provide girls with essential hygiene products during exams and allows necessary restroom breaks to manage menstrual needs. This initiative, covering all schools under states and Union Territories, CBSE, KVS, and NVS, seeks to support girls' wellbeing and academic performance by addressing menstrual hygiene. The ministry also emphasized the implementation of awareness programs to reduce stigma and create a supportive school environment, thereby empowering female students to participate confidently in examinations.

The Supreme Court of India has declined to consider a plea for mandatory menstrual leave for female students and working women, expressing concern that such a mandate could discourage employers from hiring women. Instead, the court has urged the Centre and state governments to develop a model policy on the issue. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading the bench, emphasized that policy formulation is the government's responsibility, not the judiciary's. While acknowledging that menstrual leave could boost women's workforce participation, he cautioned that protective measures might inadvertently disadvantage women. This decision followed a petition by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who had sought government action on the matter after receiving no response to his representation submitted in May 2023.

As summer temperatures rise, women must exercise particular caution since severe heat can have a negative influence on menstruation health. Dr. Vinutha G, a senior consultant gynaecologist at Athreya Super Speciality Hospitals in Bengaluru, discusses how heatwaves can disturb hormonal balance and worsen menstruation symptoms. Extreme heat causes physical stress, which raises cortisol levels and inhibits the release of hormones that regulate reproductive function. This disruption alters the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), affecting ovulation and menstrual regularity. Furthermore, dehydration during heatwaves might disrupt menstrual flow and cycle regularity by reducing blood volume and circulation. To counteract these effects, Dr. Vinutha suggests remaining hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day, eating a balanced diet rich in hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber, staying in cool places, and engaging in moderate activity such as yoga or swimming. These strategies can help women keep their menstrual health during the summer heat.Common menstruation symptoms including cramps, tiredness, and bloating can exacerbate in hot weather. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances worsen cramps, while heat exacerbates fatigue and water retention, causing discomfort.