21. An Introduction to Menstrual Health with Danielle Keiser

Attached to Hygiene

Roughly half of the world’s population experiences menstruation at some point in their lives. As it affects so many individuals, you'd think we as a society would have a greater understanding of menstrual health. But that's the thing. While it is a common, natural process, there's still so much we can learn. This episode of ‘Attached to Hygiene’ is the first in a series aimed at helping the industry design better products for her. Joining host Jack Hughes to discuss menstrual health and the specifics of the cycle is Danielle Keiser, Managing Partner of Impact at Madami and Founder of Menstrual Health Hub .

On cycle health and the word hygiene

When we talk about hygiene, the tendency is to think of making things clean. This is why Danielle believes using the term ‘menstrual hygiene’ is a disservice to the goal of promoting health and wellbeing. Simply using the word ‘hygiene’ reinforces the stigma of unclean—the need to sanitise—during a woman’s period . Danielle prefers ‘menstrual health’ or ‘cycle health’. Just like any other hygienic practice, we do these things to achieve a higher level of health. Plus, they both embrace the entire cycle.

To design and produce better products, the industry needs a clearer understanding of her needs all month long. How can our products best support her through each of the four phases? According to Danielle, menstrual education empowers everyone, from the young girl to society as a whole. It also allows article producers to discover new opportunities within the menstrual health market.

Outline of the Episode

• [03:39] International Menstrual Health Day
• [05:19] Madami – Solutionary experts and consultants in women-centred design
• [09:05] The value of paying attention to social enterprises
• [13:00] Menstrual health vs. menstrual hygiene management (MHM)
• [18:20] The downside of emphasising ‘hygiene’ rather than ‘cycle care’
• [22:42] The four phases of the menstrual cycle; how body chemistry influences energy and actions
• [32:46] Menstrual education before menstruation empowers young girls
• [35:11] Informed choice on contraception and menstrual health
• [40:08] Improved understanding of menstrual health catalyses new markets

Resources

You can find Danielle Keiser on LinkedIn, on the official website of Madami and MHHub.org, or you can leave her a message through her email at [e-mail].

You can also download a copy of the Glossary for the Global Menstrual Movement, mentioned in today’s episode.

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Connect with Jack Hughes on LinkedIn. You can also find us at Disposable Hygiene Adhesives on LinkedIn or by visiting the Attached to Hygiene Podcast on our official website.

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Host: Jack Hughes

Music by Jonathan Boyle

Produced and edited by: Jack Hughes with help from Paul Andrews, Michele Tonkovitz, Emory Churness, and Nikki Ackerman from GreenOnion Creative.