Introduction

1.    This guidance is part of a series which outlines support for students at the University of Strathclyde, with a particular focus on promoting equality of opportunity and preventing discrimination irrespective of: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, care experience or socio- economic background. These guidance documents underpin and should be read in conjunction with the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

2.    Menstruation (periods) is the process of discharging blood and other material from the lining of your uterus, typically on a monthly cycle, from puberty until the menopause, except during pregnancy. Of note, the time of your monthly cycle can vary.

3.    At Strathclyde, we recognise the impact of menstruation (periods) on the health and wellbeing of our students. 

4.    We are committed to ensuring that, if you experience adverse symptoms of menstruation, you are supported as early and as effectively as possible to allow you to progress with your studies in an appropriate way.

5.    The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that we, at Strathclyde: 
a.    Support students experiencing menstrual symptoms and empower them to be open about any symptoms they are experiencing. 
b.    Support and empower staff to respond appropriately, sensitively, and confidentially to the needs of students experiencing menstrual symptoms. 
c.    Encourage staff to consider how they can support students who are menstruating. 
d.    Raise awareness of menstrual health and the support available, including reasonable adjustments if appropriate and free period products.
e.    Foster and promote a supportive and well-informed environment. 
f.    Tackle inappropriate behaviours and attitudes that minimise the dignity, respect, safety and wellbeing of menstruating students of all genders.

6.    This guidance aims to promote understanding and provide clarity on issues related to menstruation. It outlines the support you, as a student, can expect from the University. It also provides guidance for staff on supporting students at the University.

Scope

7.    This guidance applies to all undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students regardless of programme or mode of study. 

8.    It is not only women who experience menstruation, and related symptoms. Some trans men, nonbinary people and intersex people can also be affected.

9.    At Strathclyde, we recognise the intersectional factors that shape our experiences; the way in which people’s many and varied identities and characteristics impact upon on their lives. This can compound disadvantage or barriers for some groups and individuals. For example,
a.    The way in which a disabled person may experience menstruation could be profoundly different to someone without a disability. 
b.    The way in which a neurodivergent person may experience menstruation symptoms could be profoundly different, and more challenging, to a neurotypical person. They may have heightened sensitivity to pain, for example.  
c.    Someone on a low income or who is care experienced may experience ‘period product insecurity’, which is not present for those from more affluent backgrounds. 
d.    Someone’s cultural or religious background might affect how menstruation is experienced and discussed.

We aim to acknowledge, understand and support those differing experiences.

The impact of menstruation

10.    Women, girls and other people with a menstrual cycle all experience menstrual symptoms differently, in both the variety and severity of symptoms. You will not necessarily experience the same symptoms as another student and you may, in fact, not experience any adverse symptoms.

11.    Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: acne; abdominal pains/cramps; abdominal swelling; bloating; changes in mood and irritability; constipation; dehydration, diarrhoea; dizziness; fainting; fluid retention; food cravings; headaches; increased urination; low energy or fatigue; lower back pain; joint pain; nausea; sore breasts; and trouble sleeping.

12.    Endometriosis and Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) are conditions related to menstruation that can have a long-term impact on health and wellbeing. 

13.    If you do experience any of these symptoms it could, potentially, impact your studies in different ways.
a.    Fatigue may impact your concentration and attainment. A survey by Plan International UK, revealed that 77% of 14 to 21-year-olds have felt less able to concentrate at school, college, or work due to periods, with 62% feeling less able to take tests or exams during menstruation.
b.    You may be absent or leave classes early: nearly two-thirds (64%) of 14 to 21-year-olds in the UK have missed a part day or full day of school because of their period.
c.    Pain can impact your movement and physical capability.
d.    Fear of stigma and embarrassment which mean that you may be more reluctant to discuss your experience with the University due to negative past experiences or a perceived unsupportive response.
e.    Psychological symptoms, such as low mood, anxiety, and stress and sometimes the overall emotional impact of menstruation.
f.    Menstruation may exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
g.   You may need time off from your programme or assessments. In the past you might have felt that you couldn’t declare the real reason for your absence.

General advice and support

14.     Adverse menstruation symptoms can be considered a disability with obligations under the Equality Act. Where relevant, you should contact Disability and Wellbeing for a one-to-one needs assessment and to discuss what support can be put in place to assist your studies.

15.    Evidenced ongoing issues related to menstruation can be submitted in support of an academic appeal as per Academic Appeals Procedure if your ability to attend, perform or complete your assessments is impacted. Students should refer to the Personal Circumstances Evidence Guide for Students for guidance on what is considered as acceptable evidence in these circumstances. 

16.    You may request an extension to coursework submissions on the basis of the impact of menstruation in accordance with the Policy and Procedure on Extensions to Submissions of Coursework. 

17.    We understand that it can be challenging to access health and support services in relation to menstruation and that it is not always easy to provide evidence for Personal Circumstances. Please contact Disability and Wellbeing or Strath Union Advice Hub for support in such cases.

18.    Free single use period products are available for use by anyone who has a menstrual cycle in a range of toilets across campus. 

19.    Support packs containing a change of clothing are available across campus for those who experience flooding or heavy bleeding. See the Menstruation, Perimenopause and Menopause Support webpage for more details.

20.    Menstruation symptoms can be greatly relieved by positive lifestyle choices such as being physically active, eating well and good sleep hygiene. Strathclyde Sport can provide advice and support.

21.    If you perceive that you may have been treated in an inappropriate manner on the basis of menstruation, you should either speak to your Adviser of Studies / Personal Development Adviser (or equivalent) or report this issue via Report & Support, the University’s reporting facility.

22.    Further support and advice can be obtained via the following channels:
a.    Disability and Wellbeing Service 
b.    Report & Support: The University’s facility to report problematic behaviours such as harassment, gender-based violence, stalking, discrimination, or to raise concerns about safety, and issues that undermine our inclusive University.
c.    Strath Union Advice Hub: The Advice Hub offer independent advice to Strathclyde students. The Advice Hub is based within Strath Union in the Learning and Teaching Building. 
d.    Dignity and Respect Advisers: Dignity and Respect Advisers are members of University staff who are appropriately trained to help staff and students who have, or perceive that they have been, impacted by the issues raised under the Dignity & Respect Policy. 

Information for staff

23.    Issues related to menstruation symptoms must be considered when submitted as Personal Circumstances or in relation to extension requests, though the decision remains at the discretion of the panel/relevant staff member. 

24.    Staff should be aware of the challenges that can exist for students to gather evidence of the impact of menstruation. Support and advice can be sought from the Disability and Wellbeing Service where required.

25.    It is important to recognise that the experience of some menstruating students can be viewed as a disability and so the University has a legal duty to consider and make reasonable adjustments. 

26.    Students can be directed to the Disability and Wellbeing Service and Strath Union Advice Hub for further support.  

27.    The People Hub provides further information and links to external organisations related to menstruation.