The Women and Equalities Committee’s report, Menstrual health of girls and young women (March 2026), calls for urgent reform in education, primary care, digital health and research. It finds that menstrual pain and heavy bleeding are too often dismissed, diagnosis is delayed, and many young women face avoidable barriers to care.
Evidence from primary care research
Dr Sharon Dixon, GP and NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow at NDPCHS, submitted written evidence on the impact of heavy menstrual bleeding and period pain in adolescence. Her work highlights links between untreated symptoms, school absence, lower attainment, and increased risk of chronic pain in adulthood.
The report reinforces the importance of early recognition and management of menstrual symptoms in primary care and supports investment in school nursing, clearer care pathways, and improved GP training.
Tackling bias and improving women’s healthcare
Dr Tori Ford, qualitative researcher in NDPCHS and Founder of Medical Herstory, provided oral and written evidence. Her contributions focused on systemic dismissal of women’s pain, gaps in medical education, and the need to address bias in both clinical care and digital health tools.
The Committee calls for stronger workforce training, action on racial inequalities in pain management, and development of safe, evidence-based digital tools for menstrual health.
Research informing national policy
The report describes the current situation as a “national scandal”, noting that many women remain on gynaecology waiting lists despite treatments being available in community settings. It urges a renewed Women’s Health Strategy with clear targets, funding commitments and accountability.
On International Women’s Day, the important contributions of our researchers highlights the vital the role of high-quality primary care research in shaping national policy and advancing more equitable healthcare for women and girls.