‘I Can’t Do Anything Except Go Between Bed and the Toilet’: A Qualitative Study of Young Australian Women’s Experiences of Dysmenorrhea and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) are common but under-recognised conditions affecting young women’s wellbeing. This study explored their experiences, coping strategies, and unmet needs. An anonymous qualitative survey of 223 Australian women aged 16–24 years collected demographic, menstrual, and free-text data, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes described participants’ experiences. Dysmenorrhea affected all participants, and 93.7% also reported HMB. Symptoms disrupted education, work, social life, and mental wellbeing. Women used medical and self-management strategies with variable benefit and sought greater support. Participants highlighted the need for t..