6 out of 10 women arrive at college feeling unprepared to manage their period

According to a new survey of women who recently graduated from college, nearly two-thirds (64%) often felt that talking openly about periods could lead to embarrassment or judgment.

The poll of 2,000 women who graduated from college in the last five years also found 61% think more open conversations about periods would have made their experience easier.

The study was commissioned by Always and Tampax.

For 33%, their period had unexpectedly started during a class or lecture, while 44% experienced leaks or stains they felt unable to talk about with anyone.

Meanwhile, 32% had missed classes because of it, with 61% relying on classmates to fill them in on what they missed.

But rather than admitting menstrual symptoms were to blame, 41% said it was a stomachache instead.

The research also found the impact extended beyond attendance, with 16% saying they performed worse on an exam or assessment because of their period than they otherwise would have done.

A further 19% said they felt too embarrassed to ask their friends for help with period-related concerns, while 46% felt the same about asking professors.

Another 67% felt they had to deal with many of their menstrual health-related challenges on their own.

As a result, 64% wished they had received more information before starting college.

Looking back, many felt they could have been better prepared when managing their period at college.

In fact, 43% regretted not planning ahead with period products, 43% wished they spent more time resting to deal with their experiences, and 27% felt they should have spoken more openly about their symptoms.

Specifically, 42% wished they knew how to handle a period emergency on campus and how to manage symptoms during high-pressure periods such as exams (40%).

Interestingly, 24% found managing their period harder at college than they did in high school.

Uncomfortable (48%), stressed (41%), and self-conscious (36%) were shared as the top ways women felt while at college with their period.

Additionally, during their studies, 31% struggled to find time for self-care, while 27% found it a challenge to manage their symptoms while socializing.

Nearly a quarter (22%) said period products weren't even available when they needed them on campus, while 76% said having an older sister, mentor, or trusted role model would have made managing their period and menstrual health during their college years easier.

Many felt that guidance from someone who had already been through the experience could have made a positive difference.

For 24%, a female mentor or role model would have been the most helpful source of menstrual health advice before starting college, ahead of a parent or guardian (17%) and a friend who had already started college.

Methodology

The research was conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Always and Tampax. OnePoll surveyed 2,000 U.S. women who graduated from college within the last five years, and the research was conducted Sept. 9-16, 2026.

This story was produced by Always and Tampax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.