Abstract

Women all over the world face significant knowledge gaps and societal perceptions (Mukanga et al., 2023) regarding menstruation and birth control, which impact their understanding of both the physical and mental symptoms associated with these experiences. From a young age, women are often left to navigate these processes without sufficient education or support, leading to confusion, misconceptions, and a lack of empowerment when it comes to managing their reproductive health (Guendelman et al., 2000). The stigma surrounding topics like menstruation and hormonal contraception can further isolate women, making it difficult for them to seek reliable information or openly discuss their symptoms. As a result, many women experience a range of physical and emotional challenges, from mood swings (Lewis et al., 2019) and weight gain to more complex long-term health concerns (Gaffey et al., 2014), without fully understanding the causes or available solutions. This lack of awareness not only affects their health but also influences their healthcare choices and how they engage with medical professionals. This thesis explores women’s personal experiences with menstruation and hormonal birth control through a qualitative survey, highlighting the knowledge gaps and diverse responses regarding physical and mental health outcomes. The study uncovers key themes around the symptoms women experience, such as mood swings, cramps, etc., and how they understand and cope with these effects (Teal et al., 2021). By analyzing the personal narratives of respondents, the research identifies significant gaps in women’s knowledge about the potential risks and benefits of hormonal contraceptives, revealing a lack of detailed, accessible information about their impact on health. These experiences are framed within existing research, which supports and explains the physical and emotional changes that many respondents report. Research also explores how socioeconomic status influences women’s access to information, healthcare, and contraceptive options, shedding light on barriers that may shape their experiences. Through thematic analysis, the current study found seven themes: Lack of education and information, stigma and discomfort, physical and emotional impact, individual experiences, misconceptions and gaps in knowledge, improvement in social attitudes, and empowerment through knowledge and support. Overall, the findings of the current study bridge knowledge gaps and advocate for a more informed, personalized approach to women’s reproductive health, emphasizing the importance of considering individual experiences in healthcare decision-making.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-12-2025

Mentor

Julie A. Lasslo

Mentor Department Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Biological Sciences

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

6374

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