A recent national survey commissioned by Always and Tampax has highlighted the challenges women face when managing their menstrual cycles in college. The poll, conducted by OnePoll between Sept. 9‑16, 2026, sampled 2,000 U.S. women who graduated within the past five years.
Key Findings
Nearly two‑thirds (64%) of respondents said they often feared embarrassment or judgment if they talked openly about their periods. More than half (61%) believed that more open conversations would have made their college experience easier.
Specific incidents were common: 33% reported that their period started unexpectedly during a class or lecture, and 44% experienced leaks or stains they felt unable to discuss with anyone. As a result, 32% missed classes because of their menstrual cycle, and 61% relied on classmates to fill them in on missed material.
When asked why they did not disclose the true cause of an absence, 41% said they attributed it to a stomachache instead of a period.
Academic Impact
The survey found that 16% said they performed worse on an exam or assessment because of their period than they otherwise would have. Additionally, 19% felt too embarrassed to ask friends for help with period‑related concerns, while 46% felt the same about asking professors.
Overall, 67% felt they had to handle many menstrual health challenges on their own, and 64% wished they had received more information before starting college.
Regrets and Desired Support
When reflecting on their college years, 43% regretted not planning ahead with period products, and another 43% wished they had taken more time to rest during their cycles. Only 27% felt they should have spoken more openly about their symptoms.
Specific areas of desired knowledge included handling a period emergency on campus (42%) and managing symptoms during high‑pressure periods such as exams (40%).
Emotional Experience
Women described feeling uncomfortable (48%), stressed (41%), and self‑conscious (36%) while dealing with their periods in college. Other challenges included finding time for self‑care (31%) and managing symptoms while socializing (27%).
Access and Mentorship
Nearly a quarter (22%) said period products were not even available when they needed them on campus. However, 76% said that having an older sister, mentor, or trusted role model would have made managing their menstrual health easier.
For 24% of respondents, a female mentor or role model would have been the most helpful source of advice before college, ahead of a parent or guardian (17%) and a friend who had already started college.
Implications
The findings suggest a clear need for colleges to provide better education, product availability, and supportive mentorship around menstrual health. By addressing these gaps, institutions can help reduce absenteeism, improve academic performance, and alleviate the emotional burden many women experience.
As the conversation around women’s health continues to evolve, the data underscores the importance of proactive, open dialogue and practical resources to ensure that all students can succeed without unnecessary barriers.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
