Sally King, "Menstrual Myth Busting: The Case of the Hormonal Female" (Policy Press, 2025)

This episode explores the misconceptions surrounding premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the broader lack of menstrual health literacy. Against the backdrop of inadequate education in schools and medical training, Dr. Sally King discusses how PMS is often misconstrued, with medical professionals focusing on extreme cases while the general public uses it to describe normal menstrual experiences. More significantly, Dr. King highlights the inaccurate and harmful portrayal of the "hormonal female," a stereotype that perpetuates gender biases and undermines women's capabilities. For instance, the discussion reveals how this stereotype is used to dismiss women's pain, opinions, and leadership potential. The interview then pivots to a more accurate understanding of the menstrual cycle as a series of inflammatory events, explaining common symptoms like pain, bloating, and mood changes. This reframing emphasizes the importance of anti-inflammatory interventions and highlights the need for improved menstrual health education to combat harmful gender stereotypes and improve women's healthcare experiences. What this means for the future is a call for increased menstrual health literacy, not just in medical settings but also in primary and secondary education, to empower individuals with accurate information and challenge ingrained biases.