Exposing Menstrual Myths - by Sally King

Book Synopsis

In this book, Sally King interrogates the diagnostic label of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to expose and challenge sexist assumptions within medical research and practice. She powerfully demonstrates how the concept of the 'hormonal' premenstrual woman is merely the latest iteration of the 'hysterical' female myth. By blaming the healthy reproductive body (first our wombs, now our hormones) for the female-prevalence of emotional distress and physical pain, gender myths appear to have trumped all empirical evidence to the contrary.

The book also provides a primer on menstrual physiology beyond hormones, and a short history of how hormonal metaphors came to dominate medical and popular discourses. The author calls for clinicians, researchers, educators and activists to help improve women's health without unintentionally reproducing damaging stereotypes.

Review Quotes

"Timely and insightful, Sally King exposes and challenges deeply engrained myths that distort our understanding of menstruation. With sharp scientific analysis and engaging writing, King makes complex ideas accessible, while calling for a rethink of how we approach women's health." Gemma Sharp, University of Exeter

"Part re-education, part manifesto, this is a must-read for medics, social scientists and anyone who menstruates. King's evocative and thought-provoking analysis makes a compelling case for revisiting the way we think about menstrual physiology." Kathleen Riach, University of Glasgow

"Sally King cuts through millennia of misconceptions. Everyone should read this - clinicians, academics, educators, students. If you have periods or know someone who does, this book is for you." Bee Hughes, Liverpool John Moores University

"This is a groundbreaking book that tackles pervasive menstrual myths with clarity, compassion, and scientific rigor; it has the power to challenge ingrained biases and pave the way for a more informed society." Heather C. Guidone, Center for Endometriosis Care

"Sally King's astutely written book grapples with the vast menstrual illiteracy in public, academic, and biomedical circles, and her analysis offers readers action for meaningful change." Saniya Ghanoui, University of Texas at El Paso

About the Author

Sally King is a postdoctoral fellow in menstrual physiology at King's College London who specialises in integrating biological and sociological research and data concerning menstrual health. She is the Founder of Menstrual Matters, the world's first evidence-based information hub on this topic (www.menstrual-matters.com). Sally was awarded the prestigious Sociological Review Fellowship in 2022, and an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded postdoctoral research fellowship in 2023.