The Effects of Climate Change on the Menstrual Cycle
Chapter from the book: Şimşek Küçükkelepçe, D. (ed.) 2026. Impacts of Climate Change on Women’s Health.

Gülsüm Akkuş
Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University
Didem Şimşek Küçükkelepçe
Lokman Hekim University

Synopsis

Climate change is the greatest threat to human health today. Fossil fuel emissions, the primary cause of climate change, are also a significant factor among the top 100 deadliest causes globally. All events associated with climate change affect the biopsychosocial health of all people. However, some groups, such as the elderly, children, and women, are more likely to be affected by climate change. Women are affected by climate change in different ways throughout their lives, from the intrauterine period to old age. Climate change exposes girls and women to greater threats and more serious consequences; studies consistently show that women experience greater health risks from climate change than men. Climate change jeopardizes the sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women, including menstrual health and hygiene practices. Climate change also affects menstrual health and hygiene in various ways, creating serious health and hygiene problems for women and girls during their menstrual period. Lack of access to hygiene materials and adequate sanitation facilities during menstruation can lead to health problems such as bacterial infections, urogenital diseases, and dermatological problems.

How to cite this book

Akkuş, G. & Şimşek Küçükkelepçe, D. (2026). The Effects of Climate Change on the Menstrual Cycle. In: Şimşek Küçükkelepçe, D. (ed.), Impacts of Climate Change on Women’s Health. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub1235.c4997

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Published

March 18, 2026

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