Menstrual imagery and embodied menstrual experiences are greatly modulated by androcentric biomedical systems. Given that menstruating is not only a biological phenomenon but also a sociocultural and political action, women and people who menstruate (PWM) must actively participate in redefining how menstruation and menstrual health are understood and addressed. Taking a situated knowledge perspective, this study aims to investigate how women and PWM conceptualize menstruation and menstrual health in the Barcelona area (Spain), to offer a critical reflection on how social meanings of menstruation and menstrual health may be embodied and shape the menstrual experiences of women and PWM in our context. A qualitative study with 31 women and 3 PWM was conducted, using semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews and framework analysis. Menstruation was often perceived and experienced as a burden, as it was seen as intrinsically linked to identity and stereotyped femininity. Menstrual health was strongly framed within a biomedical and androcentric lens. At the same time, some participants took a critical stance, highlighting the importance of body literacy and self-care. Definitions of menstruation and menstrual health should take into account how women and PWM experience and embody menstruation, to promote menstrual education and health in a way that responds to the needs of women and PWM. Challenging institutionalized ideas about menstruation could also support community-based actions and transform menstrual policymaking into participatory processes.

月经意象和具体的月经体验很大程度上受到以男性为中心的生物医学系统的调节。鉴于月经不仅是一种生物现象，也是一种社会文化和政治行为，女性和月经患者 (PWM) 必须积极参与重新定义如何理解和解决月经和月经健康问题。本研究旨在从情境知识角度调查巴塞罗那地区（西班牙）女性和 PWM 如何概念化月经和月经健康，以批判性地反思月经和月经健康的社会意义如何体现并塑造月经体验在我们的背景下，妇女和 PWM 的影响。使用半结构化照片启发访谈和框架分析，对 31 名女性和 3 名 PWM 进行了定性研究。月经常常被视为一种负担，因为它被认为与身份和刻板的女性气质有着内在的联系。月经健康受到生物医学和男性中心论的强烈关注。与此同时，一些参与者持批评态度，强调身体素养和自我保健的重要性。月经和经期健康的定义应考虑到女性和经期妇女如何体验和体现月经，以符合妇女和经期妇女需求的方式促进经期教育和健康。挑战关于月经的制度化观念也可以支持基于社区的行动，并将月经政策制定转变为参与过程。