Menstrual Equity in STEM: Barriers in the Laboratory Environment with Dr. Monica Fabra

Jun 1, 2026 · 1h 3m

About this episode

Happy Menstruation Monday! Welcome back to Kick Cramp’s Ass. Today is a groundbreaking day on the show as we step directly into the pristine, highly demanding world of science and academia to expose an invisible hurdle. Welcome to Episode 9: "Menstrual Equity in STEM: Barriers in the Laboratory Environment with Dr. Monica Fabra." When we think of structural barriers for women and menstruating individuals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we often talk about funding gaps, glass ceilings, or systemic bias. But what happens when the literal physical infrastructure of a laboratory—or the rigid protocols of field research—completely fails to accommodate baseline human biology? In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Monica Fabra to dismantle the unique biological and systemic challenges faced by menstruating scientists. From the psychological weathering of navigating a high-stakes lab setting during a heavy cycle, to the literal biohazard safety issues of managing menstrual hygiene while locked in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we expose how a lack of menstrual equity directly impacts productivity, mental wellness, and retention in science. What we unpack in today’s episode: The Invisible Lab Leak: The physical and spatial realities of navigating clean rooms, bio-safety cabinets, and field research while menstruating. PPE & Safety Protocols: The hidden health hazards of delayed menstrual hygiene management caused by rigid safety gear and restricted facility access. The Biopsychosocial Impact: Deconstructing the psychological weathering, anxiety, and performance pressure built into a highly competitive, hyper-masculine STEM culture. Restructuring Workflows: Actionable policy recommendations for universities, research hubs, and laboratory directors to design inclusive, adaptive work environments. The Great Scientific Data Gap: The shocking lack of objective, data-backed research on how menstrual health directly impacts scientific workers—and how we begin to fill it while fiercely protecting health data. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Menstrual Equity in STEM 06:14 Unique Barriers for Menstruating Scientists 10:56 The Biopsychosocial Model and Psychological Impact 15:37 Menstrual Hygiene Management in Lab Settings 22:58 Restructuring Workflows for Menstrual Needs 27:55 The Need for Data on Menstrual Health in STEM 34:50 Advocating for Systemic Change in STEM 39:42 Breaking the Stigma: Conversations About Menstruation 48:10 Protecting Health Data in Research 53:45 Advice for Future STEM Students 57:25 Navigating Resistance in Advocacy 01:02:55 Podcast Outro (2026).mp4 Resources & Links: STEM the Flow Research Survey Contact STEM the Flow Follow STEM the Flow on Instagram Donate to STEM the Flow Check out STEM the Flow’s website We manifest a positive, productive, and peaceful day and menstrual cycle journey ahead! Connect with Us: Receive our newsletters and tips by subscribing to our Substack For additional menstrual wellness content, subscribe to our YouTube, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindfulness Resources: Pilates for Periods Ready to make your own content? Become a friend of ⁠⁠Riverside.fm⁠ Visit our website for any additional resources and tools.