Based on her doctoral research, the book critically examines the concept of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), exposing how gender and racial biases have shaped medical research and popular discourse. The book challenges the long-standing myth of the ‘hormonal’ premenstrual woman, revealing its deep roots in historical stereotypes about female hysteria.
Through a combination of scientific analysis and historical context, Sally’s book calls on clinicians, researchers, educators, and activists to rethink how women’s health is understood and discussed—without reinforcing damaging misconceptions.
We spoke with Sally to hear more about her research, the inspiration behind her book, and what she hopes readers will take away.
What inspired you to write Menstrual Myth Busting: The Case of the Hormonal Female?
My PhD research in the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine at King’s compared expert and patient descriptions of PMS with population and physiological data on cyclic symptoms. What I found was that gender (and racial) myths have significantly influenced both medical and public perceptions of menstruation. Rather than being grounded in evidence, many of these ideas have been shaped by societal biases.
Your book challenges common misconceptions about menstruation and hormones—why do you think these myths persist?
A major factor is the lack of menstrual physiology education in schools and medical training. Most people—including many healthcare professionals—only learn about menstruation in relation to hormones, infertility, or menstrual disorders. We are even taught that periods "help prepare" for pregnancy, when in reality they play a protective role against the risks of pregnancy and childbirth. These pro-natalist assumptions shape what we are (and aren’t) taught about our bodies.
How did your research and time at King’s help shape the ideas in your book?
My time at King’s gave me access to the scientific data needed to complete my PhD and later develop the book during an ESRC postdoctoral fellowship in Dr Kim Jonas’ lab in the Department of Women & Children’s Health. Being part of the Jonas Lab deepened my understanding of reproductive physiology and experimental biology. It was also invaluable to work in a collaborative research environment after years of tackling these topics independently.
What do you hope readers take away from this book?
I hope it encourages people to question what they have been taught about the body, particularly in medical and educational settings. If we don’t critically examine these ideas, harmful stereotypes that contribute to gender and racial discrimination will continue to be reinforced, even with the best of intentions.
Has there been a mentor, colleague, or experience that has particularly influenced your career?
Shockingly, healthy menstrual physiology is not currently taught or studied anywhere in the world. It took me two years to find any institution, department, or supervisor to host my research. Dr Scott Vrecko, formerly of the Department of Global Health & Social Medicine first enabled me to conduct this PhD research. Also, Dr Kim Jonas (Department of Women & Children's Health) supported my application for the ESRC postdoc fellowship and has taught me so much during my time in her lab.
Quick-fire round
Favourite book: Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Favourite scientist: Dr Mary Putnam Jacobi
Netflix recommendation: Kleo
Coffee order: Mocha