MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

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​New Aussie study uncovering plant-based

option to menstrual wellbeing

Netball star Kiera Austin championing national conversation on menstrual health​

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With as many as eight in 10 women experiencing

period pain,1 and up to half reporting PMS symptoms,2

new research released today aims to change the

game, with a non-hormonal, plant-based option to

support menstrual wellbeing – the first Australian

randomised, placebo-controlled study of its kind.2

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​Professional netballer, Goal Attack Kiera Austin, 28,

Melbourne, will pivot from the court to front a

national conversation about menstrual health today,

sharing how its symptoms can affect focus, energy

and performance – and why women and girls deserve

better support.

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Shooting for a new goal, Kiera is teaming with

women’s health experts, who say the study, published

in the International Journal of Women’s Health,

underscores the potential of evidence-based,

plant-based alternatives to traditional pain-relief medicines for millions of women and girls.2

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​“This new Australian study is helping to expand our understanding of menstrual health, showing that plant-based medicines can be evaluated through scientific research,” said leading Gynaecologist, Dr Talat Uppal, Sydney.

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THE LINE-UP

• 85% of Australian women experience period pain1

• 48% experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms2

• Daily life is disrupted for nearly half, affecting work, school, social life & sports3

• Around 50% of women with bothersome periods do not seek medical advice4

• 1 in 3 women (mistakenly) believe nothing can be done about their symptoms4

• Common PMS symptoms: mood changes, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches & digestive issues5,6

• Menstrual pain causes cramping, lower back pain, nausea, insomnia & fatigue5,6

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​To learn more about the study findings, and the impact of PMS and period pain on Australian women and girls, tee up an interview with a spokesperson below.