Menstruation Stigma

Girls and people with uteruses go through a process called puberty, during which their body experiences many changes in order to allow it to physically reproduce and become an adult.

One physical change is beginning the menstrual cycle. Menstrual periods occur once a month and can last from a few days to a week. Some people have cramps during their periods while others do not. It’s important for menstruating people to understand that their first period signals the beginning of ovulation and their body’s ability to get pregnant if they were to have unprotected vaginal sex. Once a month, a hormone in the brain signals the ovaries to release an egg or ovum (a process called ovulation). The hormone estrogen is also released to signal the uterus to build up its lining. If an egg is not fertilized within 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, the egg disintegrates while still in the fallopian tube. Two weeks later, when the uterus realizes there is no fertilized egg, the built-up lining of the uterus (endometrium) is shed out of the vagina during the menstrual period.

There are many other physical, emotional and social changes of puberty as well, and it generally takes five to seven years for all of the changes to be complete. Additional physical changes of puberty include a growth spurt and hair growth in the armpits, on the legs, and around the genitals. Young people may also experience acne, and their sweat may now have a strong odor.

There are also emotional changes during puberty, including mood swings, experiencing sexual feelings, being interested in other people in a new romantic and/or sexual way and often feeling a need for more privacy from parents and/or siblings.

It is important for caring adults to explain the changes of puberty to young people before and while they are going through them. It is also essential to assure them that these changes are normal. Helping young people identify ways to cope with these changes can make this stage of life less stressful. Talking about these changes with your students lets them know that they are not alone, you are a trusted adult, and can come to you if they have questions or need support.

It is common for young people to hear many myths about the menstrual cycle and periods; having a trusted adult in their lives that they can talk to about this topic is important. Sometimes girls and people with uteruses face menstruation stigma. Stigma is when a person who is menstruating is judged or shamed by others, even though the judgment usually comes from false information. This is because there are still a lot of myths about menstruation, and lots of people are still learning about what it means to menstruate.

About half of the population of people with uteruses, ¼ of the total world population, is at reproductive age and menstruate. While many communities have stigma about menstruation, together we can break down these myths. The bottom line is that menstruation stigma is a big factor that holds girls and people with uteruses back in many ways. But menstruation is not only a women’s issue, all genders must be involved in the conversations and spread positive information to breakdown stigma, myths, and prevent discrimination. Talking with your young person can help dispel myths, and break down stigma about menstruation.

Talk to all of your students about menstruation, even if they are boys or won’t get a period! Talking to all genders about periods and menstrual products will help reduce stigma. Menstruation is not only a women’s issue, all genders must be involved in the conversations and spread positive information to breakdown stigma, myths, and prevent discrimination. Talking with your students in a mixed-gender setting can help dispel myths, and break down menstruation stigma.