Let’s Talk Periods: Why Menstruation Should Be Normal, Not Taboo

Every month, billions of people around the world experience a completely natural and essential process: menstruation. Yet for something so common, periods are still surrounded by whispers, shame, and misunderstanding. On World Menstruation Day, we want to break the silence and shine a light on the importance of period education, period care, and period dignity.

Menstruation (or a period) is the body’s way of shedding the lining of the uterus each month when pregnancy doesn’t happen. It’s a sign of a healthy reproductive system and a vital part of life for those who menstruate, usually starting between ages 9 and 16 and continuing until menopause. Periods can come with cramps, mood swings, bloating, fatigue, and other symptoms. But they are nothing to be ashamed of. They are normal, natural, and powerful.

In many cultures, periods are still treated as a “dirty” or “secret” thing. People are made to feel embarrassed about leaking, carrying pads in public, or even talking about their cycle. This silence leads to lack of access to correct information, shame around asking for help, young people feeling unprepared, poor menstrual hygiene management, and stigma in schools and workplaces. It’s time to change that.

Talking openly helps everyone. Whether it’s with friends, partners, children, or in schools, open conversations help normalize periods. Period products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear are not luxuries, they’re necessities. Everyone should have access to them. And understanding periods isn’t just for girls and women. Boys and men should learn too, so they can support and help end stigma.

Comfortable, private spaces for period care in schools, offices, and public places should be a basic standard. Some people experience intense pain or health issues like PCOS or endometriosis. Listening and offering support can make a big difference. Small acts of empathy go a long way.

If you menstruate, take care of your body, track your cycle, and don’t be afraid to talk about your period. If you don’t, be a supportive friend, partner, brother, or employer. Help create a world where no one is made to feel small for something so natural. Share knowledge, challenge myths, and help young people learn about their bodies in a safe, supportive way.

Periods should never be a reason for anyone to miss school, feel ashamed, or suffer in silence. Let’s break the stigma, normalize care, and celebrate the power of the menstrual cycle. Because periods are not a problem, they’re a part of life.