Menstrual Health Awareness

May is Menstrual Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the biology, stigma, and social challenges surrounding menstruation. Although half the world experiences periods at some point, it's shocking how much misinformation, shame, and silence still surround this natural body function.

Whether you currently menstruate, used to, or love someone who does, learning about the science behind the menstrual cycle helps us all move toward a more informed and compassionate world.

Let’s break down 10 facts everyone should know:
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1. Periods Aren’t Always Every 28 Days—and That’s Okay!
While 28 days is the “textbook” menstrual cycle, real life is much more real than that. A normal cycle can range from 21 to 35 days and still be considered healthy. Your body isn’t a clock, and variations are normal, especially during adolescence, times of stress, or perimenopause. Tracking your cycle can help you understand what’s normal for you.

2. Menstrual Fluid Is More Than Just Blood
Menstrual fluid is a complex mixture. It includes blood, but the majority of it is tissue from the uterine lining, cervical mucus, water, and other vaginal secretions. This is why the texture and consistency can change throughout your period, and why it’s not at all the same as blood from a cut.

3. Hormones Affect Your Brain During Your Cycle
Ever feel extra sensitive, foggy, or emotional around your period? You’re not imagining it! Shifting levels of estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can affect memory, mood, and energy levels. Menstruation isn’t just a physical process, it impacts your entire body, including your brain. We already know that hormones play an important role at controlling our appetite, body temperature, energy, and how well we sleep, so this is no surprise.

4. Period Pain Can Be Severe—And It's Often Dismissed
Menstrual cramps, known as dysmenorrhea, are caused by the release of prostaglandins, which trigger uterine contractions. For many people, this pain can be as intense as that of a heart attack. And yet, it’s often brushed off or minimized, especially in clinical settings. No one should have to suffer in silence. If your period pain disrupts daily life, it's worth seeking medical support.

5. Period Poverty Is a Global Public Health Issue
An estimated 500 million people lack adequate access to period products, education, and sanitation. Period poverty can lead to missed school, lost work days, and increased risk of infections. Menstrual health is a human right, and addressing this issue means tackling both systemic inequality and cultural stigma. This is why we need to talk more about periods!

6. Your Menstrual Fluid Changes Color—and That’s Normal!
The color of menstrual fluid can range from bright red to deep brown. Bright red typically indicates fresh flow, while brown blood may be older or slower to exit the body. These changes are usually harmless, though sudden shifts (especially when paired with pain or unusual discharge) may be worth checking with a healthcare provider.

7. Movement Can Help Relieve Period Symptoms
Exercise increases blood flow, boosts endorphins, and reduces stress, making it a powerful ally during your cycle. You don’t need to go all out. Gentle movement like stretching, walking, or yoga can ease cramps and elevate your mood. The key is listening to your body and going with what works.

8. PMS Is Common—but PMDD Deserves More Attention
Most menstruating people experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can include mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. But PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a more severe, often disabling condition that affects 5–10% of menstruators. If emotional or physical symptoms feel unmanageable, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. You’re not overreacting and help is available.

9. Sustainable Period Products Are on the Rise
Traditional disposable pads and tampons aren’t the only options anymore. Menstrual cups, reusable pads, and period underwear are gaining popularity for their environmental benefits and long-term cost savings. Every body is different, and it might take time to find the right fit, but it’s worth exploring if you’re curious.

10. Talking About Periods Helps Everyone
The more we talk about menstruation, the more we normalize it—and that matters. Open conversations lead to better education, less stigma, and improved health outcomes. When people feel empowered to ask questions, seek care, or advocate for themselves, we all benefit.


Menstrual health isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s a public health, education, and equity issue. Whether you’re learning for the first time, reviewing forgotten health facts, or sharing what you know, all of it helps dismantle shame and misinformation.

What do you wish you had learned earlier about your period? What myths are you still unlearning? Let’s keep talking—and keep listening.

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