Is Menstruation A Taboo Topic?

By Mel

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The menstrual cycle begins with a period when a woman bleeds from her vagina for a few days. This is to show that the female body is working properly and is healthy. The cycle for girls typically begins between the ages of 9 and 15, with an average age of around 12–13.

But it’s normal for it to happen a little earlier or later; it just depends, as everyone’s body is different. Some things that can influence timing include genetics.

Moving on to later in life, the cycle helps the body prepare for pregnancy, but even if you’re not pregnant. Your menstrual cycle and period are controlled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

In some cultures, including India and Africa, menstruation is considered taboo, with a woman considered to be dirty and unclean during her period. However, because of long-standing cultural beliefs, lack of education, and silence around the topic, the taboos all have very different effects, like:

• Missed school or work because girls don’t have products or private toilets.
• Shame and secrecy lead to poor hygiene or health issues.

• Isolation from social and cultural life, damaging to mental well-being.

​I wanted to address this and ask the real question of why subjects like this are avoided when they’re a part of life. It’s what brings together the signs of life; it’s what completes a new beginning.

A strong thing happened back in 2019: a red droplet was launched to represent a period emoji. Now, in my opinion, I thought this was great! It shows that the topic of periods shouldn’t be looked down upon or avoided; it’s a part of the lives we live, and that’s that.

So this was a huge outbreak for not just women all around the world, but young girls, too. It is estimated that about 137,000 girls in the UK miss school each year because of a lack of access to sanitary products.

So, without menstrual hygiene products, girls have to use:

• Newspapers
• Rags
• Cotton wool or bits of mattress stuffing
• Leaves or grass 
• Mud or ash (in extreme poverty)
• Socks or pieces of old clothing 
• Plastic bags as a barrier layer. 

But over the years, I’ve noticed a huge change in advertisements for menstrual hygiene products, and it’s a good thing to see. It is making it feel normal and bringing to light that it’s a part of life, and there’s a reason for it. We cannot bypass the fact it exists; it’s a part of women’s lives, it’s what comes with the package. 
Talking about menstruation shouldn’t be something whispered about or hidden away — it’s a natural and vital part of life. The more we open up these conversations, the more we empower women and girls to feel confident, informed, and supported. By challenging taboos and normalising discussion, we create space for understanding and change.