Category: Blog

What Menstrual Empowerment Looks Like: Redefining Society’s Relationship with Periods

For millions of people around the globe, menstruation is a taboo topic about a dirty subject. Cultural beliefs, patriarchal ideals, gender discrimination and conservative outlooks label periods as unclean.

Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

But a lack of basic access to information, menstrual health products, and facilities causes ongoing discrimination.

Fortunately, it is possible to redefine the relationship that society has with periods and create a culture of menstrual empowerment.

 

Here’s how:

 

Share Educational Information About The Natural Process Of Menstruating

One of the biggest reasons something may be considered taboo is due to a lack of understanding. Therefore, sharing information is the best way to change the negative associations with menstruation.

Menstruation is just as natural as any other bodily function, and everyone should understand this. So, start educating those you have direct access to, like your children, partners, colleagues, friends, and family members. Share information about menstruating from books, documentaries, pamphlets, brochures, infographics, and magazines; whatever you can get your hands on!

The more familiar something becomes, the less taboo it will be. Asking a woman’s age, sex before marriage, children out of wedlock, LGBTQ+ identities, women having jobs, HIV/AIDS, and tattoos were all once taboo. However, today they are mostly accepted topics. It’s time to add menstruation to that list.

 

There are several ways to share this information about menstruating. TV, magazines, books, live events and concerts, sports events, billboards, advertisement spaces, and social media are all excellent channels.

According to Statista, 64.4% of the global population uses the Internet. Of that majority, 59,9% use social media, making it a great place to share educational information about menstruation. It’s time to go viral and reach all corners of the globe.

 

Create Conversation About Menstrual Health

We have the power to normalize menstrual health conversations—and it doesn’t only need to be amongst menstruators. Get the men in your life involved, too.

Conversation is a powerful tool that creates discrimination and taboo or destroys it. One of the effects of menstruation being a taboo topic is that many young menstruators have no idea how to handle their monthly cycle because it’s not safe to discuss.

To change this, everyone needs to talk about menstruating, what it feels like, and how often it happens. Let’s talk about the range of menstrual products available and how/when to use each one. Talk about often we menstruate and what the premenstrual signs are. Lastly, let’s talk about menstrual hygiene and how to keep clean during our monthly cycle.

 

Introducing Sponsored Products In Public Areas

Unfortunately, not all menstruators have access to or are even aware of help even when it is available. This is why it’s important to advertise free menstrual health products in an area that is easily accessible and visible to all. Thankfully, with growing awareness of period poverty, we can help menstruators worldwide.

Public areas like bathrooms are a stock standard place for free condoms in many countries, and it’s the perfect place to provide free menstrual products too. Especially since access to bathrooms and sanitation are pivotal to maintaining proper hygiene when menstruating.

 

Supporting Menstrual Health Programs

Do your bit to support menstrual programs wherever you can by donating or bolstering menstrual campaigns. There are many initiatives making a difference to menstruators every day.

By donating money or sanitary supplies to period programs, you’re helping to educate young girls about menstruation and hygiene. In the process, you also help to break myths and disarm misinformation. There are also school outreach programs that you can support, community drives, and educational programs that all need a helping hand.

The bottom line is, wherever you can help, do it.

If you’re unable to make donations, do what you can by using what is available to you, like technology!. Spread the word and show people how they can help. Make community events part of your life, like Helping Women Period marches, school marches, Giving Tuesday, and any opportunity to educate and volunteer for menstrual health awareness and initiatives.

 

Encouraging Menstruators To Talk About Periods

It’s time to remove the embarrassment around the topic of menstruation by making it something that’s approachable and familiar.

Menstruation is a hugely diverse experience for every menstruator, determined by a range of factors from socio-economic standing to culture, ethnicity and age. For some, having a period is not exactly a pleasant experience. It can be one of suffering, pain, and side-effects. Let’s take more time and care to open dialogue and empower the topic of menstruation.

Break the ice by creating light and thought-provoking conversations with those around you. Here are a few ideas:

1. Every person is alive because their parent menstruated.
2.  Almost all individuals assigned female at birth will have a period at some stage of their life.
3. Slightly under half of the world’s population is assigned female at birth, which means almost half the world gets a period!
4. In some cultures, your first period is celebrated and something to be proud of.

 

Join The Call To Ensure Menstruation Is Recognized As A Human Rights Issue

Poor menstrual hygiene and not having access to menstrual products can cause illness and death. It commonly also harms school retention for young menstruators worldwide.

Menstruation matters are not treated with the same urgency as our basic needs for human survival; yet it’s a basic bodily function for females.

According to The World Bank, it’s estimated that 500 million menstruators don’t have access to menstrual products, nor the facilities to manage their menstrual hygiene. Join the call to ensure menstruation is recognized as a human rights issue. Speak up and spread the word.

 

Break the Stigma And Focus On Empowerment

In a world where technology that focuses on reproductive and sexual health is predicted to be worth $60 billion by 2027, it seems bizarre that we still need to push for conversation about menstruation. However, the taboos surrounding periods affect millions globally, causing ongoing discrimination and suffering where there shouldn’t be any.

Thankfully, menstrual empowerment is gaining momentum. It’s up to all of us to help effect positive change in whatever way we can. Of course, change won’t happen overnight, but it must start somewhere. And that somewhere is with you.

 

 

 

Words by Angelica Hoover
Article for the sole use of helpingwomenperiod.org

Just six months into the year, Helping Women Period hit a major milestone — the delivery of 1 million period products to counties around Michigan.

 

“Hitting the 1 million mark halfway into 2023 is another sign that Helping Women Period’s impact continues to scale,” Executive Director Lysne Tait said. “In 2022, Helping Women Period delivered 1.14 million products over 12 months. It’s exciting to celebrate this achievement, and it’s also humbling to reflect on what this milestone means about the dedication and enthusiasm of our donors, volunteers and partner organizations.”

 

Helping Women Period works to end period poverty through product distribution, community education, and legislative advocacy. The 1 million products delivered this year translates to more than 42,000 periods covered, and 1,300 months of incontinence protection. So far this year, Helping Women Period has also distributed over 250 reusable products — for example, menstrual cups and period underwear — and set up three vending machines that dispense period products for free.

 

“A nonprofit that began after a conversation between two friends in Lansing has now provided support in 42 counties across Michigan,” Tait said. “If there is one message I want to resonate about this 1 million mark, it’s that when we work together, accomplishments that seem too out of reach are possible. Yet everyone should remember the level of need that exists in our communities, if we were able to reach this milestone this quickly — the fight against period poverty must not let up.”

 

Helping Women Period is currently working to ensure that the Helping Women Period Pilot Project is included in the state budget. The program would provide products to eligible students from three districts in Wayne County, one in Eaton County, one in Grand Traverse County, one in Kent County, one in Macomb County and one in Marquette County. If included in the final budget, the Helping Women Period Pilot Project would provide free menstrual products to students in the selected districts who receive free or reduced lunch.

 

###

Helping Women Period aims to ensure that no individual lives without access to adequate menstrual healthcare – period.  Featured in media outlets including Teen Vogue and Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine, Helping Women Period works to end period poverty through partnerships, advocacy, donations and education. The nonprofit organization serving 42 Michigan counties (and counting) distributed 1.14 million products in 2022 alone. For more information, go to HelpingWomenPeriod.org

Click here to find our Period Supply Drive Toolkit.

Anyone with a uterus knows that menstruation is not for the weak. Your monthly cycle often comes with fatigue, mood swings, bloating, headaches, and, of course, the infamous uterine cramps.

Menstrual cramps are caused by natural hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which trigger contractions and inflammation inside the womb. Needless to say, it’s an uncomfortable time of the month that calls for supportive actions, such as increased rest, heated bean bags, and soothing drinks.

When you’re feeling tender and need some comfort, reaching for a menstruation-friendly drink can help boost energy levels, decrease bloating, and, most importantly, ease menstrual cramping.

Here are seven easy-to-make hot and cold drinks you can make at home to support your body during your period.

1. Water

When it comes to naturally restorative drinks, water will always be at the top of the list. No matter what your body goes through, proper hydration means being more equipped to manage any type of physical discomfort—including menstrual cramps.

Water helps prevent bloating, reduces fatigue, and supports the circulation system for a faster, less painful bleed. Aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water on the days before and during your period.

2. Hot Chocolate

Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher has a surprisingly rich and diverse nutrient content. It contains significant volumes of magnesium, iron, potassium, and antioxidants that help regulate blood flow, hormonal fluctuations, and pain management.

However, now is not the time to reach for a sugary, highly processed hot chocolate product from the store. Most brands contain very little actual cocoa and are often supplemented by synthetic flavorings, which only make you feel worse. Instead, opt for a healthier version at home.

You can make yourself a comforting cup of menstruation-friendly hot chocolate by combining melted dark chocolate or pure cocoa powder, a bit of vanilla, a tiny pinch of salt, honey, and milk.

3. Ginger and Lemon Tea

If you’re feeling bloated, sore, and nauseous, a steaming cup of ginger and lemon tea can help. Ginger is renowned for its uplifting anti-inflammatory properties that relieve menstrual cramps and even soothe an upset stomach. Some studies even suggest ginger is as effective as ibuprofen for muscle pain.

Fresh lemon also comes with powerful health benefits. Naturally alkaline, lemon is great for soothing the stomach upset that often arrives with your period, and it pairs well with ginger both taste-wise and nutritionally for uterine support.

Combine fresh, grated ginger and a generous squeeze of lemon with hot water for the best results. Add a natural sweetener like honey if you prefer.

4. Turmeric Milk

Also known as golden milk, this anti-inflammatory elixir is comfort in a cup. Turmeric is packed with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that work wonders for menstrual cramps and a wide variety of other common ailments.

Although better fresh, powdered turmeric is far easier to find at the grocer and will be plenty effective in a warm drink. Combine and heat ½ teaspoon of turmeric with a dash of cinnamon, a cup of milk (any variety will do), honey, and a crack of black pepper in a saucepan for a delicious, soothing drink.

5. Carrot and Orange Juice

High fruit consumption has been linked to reduced period pain. Both oranges and carrots are rich in vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in how the body absorbs iron. This makes them ideal fruits to consume while on your period—a time when you tend to lose a lot of iron through cervical bleeding.

Drinking carrot and orange juice will not only deliver a healthy dose of vitamin C but also come loaded with magnesium and potassium, which alleviate painful cramps and contractions. These two fruits pair well as a whole juice, but you can also drink plain orange or plain carrot for similar results.

6. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is often used as a natural sleep aid. But its benefits don’t stop there. The compounds found within this floral tea (glycine and hippurate) have been linked to the relief of muscle spasms.

This helps the uterine muscles relax, resulting in less cramping and tension. Chamomile tea also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, helping to further reduce any pain. The subtly sweet flavor of this tea makes it a very soothing drink, perfect for winding down with a movie at the end of the day.

7. Green Smoothie

Green fruits and veggies are always good for you, but they’re even better during your period. Drinking a delicious, fresh green smoothie at the start of your day or even as a pick-me-up snack will deliver an enormous nutritional boost that helps combat period-related ailments.

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale contain iron and magnesium, while kiwi and bananas are loaded with antioxidants, zinc, and fiber. Simply blend frozen or fresh bananas with some leafy greens, kiwi, ice, lemon juice, honey, and the milk of your choice for a glass of creamy green goodness.

A smoothie containing green fruit and veg will not only help alleviate cramping but can also be used to reduce stress and restore mental and physical energy.

Drinks To Avoid While Menstruating

When it comes to managing period-related discomfort through food and drink, knowing what not to consume is crucial.

These three drinks are best avoided while menstruating, as studies show they may only intensify cramping, headaches, bloating, and hormonal flux.

• High-sugar drinks (soda, energy drinks,)
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

While it can be difficult to deny yourself treats when your uterus feels like a pit of fire, exercising self-control in this area will ultimately contribute to an easier and less painful period.

Drink Your Way To A Less Painful Period

Periods are a less-than-fun part of life, but you can make them less painful by being selective about what you put in your body. These drinks are delicious, easy to make, and designed with good uterine health in mind.

If you’re taking a contraceptive pill or keeping a close watch on your cycle, you can even start drinking them in the lead-up to your period for extra relief.

Staying hydrated, healthy, and well-rested will make every part of your period a little bit better. And if doing so tastes good too, what’s not to like?

Click here to find our 2021 Impact Report.

 

There are a wide range of products available to meet the needs of menstruators and it can be a bit overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently used period products to help you choose the product that’s best for you! 

 

 1. Pads

Menstrual pads, followed closely by tampons, are the most frequently chosen period product. They are available in a wide variety of sizes – they can be thin for when you’re lightly bleeding (pantyliners), regular, or thick for heavier bleeding (“max”, “overnight”, or “super” pads). Pads can be used both as a primary menstrual product or as back-up to use in tandem with another product.

Some have flaps, also known as wings, that fold over the sides of your underwear to protect against leaks and stains. These are especially useful if you’re active and moving around a lot. 

Most pads are disposable and single-use, but reusable options do exist. Reusable pads are made from fabric and can be washed and reused for years. To use reusable pads, you simply place one into your underwear like you would a disposable pad. Instead of the sticky adhesive you find on disposable pads, reusable pads are fastened around your underwear with Velcro or snaps. When you’ve finished with the pad, simply place the it in a waterproof, sealed bag (if you’re out and about), or immediately toss it in cold water to soak, then run it through the washing machine. It’s as simple as that!

For most pads (disposable and reusable) it’s suggested that they be changed every 4-6 hours, or when it’s soaked with blood. This will depend on how heavy your flow is. 

Etsy and Amazon sellers offer a wide variety of reusable pads in many different absorbency and size options. You can also make them yourself following videos and patterns available for free online. 

 

2. Tampons

If pads aren’t your thing or you find they limit your activity, tampons can be a great alternative. Tampons are cylindrical cotton and/or cellulose inserts that sit inside the vaginal canal and soak up menstrual blood. While most tampons come inside of plastic applicators, reusable and refillable applicators do exist. All tampons have a string attached so they can be easily pulled out and disposed in the trash. Tampons should not be worn for more than 8 hours and are single-use only. 

Some of the biggest advantages the tampons have over pads and other menstrual products are their size and availability. Like pads, tampons are easily accessible in grocery and drug stores and even some public bathrooms. They are also one of the few menstrual hygiene products you can swim with (in addition to period swimwear, cups, and discs). 

 

3. Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are a reusable, funnel-shaped cup made of medical-grade silicone that suctions to the cervix and collects blood. Similar to tampons, they require insertion but unlike tampons they can be worn for up to 12 hours and are reusable. When cleaned and stored properly, cups can last up to 10 years. Additionally, cups can hold significantly more fluid than tampons, requiring less trips to the bathroom and providing you with a stronger peace of mind.

Available brands of reusable cups include the Lunette Menstrual Cup, DivaCup, Flex cup, and Saalt Cup. There are also a few disposable menstrual cups on the market, such as the Instead Softcup. To determine which cup is best for you and for tips and tricks on insertion, removal, cleaning, and more, check out Period Nirvana.

 

4. Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are similar to cups and tampons in that they require insertion but differ in their placement. Discs fit back into the vaginal fornix (where the vaginal canal meets the cervix) and collect blood, rather than sitting within the vaginal canal like a cup or tampon. Because of this, menstrual discs are a good option for period protection that allows for participation in sexual activity. Discs, similar to cups, are made of medical grade silicone and can provide up to 12 hours of protection. When cared for correctly, discs can last up to 10 years. No suction is involved when using a menstrual disc.

Softdisc offers both reusable and disposable options, with other reusable options including the Hello Disc, Flex Disc, and Saalt Disc. To determine which disc is best for you and for tips and tricks on insertion, removal, cleaning, and more, check out Period Nirvana.

5. Period Underwear

Period underwear are just like regular underwear, except they have extra layers of fabric that are intended to absorb menstrual blood. You can wear them instead of other products or in conjunction with other products for extra protection.

Just like pads and liners, most period underwear incorporates anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties to help prevent odors. Most period underwear will be reusable, though some companies do offer disposable options. Depending on your flow and the style you wear, you can wear period underwear for up to 12 hours without fear of leaking, then wash as directed. 

Award winning brand, Cheeky Pants, offer a huge range of reusable period underwear products, ranging from high-waisted pants to boy brief period shorts and even period thongs! 

 

6. Period Swimwear

For complete peace of mind when swimming, whether that be at the beach or the pool, you may want to try period swimwear. These look like any other swimwear but are designed to absorb menstrual blood and protect from leaks, eliminating the need to worry about inserting a product like a tampon, cup, or disc.

You may also look to other period proof clothes during the warmer days like period shorts, which again provide a cute and comfy alternative to traditional menstrual products.

 

 

Written by Kate, on behalf of Cheeky Pants and Ryann, on behalf of Helping Women Period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Source: Pexels)

Periods are a vital part of any woman’s life, so it’s important to know when they’re happening. Not only will tracking your period help you detect any irregularities, but it’ll also help you anticipate any symptoms—from headaches to mood swings. After all, the average American woman experiences around 450 periods in her lifetime—that’s a lot of medical history that needs recording.

But there’s more to it than that. Here are some more reasons why every woman should track their period:

Lets you plan activities around it

Periods are a natural part of life; we know this. However, it helps to have some semblance of control over them. Rather than having your period unexpectedly ruin a night out or get in the way of a beach trip, a tracker can tell you (almost) exactly when your period is going to come, which will allow you to plan your holidays, travels, and busy days around that time of the month.

 

Helps make accurate diagnoses

Instead of manually writing your experiences in a journal, it’s highly recommended to use period tracking apps. In fact, this type of technology is becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry. Maryville University highlights the growing inclusion of informatics in healthcare to complement public health initiatives and better understand the human body. This is why many apps and tech solutions are designed to pool patient data. A study by the University of Granada explains that menstrual apps are effective in helping women get to know their bodies a little better, since you log in your symptoms and can then determine if certain pains (like cramps) are period-related or something more serious.

Lets you know when to double your workouts

Syncing your diet plans and exercise routines with your period tracker can also help you maximize your fitness goals. Health columnist Emma McGowan writes that around two weeks after your period, your body produces more estrogen, which then increases the amount of energy in your body. However, once week three hits, both estrogen and progesterone increase, boosting your body’s ability to use fat for fuel. This means that weeks two and three post-period are the perfect days to burn some weight.

Avoid unplanned pregnancies

The woman’s body is fertile for an average of six days, according to medical specialists on Planned Parenthood. This includes the five days before you have your period and the day itself that you have your period. Of course, there’s still the possibility of pregnancy a day or two after your cycle, though the chances are lower. Though it’s not a very reliable way to avoid pregnancy, knowing your “safe” days may still help.

The menstrual cycle is not an on/off type of condition. Even if you’re not on your period, you can experience things like fluctuations in your sex drive, tiredness on some days, and even unexplainable mood swings at random intervals. Having a period tracker can help you understand a lot of things about yourself and make your life easier.

 

Words by Regina Forster
Article for the sole use of helpingwomenperiod.org

 

So you think you know everything there is to know about periods? Think again. No matter how clued up you are, there’s always something that slips through your radar, especially some of the more unusual facts and stats of menstruation.

Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite — and unexpected — period facts that we think everyone needs to know.

1.     Your periods get worse when it is cold

This is definitely an amazing period fact: cold weather can impact your period, making it heavier and longer than normal.

 

During the winter months, a woman’s flow, period duration, and even pain level are longer than the summer. This pattern also extends to women who live in colder climates rather than warmer temperature.

 

The seasons can also affect your PMT too — the darker, shorter days can adversely impact your mood when combined with female productive hormones. This is thought to be because of a lack of sunshine, which helps our bodies to produce vitamin D and dopamine — which both boost our moods, happiness, concentration and all-round health levels.

2.     You can still get pregnant if you’re on your period

Less of an amazing fact, but one you should probably know about.

 

Many people assume that you cannot get pregnant if you have sex while on your period. However, this is not true.

 

Although it’s more unlikely that you will become pregnant while you are menstruating, it is not impossible at all. This is because sperm can survive in the body for up to five or six days — so if you have a relatively short cycle, have sex towards the end of your period, and ovulate just after your period finishes, you could potentially fall pregnant.

 

Another fun related fact: back in the middle ages, people used to think that redheads were babies who were conceived while their mother was on her period.

3.     The average starting age for periods has changed over the years

Did you know that over the last few centuries, the average age that a girl begins getting periods has changed?

 

Back in the 1800s, girls wouldn’t get their periods until they were well into their teens — the average age was around 17. Nowadays, the average age to start menstruating is 12 — a whole five years younger.

 

Scientists think there are a few key reasons for this: namely, improved nutrition. We’re eating better — and more — than our ancestors did a few hundred years ago, and fat cells make estrogen. The more fat cells you have, the more estrogen you have in your body, which can trigger the start of your menstrual cycle as a girl.

 

Increased stress levels are also a factor. That’s right — high-stress levels can actually trigger the beginning of your period.

4.     You will spend nearly 10 years of your life on your period

From the time of her first cycle to menopause, the average American woman will have around 450 periods in her lifetime. That’s a lot of periods.

 

Added up, this equates to around 10 years — or about 3,500 days — of the average woman’s life that will be spent menstruating. Translated into period products, this works out at around 11,000 tampons that the average woman uses in a lifetime.

 

Of course, everyone is different, and anything from cycle length to child-bearing, breastfeeding and culture can influence the number of periods a woman gets over her lifetime. However, one thing is certain — periods impact us all.

 

That’s why it is so important that we have nonprofit organizations like Helping Women Periodthat are committed to supplying menstrual health products to people who are either homeless or low-income.

5.     It’s easier than you think to have eco-friendly periods with period panties

If the fact above scares you into thinking about the environmental impact that you’re having just by menstruating, then don’t worry! There are actually many different ways you can reduce your waste and have a guilt-free, eco-friendly period.

 

Disposable tampons and sanitary pads (which are mostly made from plastic) are no longer the only options out there. These days, there are all sorts of sustainable period products to choose from that you can keep and reuse for years — such as menstrual cups and period panties.

 

Period underwear brands like Knix have created a collection of washable, reusable, leakproof underwear which absorbs your period as a pad would (they can even handle heavy flow days). A few pairs of period panties save you from having to fork out for tampons and pads all the time and help you to have an environmentally-friendly period too.

6.     You lose a lot less blood than you think during your period

Sometimes, when you’re having a particularly heavy flow day, it can feel as if something is wrong. Surely it’s not normal to produce this much blood?!

 

Although it may seem like a lot, your body only actually loses around three tablespoons of blood during your period; the average woman can lose anywhere from one tablespoon to a small cup of blood during a normal period.

 

If it seems like you’re losing more than this during your period, you should seek advice from a medical professional. Losing too much blood can increase your risk of anemia — which can cause dizziness, tired and poor circulation.

7.     Your period can affect how you sound and smell

According to vocalization researchers, women’s voices can change slightly during their menstrual cycle due to our reproductive hormones affecting the vocal cords. This means women can sound different while on their period, and even “less attractive” according to the participants in their testing. Ouch.

 

The same female reproductive hormones also affect your natural scent, meaning you smell different when you’re on your period. This is very subtle and actually consciously detectable. It’s more of an animalistic thing, harking back to our caveman days when men would be more attracted to women who were ovulating rather than menstruating (meaning they could procreate).

 

These are just seven amazing facts about periods that you need to know. The human body is a