What is Period Shame and How to Overcome It
Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by roughly half the global population. With over two billion people on their period every month, it’s hard to see why conversations about periods remain shrouded in secrecy, embarrassment and shame in many societies. This phenomenon, known as “period shame”, “period stigma” or “menstruation shame”, has far-reaching consequences for physical health, emotional wellbeing, and gender equality. We delve into what period stigma is, how it came about and steps you can take personally and as a washroom manager to overcome it.
- What is Period Stigma?
- The Impact of Menstruation Shame
- The Origins of Period Shame
- How to Overcome Period Shaming: Personal Steps
- How Washroom Managers Can Help Fight Period Stigma
- Join Woosh in the Fight Against Menstruation Shame
What is Period Stigma?
Period stigma or menstruation shame refers to the negative feelings, embarrassment and stigma associated with menstruation. It can manifest in various ways:
- The reluctance to discuss periods openly
- Hiding menstrual products when going to the bathroom
- Flushing tampons and other sanitary products out of embarrassment
- Using euphemisms instead of direct terms (“that time of the month”)
- Feeling embarrassed about leaks or strains
- Experiencing anxiety about others knowing you’re menstruating
- Being subjected to harmful myths and taboos about periods
But this shame isn’t innate—it’s learned through cultural messaging, family attitudes, inadequate education and societal norms that frame menstruation as something dirty, impure or inappropriate for public discussion.
The Impact of Menstruation Shame
The consequences of period shame extend far beyond just momentary embarrassment. Here are just some examples of how people can be affected by menstruation shame:
- Educational Barriers: UNESCO estimates that 30% of girls are missing some or all of school during their period across the Middle East and North Africa. Even in developed countries, period shame contributes to school absences.
- Health Consequences: Shame can prevent people from seeking medical help for menstrual disorders like endometriosis or PCOS, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Economic Impact: Period poverty—the inability to afford menstrual products—is exacerbated when shame prevents open discussion about accessibility needs.
- Mental Health Effects: Persistent shame about a natural bodily function can contribute to negative body image, anxiety and diminished self-confidence.
- Social Inequality: Menstruation shame reinforces harmful gender stereotypes and contributes to broader gender inequalities.
The Origins of Period Shame
Understanding where period shame comes from helps us address it effectively. By breaking these cycles of shame and silence, we can help fight the stigma of periods one step at a time.
- Historical and Religious Contexts: Many religions and cultural traditions have historically viewed menstruation as impure or unclean, with some cultures imposing restrictions on menstruating individuals.
- Lack of Education: Inadequate menstrual education leaves young people unprepared and confused, creating fertile ground for shame to develop.
- Media Representation: Advertisements for menstrual products historically used blue liquid instead of red and emphasised discretion and secrecy, reinforcing the idea that periods should be hidden.
- Generational Cycles: Period shaming often transfers across generations when caregivers communicate discomfort or pass down myths about menstruation.
How to Overcome Period Shaming: Personal Steps
1. Educate Yourself
Knowledge makes all the difference, especially when it comes to fighting stigma. Understanding the biological process of menstruation—what happens in your body, why it happens and its purpose—can help replace myths with facts. You can try seeking out scientifically accurate information from reputable sources to help you understand your body better and minimise shame.
2. Change Your Language
Words matter. Try using direct terms like “period”, “menstruation” or “menstrual products” instead of euphemisms. This can promote and normalise the use of these words, minimising the shame that is currently associated with them.
3. Challenge Your Thoughts
When feelings of shame arise, question them: “Why do I feel embarrassed about something natural?”, “Who taught me to feel this way?”, “Would I judge someone else for having their period?”. This self-reflection can help dismantle internalised shame.
4. Share Your Experiences
Talking openly about periods with trusted friends, family members or partners can be liberating. From sharing experiences like frustrating symptoms to funny mishaps, opening up the conversation about periods can help normalise them and build solidarity in your group.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself during your period. Address any physical discomfort through self-care practices and acknowledge that any emotional changes are valid. By treating yourself with compassion, you can set an example for how others should treat you.
How Washroom Managers Can Help Fight Period Stigma
As a washroom manager, you have a duty to ensure your washroom users feel safe and comfortable in your facilities. By providing sufficient space and equipment for washroom users to handle their periods, you can help fight menstruation shame and open yourself up to the bigger conversation. Here are just a few ways you can support the cause:
- Advocate for Better Education: Support comprehensive menstrual education in schools for all genders. Menstruation isn’t just a “women’s issue”---everyone benefits from understanding how bodies work.
- Support Period-Positive Organisations: Organisations like Bloody Good Period, Hey Girls, Freedom4Girls and Period Poverty UK work to increase access to menstrual products and education. Consider donating, volunteering or amplifying their messages in your washroom or workplace.
- Create Inclusive Spaces: Ensure bathrooms in schools, workplaces and public areas have adequate disposal facilities and accessible menstrual products. By providing items like a sanitary waste bin and feminine hygiene product vending machine, you can promote access to period products, supporting everyone who has a period.
- Involve Everyone in the Conversation: Period shame doesn’t end until people of all genders understand and respect menstruation. You could work to involve everyone in the conversation by putting up posters emphasising your support for fighting against menstruation shame.
Join Woosh in the Fight Against Menstruation Shame
Overcoming menstruation shame is both a personal journey and a collective responsibility. By speaking openly about menstruation, challenging harmful myths and advocating for change, we can create a world where periods are treated as what they truly are: a normal and healthy part of life. Do your part to support people who menstruate by equipping your washrooms with the appropriate items needed to safely and discreetly handle periods.
From sanitary waste bins to sanitary vending machines, we have it all here at Woosh. Plus, we even have sanitary waste services to help you get rid of sanitary waste, keeping your washrooms squeaky clean! Get in touch today for more information on any of our services. Together we can create positive change when it comes to period stigma.
FAQs
How often should I change my pad at school?
This all depends on your flow. We recommend you change your pad every three to four hours but if you have a heavier flow, you may need to change your sanitary pad more frequently.
How do you get over period embarrassment?
Period stigma is something that has been engrained in us but we can change that. By educating yourself on periods, challenging your thoughts on menstruation shame and talking more openly with friends and family about periods, we can work together to remove the embarrassment and negative feelings currently associated with periods.
Is it embarrassing to tell someone you're on your period?
Not at all! Periods are a normal part of life! That’s why we recommend talking more openly about periods with your friends and family as it can be liberating to talk about shared experiences and even funny mishaps. This helps normalise talking about periods and slowly break down period shaming.