Period Shaming

Have you ever:

• Felt embarrassed simply because you were on your period?
• Hid a pad in public while going to the restroom to change?
• Slowly opened your pad in public because you were afraid to make noise?
• Avoided using the word "menstruation" and referred to it as "Aunt Flo," "Mother Nature," or "that time of the month?"

You're not alone. 870 other women have too.

According to MenstrualHygieneDay.org, of 1,500 women surveyed, 58% felt a sense of embarrassment simply because they were on their period.

Why does period shame still exist?

This is a sad reality, especially when menstruation is a natural process for so many women. It's the mark of puberty, fertility, and femininity, yet it is often shrouded in shame and secrecy.

In some cultures, women are confined to their homes or even banned from religious ceremonies while menstruating. Periods have historically been seen as unclean or dirty, and these outdated views still shape attitudes today.

The cost of period shame

As a result of these beliefs, many girls grow up feeling ashamed of their bodies and their periods. Most are too embarrassed to ask for help or advice when they get their first cycle.

Without a support system during such a significant physical change, girls can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can have a real impact on their overall health.

The lack of period education

There's also a serious lack of education around menstruation. According to UNESCO, in India alone, 71% of adolescent girls remain unaware of menstruation until they get their first period.

To overcome period shaming, it's important for women to talk openly about their experiences with friends and family. This helps break down barriers of silence and shame, and empowers younger generations to ask questions, learn about their cycles, and find period products that work for them.

Why men need to be part of the conversation

It's not just women who need to be part of this shift. According to BYU Life Sciences, men who grew up with present, supportive fathers tend to have more positive attitudes toward menstruation and women's health.

Fathers, brothers, and male partners play a real role in shaping family attitudes. When men are educated and supportive, daughters and sisters grow up with a healthier relationship to their bodies.

Breaking the cycle of shame

When girls are taught about menstruation in a positive, open way, they are more likely to grow into women with healthy attitudes toward their bodies. By destigmatizing menstruation, we create a more supportive and inclusive world for everyone.

Let's work to break down these barriers. Let's talk about our cycles. Let's normalize what is, after all, a natural part of life.

How Cariona Supports the Conversation

At Cariona, we believe period care should bring comfort and confidence, not shame. Our reusable cloth pads are designed to feel soft, breathable, and discreet, so you can move through your day with ease.

We're a Christian family-owned, woman-led business, and we treat period care the way it should be treated: with care, dignity, and honesty.

New to reusable pads? Start with our Trial Pack or browse our full collection.