Let's talk about periods without shame or assumptions

Periods are a normal part of life for millions of people, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised topics in our communities.

Many people grow up feeling embarrassed to talk about periods. Period products are hidden up sleeves on the way to the bathroom. Leaks are treated as humiliating. Pain is laughed off or normalised. Young people may reach their first period without understanding what is happening to their body or knowing who they can talk to when something doesn't feel right.

We can do better

Women's Health Week gives us an opportunity to have more open conversations about menstrual healthbut those conversations also need to be inclusive.

Not everyone who has a period is a woman, and not every woman has periods.

Girls, women, transgender people, non-binary people and others may menstruate. Some people do not menstruate because of age, medical conditions, medications, hormonal treatments, surgery or other circumstances.

When we talk about periods without making assumptions about someone's body, gender, identity or experience, we make health education safer and more accessible for everyone.

There is no single period experience

Periods can vary considerably from person to person.

Cycle length, bleeding, discomfort, energy levels, emotions and other symptoms can all differ, and someone's experience may also change throughout their life. But recognising variation doesn't mean we should normalise symptoms that are significantly affecting someone's wellbeing.

If period pain repeatedly prevents someone from attending school, going to work, sleeping, exercising or participating in everyday activities, it deserves attention. Heavy bleeding, significant changes in someone's usual cycle, severe or worsening pain, or other symptoms causing concern are also good reasons to speak with a healthcare professional.

People deserve to be able to ask, "Is this normal for me?" without embarrassment or fear of being dismissed.

Period health and endometriosis are not the same thing

This distinction is particularly important to us at Endo Warriors Aotearoa. Endometriosis is not a period condition.

Painful periods can be one symptom of endometriosis, but not everyone with painful periods has endometriosis, and the effects of endometriosis are not limited to menstruation.

Talking openly about menstrual health can help people recognise changes in their bodies and understand when something might need further investigation. But we should not reduce endometriosis or any other health condition to "bad periods."

Shame can stop people asking for help

When periods are treated as embarrassing, dirty or something that should remain hidden, people may become reluctant to talk about their symptoms.

• A young person who thinks severe pain is simply part of menstruating may not tell a parent, caregiver, teacher or school nurse.
• An adult experiencing heavy bleeding may continue struggling at work rather than asking for support.
• Someone whose symptoms have changed may put off seeing their healthcare provider because they are embarrassed to describe what is happening.

That's why removing period stigma isn't simply about becoming more comfortable saying the word "period." It's about health. When people have accurate information and feel safe talking about their bodies, they are better equipped to recognise changes, ask questions and seek support.

We all have a role to play

• Parents, caregivers and whānau can talk about periods before someone's first period arrives and make sure period products are accessible without shame.
• Schools and kura can provide inclusive menstrual-health education and create environments where students feel safe asking for help.
• Workplaces can recognise that menstrual health can sometimes affect someone's wellbeing without requiring people to disclose deeply personal medical information.
• Partners, friends and whānau can listen without making jokes, minimising symptoms or assuming they understand another person's experience.
• And all of us can stop treating period products as something that needs to be hidden.
• Periods aren't dirty.
• Having a period isn't embarrassing.
• Not having periods doesn't make someone less of a woman.
• Having periods doesn't define someone's gender.
• And severe symptoms should never be dismissed simply because they happen during menstruation.

Periods, Pain & Real Talk

At Endo Warriors Aotearoa, education is one of the ways we're working to change these conversations. Our Periods, Pain & Real Talk programme provides free, inclusive education about periods, menstrual health, pain, endometriosis, period products, body literacy, symptom tracking and when to ask for help.

The programme is primarily delivered for young people through schools and kura, with versions also available for adults, whānau, caregivers and community groups.

Our aim is simple: give people accurate information, reduce shame and help them feel confident asking questions about their health.

Because better conversations today can influence how someone understands and advocates for their health for years to come.

Free information and support

Endo Warriors Aotearoa has a growing library of free factsheets, guides and practical templates covering endometriosis, periods, pain, healthcare appointments, treatment, school, study, mahi, relationships and support:

https://www.endowarriorsaotearoa.com/resources

You can also learn more about our education programmes, events, advocacy and community mahi at:

https://www.endowarriorsaotearoa.com/

About Endo Warriors Aotearoa

Endo Warriors Aotearoa is a registered New Zealand charity led by lived experience. We provide inclusive endometriosis and menstrual-health education, practical resources, advocacy and community support across Aotearoa.

Our resources and education are for everyone who needs them. Whatever your gender, identity or experience, you deserve access to health information and support without shame, judgement or assumptions.