Category: Uncategorized

How Medical Misogyny Has Shaped Menstrual Health

By: Chandana Kodavatiganti // March 2026

Think about the last time you went to the doctor. Maybe they asked when your last period was or whether your cycle had been regular, but did anyone ever ask what it actually felt like? Did anyone ask if the cramps were so intense you could barely get through the day, or if your bleeding made even simple tasks a struggle? For so many people, those questions are never asked, and that absence says a lot. It reflects a history of what has been called medical misogyny, where menstrual experiences have been overlooked, minimized, or misunderstood.

For a long time, menstruation was framed as more than just a normal bodily process. It the nineteenth century, some doctors and psychiatrists suggested that women could become mentally unstable during their periods (Ford et al., 2003). These ideas were shaped more by

societal assumptions than by science and influenced how medicine responded to women’s bodies. Medicine has moved on from that extreme thinking, but its echoes remain. Even now, people’s experiences of pain, heavy bleeding, and other reproductive symptoms are still often overlooked.

The consequences of that dismissal are long-lasting. According to the World Health Organization, it now takes four to twelve years on average to receive a diagnosis for conditions like endometriosis. This delay represents years of living with pain, struggling through school or work, and carrying the burden of not being believed. Zainab Kaleemullah, a thirty-five-year-old civil servant, experienced heavy periods, nausea, and chronic anemia for more than ten years before she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis in 2022. During that time, she was told her pain was normal or misdiagnosed with conditions such as depression or irritable bowel syndrome, leaving her isolated even as her symptoms worsened (Thomas, 2024).

Her story illustrates the real impact behind these statistics and calls for a new perspective. Changing the conversation about menstruation is not just about health. It is about dignity and empowerment. Menstruation is natural, and it deserves attention, respect, and informed care. Challenging outdated ideas that frame women as weak or unstable allows these experiences to be recognized for what they really are, a source of strength, self-awareness, and resilience. It is a reminder that our voices matter. You matter. Period.

Sources:

Ford, Andrea, Jessica Campbell, and Katie F.M. Marwick. The Medicalisation of Menstruation: A

Double‑Edged Sword. Wellcome Open Research, 25 Oct.

2025,doi:https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.24017.2. PubMed Central,

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12553977

Endometriosis. World Health Organization, 15 Oct. 2025,

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

How Menstrual Blood May Be the Way Forward for Treating Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

By: Jahanvi Chawla // February 2026

Could biological waste be used for treating neurodegenerative diseases in the future? New research connecting the use of menstrual blood stem cells in treating Alzheimer’s disease suggests it might. 

About 1 in 9 people live with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States with this number being projected to grow as the 65 and older population increases. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition in which harmful proteins build up in the brain, damaging and killing neurons and causing the brain to shrink. This leads to worsening memory and communication as key brain chemicals decline.

Current treatments for Alzheimer’s only aim to control the progression of the disease in early stages and improve quality of life. These immunotherapy drugs help reduce amyloid plaques in the brain, but lose their effectiveness as the disease progresses. Stem Cell therapy, on the other hand, has proven effective in reducing these plaques, fighting neuroinflammation, and even reversing the progression of the disease through replacing damaged neurons. No FDA approved treatments exist as of now, but research is ongoing. 

Stem cells are typically derived through invasive procedures in adults or through embryos which is considered unethical. To overcome these barriers scientists have found that Menstrual Blood Stem Cells or MenSCs are an adequate alternative as they are pluripotent and able to develop similarly as a treatment. A recent study found that MenSCs when transplanted directly into the brains of AD model mice were able to help treat Alzheimer’s disease. These cells helped improve spatial learning and memory, reducing Amyloid plaque levels and reducing inflammation in the brain. Additionally, researchers believe that MenSCs may work not only by replacing damaged neurons, but also by restoring and balancing the brain’s immune system. Beyond effectiveness, MenSCs offer several practical and ethical advantages over other stem cell sources and provide a non-invasive and renewable source of stem cells. 

Despite these results, major challenges remain before these therapies can be used in humans. If future research confirms their safety and effectiveness, MenSCs could represent a major shift in how neurodegenerative diseases are treated. 

Sources:

Bhatti, J. S., Khullar, N., Mishra, J., Kaur, S., Sehrawat, A., Sharma, E., Bhatti, G. K., Selman, A., & Reddy, P. H. (2023). Stem cells in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease – Promises and pitfalls. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, 1869(6), 166712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166712

Liu, X. Y., Yang, L. P., & Zhao, L. (2020). Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. World journal of stem cells, 12(8), 787–802. https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v12.i8.787

Zhang, M. J., Liu, B., Xia, W., Sun, Z.-Y., & Lu, K.-H. (2009). Could cells from menstrual blood be a new source for cell-based therapies? Medical Hypotheses, 72(3), 252–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2008.10.021

Zhao, Y., Chen, X., Wu, Y., Wang, Y., Li, Y., & Xiang, C. (2018). Transplantation of Human Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Pathology in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice. Frontiers in molecular neuroscience, 11, 140. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2018.00140

How Do Periods Impact Athletes?

By: Madeline Riske // January 2026

Does the menstrual cycle impact athletic performance? Is it normal for a menstruating athlete to lose their period? What do professional athletes have to say about menstruating while competing? 

Menstruation in sports is a topic that is not always talked about publicly but is often discussed by menstruating athletes, and that has only recently started to be studied. One such study published in Sports Medicine found that elite athletes’ attention and inhibition scores were more than 120 milliseconds faster, and their simple reaction time was 80 milliseconds faster at ovulation than the luteal phase of their cycle. Interestingly, by contrast, inactive participants in the study had reaction times on average about 70 milliseconds slower and made about three times as many impulsive errors, regardless of cycle phase. But, when comparing this study to other research about athletic performance during menstruation, Mayo Clinic gynecologist Dr. Petra Casey notes that, “There’s no consensus. Nobody knows. Nobody can agree. There are just as many studies that say that performance does not vary throughout the menstrual cycle as there are studies that say it does.” Stephanie Hilborne, the chief executive of Women in Sport notes that, “While it is fascinating to understand the tiny cognitive supercharging that happens the day of ovulation, the most interesting conclusion is around the cognitive benefits of being active.” Therefore, the takeaway from this study was ultimately the important health benefits of incorporating recreational physical activity into our lives. 

An article from the Boston Children’s Hospital suggests that it is important to remember that “most normal, healthy cycles don’t get in the way of competing, even at a high level. Some evidence even suggests that exercising during menstruation can soothe cramps and PMS symptoms.” Menstruation research in sports, then, is less interested in the variability during different parts of a menstruating athlete’s cycles and more interested in understanding menstrual health holistically. 

A commonly held idea is that it is normal for menstruating athletes to lose their period because of their constant physical activity. Some athletes, especially those participating in sports that emphasize leanness, may think that getting to a state at which they are not having periods, called amenorrhea, will help their performance. But, “In fact, amenorrhea can be a sign of relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), a syndrome of poor health and declining athletic performance that happens when athletes do not get enough fuel through food to support the energy demands of their daily lives and training.” Athletes’ menstrual cycle is closely related to their bone mineral density. Healthy levels of estrogen can help with bone growth and prevent bone deterioration. “When athletes don’t have enough energy for their body’s normal functions because of over-training or lack of proper nutrition, their hormones can become disrupted, which can ultimately harm their bone and reproductive health.” This can increase the risk of stress fractures, which an amenorrheic athlete is two-to-four-more-times at risk for than an athlete who gets regular periods. Debunking this myth, the reality is that amenorrhea is caused by stress, under-nutrition, and over-exercise, and is not a benefit for athletes. 

While there is still a stigma around athletes discussing menstruation, recently, female athletes have been more open in talking about the reality of competing in sports on their periods. New Zealand golfer, Lydia Ko, said of her menstrual pains and tightness at the 2022 Palos Verdes Championship, “The younger me would say it’s embarrassing, but now I don’t think it is that embarrassing to say it anymore because I’m not the only one, right?” After Beth Mead, a woman’s footballer for England and Great Britain, spoke out about the teams’ uniforms, stating that “white is not practical when it’s the time of the month,” several football squads switched to dark-colored shorts. Similarly, at Wimbledon, female tennis players were allowed to wear dark-colored undershorts for the first time in tournament history. 

Athletes like Ko and Mead speaking out about menstruation are making waves in breaking the stigma around discussing menstruation in athletics. Brazilian female wrestler, Aline Silva, is speaking out about improving gender equality in sports through her involvement with Mempodera, a wrestling organization that recently published an Instagram post to promote free access to personal hygiene products. “What chance are we giving to girls and women as they lose days of productivity every month due to their menstruations?” Silva asked. Her question feels closely related to Love for Red’s mission, as we also work to assure that every menstruator can feel clean and have dignity on their period, whether they’re attending school or playing on the field. 

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/womens-wellness-female-athletes-and-their-periods

https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-treatments/female-athletes-and-menstruation

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/oct/10/female-athletes-faster-reaction-times-day-ovulate-study

https://www.olympics.com/en/news/menstruations-elite-sport-break-taboo-improve-female-athletes-performance-period

State of the Period 2025

By: Chandana Kodavatiganti // Decemebr 2025

Why does something as ordinary as a period still make so many teens feel uncomfortable? This question sits at the center of the 2025 State of the Period report from PERIOD., which presents a picture that is both hopeful and concerning. Access to pads and tampons has expanded in schools and public spaces, reducing the day-to-day anxiety many teens once felt when trying to manage their periods. It is progress that matters, and it reflects real efforts to make menstrual products visible and accessible. Yet, even as access improves, conversations about menstrual health remain constrained. Many teens avoid discussing their experiences, and the report makes it clear that stigma has not eased alongside the increase in resources. The gap between access and comfort continues to shape how teens navigate something that should feel ordinary.

            The numbers make this hard to ignore. A total of 59% of teens report feeling personally affected by negative attitudes surrounding menstruation, which is an increase of fourteen points since 2023. Another 77% still hide their pads or tampons when walking to the bathroom, and 73% feel pressure to stay quiet about their symptoms even when they are in real discomfort. These findings do more than outline a trend. They show how silence is deeply woven into the way many young people learn to move through their day. When something as normal as a period becomes something to hide, it shapes how teens make sense of their own bodies and what they feel allowed to talk about (PERIOD.).

The report also offers insight into where teens turn when they are unsure or uncomfortable. Nearly 3 in 10 teens say they would rather ask an AI chatbot a private menstrual health question than talk to an adult at school, and 37% feel more confident using AI than using a tampon. These responses reveal something simple but important. Teens are looking for spaces that feel safe, patient, and free of judgment. AI is not a replacement for real conversations, but it shows that many young people do not always find the support they need in the places that are supposed to provide it (PERIOD.).

Creating real change around menstrual stigma begins with small, consistent shifts in how schools, families, and communities talk about it. When students receive clear and honest instruction about menstrual and reproductive health, they gain confidence. Even a simple acknowledgment from an adult on a difficult day can make the topic feel less intimidating. In classrooms that use straightforward language and allow room for questions without judgment, teens feel more comfortable sharing what they are experiencing. Supportive peers matter as well, because they help make these conversations feel normal and slowly break the long-standing silence. This reflects the work that Love for Red continues to prioritize, reminding communities that menstrual equity grows not only through consistent access to products but also through understanding, awareness, and a shared commitment to reducing this stigma!

Source(s): 

PERIOD. 2025 State of the Period Study. PERIOD, 2025. PDF file.          https://period.org/uploads/2025-State-of-the-Period-Study.pdf 

How Might Your Beverage Intake Be Affecting Your Period?

By: Jahanvi Chawla // November 2025

We often think about the beverages that we consume in terms of caffeine content, sugar intake, or how it may affect our sleep and energy levels. What we rarely consider is how those same beverages may be influencing our menstrual cycle. From cramps, bloating to mood swings, the drinks we reach for might play a bigger role in our period symptoms. 

Sugary Drinks Could Make Pain Worse

A 2024 study found that those who regularly drank soft drinks were more likely to experience primary dysmenorrhea, painful periods, without any underlying medical conditions. Excess sugar contributed to inflammation and triggered higher levels of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that cause the uterus to contract. 

 Tip: Try replacing soda with sparkling water or fruit-infused water. You’ll still get that refreshing fizz without the inflammation-triggering sugar.

Coffee Might Help, But Only in Moderation

For many, the day doesn’t start without coffee. Moderate caffeine intake might help with menstrual discomfort. The same research study found that women who drank coffee in moderation reported less severe menstrual pain. Caffeine can have mild pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help cramps after a cup or two of coffee. 

While this is the case, too much caffeine can tighten blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the uterus and worsening cramps. It can also mess with sleep and increase anxiety leading to amplified PMS symptoms. 

 Tip: If you suspect caffeine makes your cramps or mood swings worse, try scaling back slowly. Swapping one cup of coffee for green tea.

Alcohol and Your Cycle

A little bit of alcohol here and there might seem harmless, but alcohol can interfere with menstrual hormones. The American Journal of Epidemiology found that alcohol can affect estrogen and progesterone levels. Regular or heavy drinking can lead to cycle irregularities, heavy bleeding, and intense PMS symptoms. Additionally, drinking can lead to dehydration, making cramps for painful and increasing bloating. 

 Tip: If you enjoy an occasional drink, try limiting alcohol in the days leading up to your period. Mocktails, sparkling juices, or kombucha make great substitutes that help you stay social without the side effects.

Hydration and Herbal Teas Can Calm Cramps Naturally

Staying hydrated can make a big difference when it comes to cramps. Women who increased their water intake to around two liters per day experienced less pain during their periods. Dehydration can cause uterine muscles to tighten and blood vessels to constrict, leading to worse cramps. 

Herbal teas are another natural tool to ease menstrual discomfort. Some of the best options include:

• Chamomile: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can help relax uterine muscles and reduce pain. Additionally, it can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
• Peppermint: Peppermint can relieve bloating and abdominal tension, providing a soothing effect when cramps are present. 
• Raspberry Leaf Tea: Traditionally used to strengthen uterine muscles and ease menstrual flow, it may help with experiencing less cramping. 

Steering clear of herbal blends that contain higher levels of caffeine, such as black or green teas, is recommended to prevent painful cramps. 

Tip: Make herbal tea part of a daily hydration routine a few days before and during your period. Combining water with 2–3 cups of gentle herbal tea daily can help ease cramps, reduce bloating, and support overall menstrual comfort.

Bottom Line

Beverage habits influence menstrual cycles more than one may realize. Cutting back on sugary sodas, staying hydrated, moderating caffeine, and limiting alcohol can all make a noticeable difference in how your body feels before and during your period. 

Wang, L., Wen, S., Li, X. et al. Associations between soft drinks intake and primary dysmenorrhea among Chinese undergraduate female students Scientific Reports, 2024.

Carroll, H.A. et al. Alcohol consumption and its effects on female reproductive health. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2016. Available at [PubMed Central (PMC4859868)].

Torkan, B. et al. The effect of hydration on menstrual pain among female students. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2014.

GoodRx Health. (2024, August 8). Best Teas for Period Cramps: Raspberry, Ginger, and More. 

Menstrual Blood: “The Most Overlooked Opportunity in Medical Research”

By: Madeline Riske // October 2025

Dr. Sara Naseri calls period blood “the most overlooked opportunity in medical research” in Mother Jones’ Editor Maddie Oatman’s report on why menstrual an undervalued asset for science and medicine is.

Now, when you first read that statement, how did you feel? Can I guess that you might have cringed slightly at that statement or felt some sense of discomfort? Your possible negative reaction most likely comes from historically held beliefs that have prevented the potential investigation of menstrual blood’s use in science. Oatman notes that every major religion reference menstruation as “impure” and, even in our modern world, there is a stigma attached to talking about periods. Oatman spoke with researcher and Co-founder of Qvin, Dr. Sara Naseri, who said that, when she began looking at the clinical potential of menstrual blood, a colleague studying feces told her that what she was doing was “disgusting.” Yet, researchers are pushing back against this continued stigma to explore the medical possibilities of period blood.

You might be wondering, how could menstrual blood aid the practice of medicine? According to a BMC article, “Human menstrual blood: a renewable and sustainable source of stem cells for regenerative medicine,” stem cells (SCs) play an integral role in medical treatments that use cells or tissues derived from patient’s own body or from a healthy donor. Menstrual blood has been found to be a valuable source of SCs, respectively referred to as menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs). The article finds that the practical advantages of using MenSCs include lower costs, non-invasive retrieval from the body, and the absence of ethical concerns. In the clinical trials of MenSCs, there were favorable outcomes in the reproductive, digestive, cardiovascular, nervous, Musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems. MenSCs provide therapeutic benefits in more ways than just their ability to mature into different cell types; they fight inflammation, stimulate the body’s repair processes, and merge with damaged cells to promote regeneration.

While more studies are still required to see if there are any further systems where MenSCs could be helpful, some of this research is already being put into practice at startups like Qvin that are using period blood for medical research. As Oatman explains, Qvin created the Q-Pad, an innovated new pad that collects menstrual blood to be tested for different biomarkers or signals of disease. The Q-Pad functions like a normal menstrual pad, but inside the pad, there is a small paper strip which the user ships to Qvin’s labs. In the lab, the blood is then dried and analyzed to help diagnose a few types of diabetes. Oatman shares, “So far, they only have FDA clearance on the blood glucose test, but they say that they’re going to be able to use this pad and this test to screen for HPV, which is responsible for 95% of cervical cancers.” Currently, menstruators are tested for cervical cancer through pap smears but being able to collect that fluid passively could offer a promising alternative.

Oatman is hopeful that future research will enable menstrual blood to be used to test for fertility hormones and endometriosis. At Love for Red, we are equally encouraged to see continued efforts to break the stigma surrounding periods, paving the way for greater access to medical care and opportunities.

Sources:

https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-018-1067-y

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/26/nx-s1-5084904/long-overlooked-menstrual-blood-is-a-treasure-trove-for-science

Love For Red Timeline: A Look Back Through the Last Five Years

By: Madeline Riske // June 2025

This June, Love For Red is celebrating its five-year anniversary. To mark this milestone, we hosted a party celebrating our fight against period poverty in Iowa, and we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of the highlights from our journey. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished since our founding in 2020:

2025

Highlights: 58 donees added, 122 total donees

87,737 products donated so far in 2025, cumulative total of 201,896 products donated till date!

January: We hosted the 2025 Day on the Hill at the Iowa Capitol, advocating for menstrual product accessibility in schools.

March: As a direct result of our advocacy, HF 543 passed in the Iowa House Education subcommittee and full education committee with unanimous bipartisan support, requiring schools to provide menstrual products in bathrooms. Our founder, student ambassadors, and leadership testified at the public hearing.

May: HF 883, the succesor of HF 543, passed the Iowa House Appropriations subcommittee with unanimous bipartisan support. This bill requires school boards to ensure that feminine hygiene products can be accessed by female students without cost in the women’s restrooms in school buildings in the districts where students in grades 6-12 are educated.

2024

Highlights: 31 donees added, 64 total donees

62,437 products donated in 2024, cumulative total of 114,159 products donated

January: Our founder was named a Des Moines Register “People to Watch in 2024”
We established our Board of Advisors and had our first advisory board meeting

February: We hosted the 2024 Day on the Hill at the Iowa Capitol, advocating for menstrual product accessibility in schools

May: We won a pallet of $1000 worth of period products (again!) from the National Foundation for Women Legislators.

2023

Highlights: 16 donees added, 33 total donees

28,298 products donated in 2023, cumulative total of 51,722 products donated

February: We hosted our first Day on the Hill event at the Iowa State Capitol, advocating for free period product access.
Our founder was featured in Iowa Department of Human Rights’ “People You Should Know” video series.

April: We hosted our first Iowa City Event: Let’s Talk Period Poverty.

June: We had our first community booth at a festival!

August: We established our Student Ambassador program with 9 ambassadors. In current day (2025), we now have over 24 ambassadors!
We published our first Tiktok video.

October: Our founder was featured on the Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa Series.
We launched our first organization newsletter!

December: We established our Leadership Team and had our first leadership meeting.

2022

Highlights: 3 donees added, 17 total donees

11,474 products donated in 2022, cumulative total of 23,424 products donated

February: Love For Red became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

May: We had our first public presentation at a local event: the APEX Spring Showcase.

June: We celebrated the state of Iowa eliminating the tampon tax.

July: We held our first members/supporters meeting.

August: We made our first presentation to a Public School Board for the Waukee School Board and hosted our first community outreach event.

December: We began operations in Iowa City.

2021

Highlights: 8 donees added , 14 total donees

8,670 products donated in 2021, cumulative total of 11,950 products donated

February: Our founder was Featured on Axios.
We made our first school donation, donating 480 products to Waukee High School.

July: We reached a milestone of 10,000+ menstrual products donated in just over one year! That’s equivalent to over 500 periods aided.

November: Our founder was featured in Fabulous Iowa.

2020

Highlights: 6 donees

3,280 products donated in 2020 to 7 shelters

June: We made our first-ever product donation (800+ pads and tampons)

August: We hosted our first fundraiser

Thank you to every person who has been part of Love For Red’s journey over the past five years. To our volunteers, donors, student ambassadors, and every supporter who has advocated for us in the fight against period poverty: we are endlessly grateful. This community’s passion and dedication have brought us to where we are today, and we can’t wait to see what milestones the next five years hold!

The History of Period Products 

By: Mihika Iyer // April 2025

It is well known that period products have a long history—starting from ancient times to the regular pads and tampons we have today. The earliest documented period product starts in Egypt, where they used material such as papyrus, wool, and other adsorbents to hold menstruation discharge. In many other undocumented groups, the idea of ‘free-bleeding’ was highly prevalent, where women had certain garments or clothes they would wear, celebrating a natural occurrence. 

The stigma around periods only grew wandering into the middle ages, all the way to the 19th century. Period products were still not prevalent, women used rags and cloths in order to absorb the blood—and it was a highly taboo topic. Many would keep it a secret, many would not talk about it at all. It was extremely stigmatized and was an unspoken natural occurrence in almost every household. 

In the late 19th century is when period products started to become prevalent. Lister’s towels were the first, commercially produced period product to be widely used in the US—introduced by Johnson & Johnson. This allowed women to have a hygienic alternative to the homemade rags and cloths. The pads were made out of cotton and gauze, sewed up with stretchy rubber, enabling easier movement. They also were composed of a belt system to hold the pad up to the waist—preventing it from slipping down. However, Lister’s towels had its fallbacks. First, it was not accessible to all women because of the stigma around the topic. Second, it was not as absorbent as it needed to be—the gauze did not absorb as much as it should have. 

However, during World War I, they discovered that a different material—cellucotton—absorbed blood much better than regular gauze and cotton. They discovered this by dressing the wounds of World War I soldiers. The cellucotton would absorb the blood much faster and more effectively than cotton. They then transferred this to menstrual pads—which led to the Kotex brand—a much more effective and hygienic pad. 

In the 1930s, the invention of the tampon began to be manufactured—Tampax being the primary manufacturer in the US. It was targeted towards women who were more active and mobile—marketing on these factors. 

Things like adhesive strips and better wearing options were manufactured in the next 50-60 years, but no major changes happened until the 1990s-2000s. It was the birth of menstrual cups and different types of pads to accommodate those with heavier or lighter flow. The stigma around periods also significantly reduced since the 1930s—accommodating more women and more body types with different materials of pads—cotton, cellucotton, etc. 

Today, movements against period poverty and period stigma have grown and accommodations for all women have increased significantly. Technology is also used today to measure skin types, period cycles, and period health. Today, we have tampons, pads, menstruation cups, and many other options for period hygiene. 

However, despite these advancements, periods still remain one of the most taboo topics of the modern world—many women still do not have proper access to products and hygienic care. This is an ongoing issue and has been going on for many years—but organizations such as Love for Red are actively working against it. 

The history of period products is a long and interesting journey—period products have significantly improved over the years in both hygienics and engineering. We continue to advance as a society everyday to improve period life for all of those who mensturate. 

Sources:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-history/2023/05/25he-word-milestone-menstruation-collection-chronicles-womens-health

https://www.history.com/articles/world-war-i-inventions-pilates-drones-kleenex?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminine_hygiene?

https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/the-history-of-period-products/

March 2025 Period Policy Updates 

By: Chandana Kodavatiganti // March 2025

Menstrual equity has been a growing topic of discussion across the United States, and this month, several states have taken significant steps in updating their period policies. From repealing existing requirements to securing funding and addressing the tampon tax, these legislative changes reflect the evolving conversation around access to menstrual hygiene products. 

In Iowa, the movement toward menstrual equity has gained momentum with the introduction of HF 543 and HF 883—two versions of the same bill aimed at providing menstrual products in public school restrooms. HF 883 is currently under appropriations review, and if passed, both bills would require schools serving grades 6-12 to provide tampons and sanitary napkins at no cost to students. To support this initiative, the Iowa Department of Education would allocate state reimbursements from 2025 to 2028, helping to ease the financial burden on schools while ensuring continued access to these essential products. This progress is the result of years of tireless advocacy. Over the past four years, Love For Red has played a pivotal role in advocating for menstrual equity in Iowa—working directly with lawmakers, organizing Advocacy Day at the Capitol, and mobilizing community support through emails, events, and meetings. These efforts have helped shape the conversation and push these bills forward. 

New Hampshire has taken a different approach with House Bill 415, which repeals the requirement for schools to provide menstrual products in restrooms. By removing this legal obligation, the bill gives schools more flexibility in deciding how to offer these products. While this change could improve accessibility by removing previous restrictions, its full impact remains uncertain and will depend on how individual schools and districts implement it.

Meanwhile, Georgia is focusing on increasing funding for menstrual products in schools. The state’s latest budget includes an additional $50,000 for the Georgia Department of Public Health and $150,000 for the Georgia Department of Education. This funding represents a significant step toward ensuring that menstrual products are readily available to students, reinforcing that these products are essential, not optional.

Beyond school policies, several states are working to reduce the financial burden of menstrual products by introducing bills to eliminate the sales tax on these items. Indiana’s SB173, Missouri’s SB95, Tennessee’s SB1205, and West Virginia’s HB2122 all seek to remove the so-called “tampon tax”—a sales tax applied to menstrual products. Despite the name, the tampon tax affects all period products, which are often unjustly classified as non-essential or luxury items. By removing this tax, these bills recognize that menstrual health is a basic necessity, not a luxury, making these products more affordable, particularly for low-income individuals.

As these legislative updates continue to take shape, Love For Red remains dedicated to advancing menstrual equity and guaranteeing all students have access to the products they need. Access to menstrual products is a right, not a privilege, and we will continue to work toward a future where every student has the resources they deserve!

Sources: 

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF%20543

https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/period-legislation/

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/173/details

Addressing Period Stigma 

By: Madeline Riske // February 2025

In an age of rapid information sharing and growing openness about our bodies, does period stigma still hinder menstruators from accessing products and having crucial conversations about their health? We created an anonymous survey to find out. Half of our respondents had an undergraduate education or higher, 24% were in high school, and 18% in middle school. A majority of responders came from urban areas, with 24% in more rural areas. 

Period stigma is defined as the feeling of shame and hesitation to discuss periods. According to Kotex, “too often, when we do dare to have conversations about menstruation, they center on disgust, discomfort or inconvenience. These perceptions can lead people to wrongly believe that periods are somehow abnormal or problematic, rather than a mark of health and wellness.” This sentiment is reflected in our survey’s responses; respondents report that having a period makes them feel ‘less than.’ “When I was menstruating, it was communicated at that time that there were things you either couldn’t or shouldn’t do,” such as sports or social events. Another respondent stated, “when I was younger, I was self-conscious about [my period] and would hate having it during school. I would hide products so that boys wouldn’t see them, and I would be scared to open packaging in the bathroom.” As they grew older, many respondents reported feeling more comfortable discussing menstruation and using period supplies. However, period stigma continues to significantly affect younger menstruators, often making them feel ashamed to talk about natural bodily functions and fearful to ask for the products they need.

Looking at our survey’s chart depicting the comfort levels menstruators feel when discussing their periods, a majority of respondents feel fairly comfortable talking about their periods. The reality is that many menstruators have no choice but to talk about their periods when they significantly impact their daily lives. One respondent said, “I have always had really heavy and painful periods and by the time I turned 15 I needed to see a doctor about it, so it wasn’t really an option for me not to talk to anyone because I had to have my mom schedule the appointment and take me to the OBGYN.” Yet, despite this necessity, there is still a hesitancy to discuss periods with certain people:

About 80% of those surveyed feel comfortable talking to family and friends about their period, but only 42% feel comfortable talking with peers or classmates, compared with the 18% who feel comfortable discussing their period with a teacher. As one respondent explained, “I am comfortable talking about my period but I am aware that others may be uncomfortable so that is the only thing that stops me from being as open. If I see that others are as comfortable as I am, I am an open book about anything and everything.” This pattern of a response from menstruators raises an essential question: if students are being forced to navigate this balance between personal comfort and social dynamics surrounding periods, is this stigma preventing people from getting access to the products at school that they need?

Half of surveyors stated that period stigma has in fact prevented them from getting access to products: “I never felt comfortable talking to other people when I needed products so I would just use whatever I could find until I could go home.” Period stigma can lead to avoidance and improvised solutions instead of requesting necessary supplies, despite the fact that menstruation is a completely normal and healthy bodily function. As one respondent put it, menstruators should not be embarrassed because “buying pads and tampons are no different from buying bandaids.” There is a definite sense of support and pride between menstruators, “I love knowing that I get my period regularly and it’s a sign that my body is performing the way it should. I buy period products regularly for myself and for others.” However, change can be made by how non-menstruators and influential figures—such as teachers—create a safe and supportive environment for students’ personal safety and hygiene.

If over half of those surveyed have felt judged because of their period, how can this issue be addressed? How can a natural bodily function become socially normalized? According to the survey, 73% of respondents believe periods should be discussed in classrooms, while 63% think incorporating conversations about menstruation into everyday life—through discussions, advocacy, and media like posters and blogs—could help break the stigma. Respondents emphasized the need to debunk harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, such as:

• That Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)  is not real or that it just makes girls crazy and emotional
• That it’s gross
• That your cycle is just the time of your actual period, when it lasts all month
• That they fully dictate your mood and control you

The issue of period stigma is best addressed by listening to those affected and understanding how institutions like governments and schools can support them in accessing both essential products and open discussions about menstrual health. Respondents suggested that schools can assist their menstruating students by “talking about [periods] as a normal human process and not as something that is gross or shameful” and “providing free period products in all bathrooms, not just women’s.” The overarching goal of breaking the stigma surrounding periods can be achieved by normalizing conversations about menstruation and addressing the needs of students. 

Love For Red’s mission is to ignite and sustain conversations about menstruation and personal health. Our survey reveals that while menstruators are open to discussing their bodies, they need supportive environments and people to uplift them in this natural process. We hope that our efforts to provide Iowa schools with period products also inspire these schools to foster open and informed discussions. Our goal is for the desire of menstruators to address period stigma to extend beyond this survey and be reflected in all the spaces they engage with.

Sources:

https://www.ubykotex.com/en-us/resources/period-stigma/what-is-period-stigma

Survey sent out by Love For Red