How many men out there get periods?
Oh! wait—none. I know. 🙂
But what about men ending period myths and truly understanding what women go through every single month?
Wondering about this? That’s totally okay—you’re not alone. The truth is, no one really taught us about periods —
- Not our families.
- Not our schools.
- Not even our textbooks.
Men Ending Period Myths: Breaking the Silence in India
Why do you think periods are often seen as taboo in India?
Periods are seen as “not to be talked about.”
They are something to hide.
And often, something to feel embarrassed about.
Let me share the real truth—
Treating periods as a taboo causes real pain. When men don’t understand periods, women are left to suffer in silence.
We bleed.
It hurts — more than words can explain. The cramps, the exhaustion, the wave of emotions crashing all at once. We cry, curl up, and feel broken. But somehow, we still rise. We still show up, even when all we want is to disappear.
Every. Single. Month.
And yet, the world tells us to stay quiet — to push through, smile, and hide the pain like it’s nothing.
Why?
Who taught us to be so disconnected from our bodies? It’s a question worth asking. However, today, we are changing that.
Let’s break the silence around periods.
Let’s speak—openly, honestly, and without shame.
And most importantly, let’s raise boys who understand, and girls who feel safe and respected.
But equally important— we must understand that during periods, our body needs self-love too:
Rest, not resistance.
Compassion, not shame.
Love, not judgment.
Before we explore why self-love during periods matters, it’s time for a positive change.
Breaking Period Myths: What Every Man Should Know
Many men were never taught about menstruation — so how can they truly support women if they haven’t had the chance to understand what periods really are?
At home, we aren’t allowed to dry cloth pads in the sun, and no one talks about periods when men are around.
So, when I got my first period, I had no idea what was happening.
I was in seventh grade.
On a school van.
And suddenly, there was blood on the seat beneath me.
I was terrified.
When I reached school, the principal handed me a cloth.
No explanation. No comfort. Just a cloth.
Even now, we still hide sanitary pads in black covers, as if periods are something to be ashamed of.
Periods are as natural as breathing—but they’re still surrounded by stigma. That’s why men need to learn, understand, and show empathy. When women feel supported during this time, practicing self-love becomes a powerful tool. It helps us:
- Fight stigma
- Educate others
- Pave the way for the next generation to speak openly about menstrual health.
If you’re wondering what self-love really means, this post on self-love explains it beautifully.
The Role of Men in Normalizing Menstruation
In Mirzapur, 45-year-old Basant Lal attended a training organized by UNICEF and stood up to break this taboo.
Read his full story here → Men break taboos and lead conversations around menstruation | UNICEF South Asia
But he’s not the only one.
Additionally, there’s someone known as the “Period Man” of Pune, who’s been changing the way people talk about menstruation in India.
Watch this short video to learn about his journey:
And yes, he also gave a TEDx talk — one that every man should watch.
Watch his TEDx Talk → “Men need to talk about menstruation” | Pravin Nikam | TEDxDumas
If they can, then why can’t we?
Imagine This...
If, in schools and workplaces, discussions about menstruation became as normal as any other conversation, no girl would have to give up on school.
A recent study in India found that 29.2% of adolescent girls missed school during menstruation, primarily due to dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and concerns about menstrual hygiene management.
Let’s speak openly about periods, educate our friends, family members, and even coworkers, and normalize periods once and for all.
Let’s Begin With…
- Families: Parents — especially fathers — should start having conversations with their daughters, ensuring that girls aren’t embarrassed or ashamed.
- Men: It’s time to step up. Listen to the women in your lives, understand their pain, and learn about the emotional and physical challenges of menstruation.
- Schools: Schools must teach both boys and girls about periods openly and without shame. Excluding boys only adds to women’s suffering by blocking empathy and understanding.
Awareness ends shame.
Men need period education just as much as women do.
Now, let’s talk about periods — to teach men what periods are.
Because breaking the silence is how we heal and grow — together.
Men Ending Period Myths: What Are Periods, Really?
I wish someone had explained this to me when I was younger — and to the men in my life.
Men, if this feels new, that’s okay. You’re not alone.
Watch this eye-opening video by The Quint:
“Moksha”, “Anti-Depressant” & Other Weird Ideas Men Have About Menstruation
It’s shocking, awkward, and real. But this is the kind of honesty we need if we’re serious about ending period myths — especially for the men in our lives.
Learning about periods doesn’t make you less masculine — it makes you more human. It makes you a better ally — and that’s exactly what we need when we’re on our periods.
What Actually Happens During a Period?
A menstrual period is part of the natural reproductive cycle in women with a uterus.
Every month, the body prepares for pregnancy. If that doesn’t happen, it sheds the uterine lining, which flows out as blood.
Want to understand what really happens during menstruation?
Watch this short, powerful video: How Menstruation Works – by Emma Bryce
The Cycle: A Monthly Rollercoaster
| Average Cycle Length | 28 days (varies: 21–35) |
|---|---|
| Period Duration | 2–7 days |
| Blood Loss | 30–80 ml (2–6 tbsp) |
| Hormones Involved | Estrogen, Progesterone |
These hormone shifts affect mood, sleep, appetite, energy, and even confidence.
Understanding Periods: Different for Every Girl
Not every girl or woman experiences periods the same way.
Some feel okay and carry on with their day as usual.
Others may feel drained, have stomach pain, bloating, or mood swings.
These emotional and physical changes could be part of:
- PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
- A common set of symptoms that show up before the period starts
- Can include fatigue, irritability, food cravings, and mood swings
- PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)
- A more intense and serious form of PMS
- Brings strong mood changes, anxiety, or even depression
- Can interfere with daily life and emotional well-being
Source: Cleveland Clinic – PMS and PMDD
To understand better, let’s explore what these symptoms actually feel like — both physically and emotionally.
Women are often told to “just deal with it” — but recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward self-care and support.
From Silence to Support: Men Taking Action on Menstrual Myths
Before supporting women, boys, and men must unlearn the shame they’ve been taught.
We don’t need saviors — we need safe spaces and kindness.
Here’s how you can help:
- Say: “I’m here for you. You’re not alone.”
- Ask: “How can I support you today?”
- Be patient with mood swings — they’re real.
- Offer warmth and non-judgment.
- Don’t hesitate to buy sanitary pads — it’s normal, thoughtful, and appreciated.
Men Ending Period Myths: Unlearning 7 Harmful Beliefs
Unfortunately, these false beliefs, passed down through generations, do more harm than good.
They make women feel ashamed, restricted, and unsafe.
Inspired by UNICEF: Breaking Period Myths
🌸 Myths vs Facts 🌸
Myth 1: Girls are impure during their periods and should not cook or enter sacred places.
Fact 1: Periods are a natural biological process. They do not make anyone impure. No one should be excluded from daily or religious activities because of menstruation.
**********
Myth 2: Girls shouldn’t touch plants during their periods — it can harm or kill the plants.
Fact 2: This is a superstition. Plants thrive based on sunlight, water, and care — not who touches them.
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Myth 3: Women must avoid curd, tamarind, and pickles during periods as they can disturb the menstrual flow.
Fact 3: There is no scientific evidence supporting this. A balanced diet, including curd or tamarind, is completely safe during menstruation.
**********
Myth 4: Sanitary pads must be hidden in a bag while purchasing.
Fact 4: Menstrual hygiene products are just like soap or toothpaste — there’s nothing shameful about buying them openly.
**********
Myth 5: Girls should never talk about periods in public.
Fact 5: Open conversations about menstruation are essential to breaking the stigma and promoting menstrual health awareness.
**********
Myth 6: Girls should sleep separately from their family during menstruation.
Fact 6: Menstruation is not contagious. There’s no reason for anyone to sleep apart because of their period.
**********
Myth 7: Physical activity should be completely avoided during periods.
Fact 7: Light exercise, yoga, or movement can actually help relieve cramps and improve mood during menstruation.
These myths aren’t harmless — they hold back girls from going to school, moving freely, and feeling safe in their own bodies.
How Lifestyle Choices Affect Period Health
Ever noticed your periods feel more intense as you get older? Science shows lifestyle plays a huge role in how we experience our menstrual cycles.
Night Shifts
I never had cramps—until I started working night shifts. After two months, my body was exhausted — sleepless nights, whole-body pain, headaches, backaches, abdominal cramps.
I couldn’t function. And it didn’t stop after a day — it lasted for three days straight.
That day, I made a decision: No more working past 10 PM. Now, I only experience those symptoms for a day or two.
Even my nutritionist, who’s helping me with my weight gain journey, suggested I sleep by 10:00 p.m. to support my health. She warned: “Lack of sleep doesn’t just make you tired — over time, it breaks your body down.”
Scientific evidence suggests that working irregular hours, especially night shifts can lead to more painful and unpredictable periods.
Source: PMC Study – Circadian Rhythm and Menstrual Disorders
Stress
Stress releases cortisol — a hormone that disrupts the balance of reproductive hormones. I know this personally. Work stress makes my next period worse. Every. Single. Time.
Scientific research shows that high stress levels worsen PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps.
Source: Clue – Stress and Your Period
Poor Sleep
Sleep deprivation directly increases period pain and PMS symptoms.
These days, we don’t get proper sleep. However, the truth is that consistent lack of sleep — often glamorized on social media — can seriously disrupt your hormonal balance.
Studies show that poor sleep is linked to more severe menstrual issues.
Source: BMC Women’s Health – Sleep and Menstrual Health
Eating Processed Food
Processed foods high in sugar or salt can increase inflammation, worsening bloating and cramps.
I’ve never had processed food — thanks to my parents, we always had home-cooked meals. I focus on nourishing foods like bananas, which ease my symptoms and feel like self-love.
By the way, don’t feel bad about your food choices. We always have the power to make a healthier shift.
Trusted sources on nutrition and menstruation include:
About Those Advertisements…
Have you noticed how in most ads, women are shown playing tennis, doing gymnastics, or smiling ear to ear during their periods?
These ads push a false image — the girl smiling, running, working like nothing’s happening.
And the message?
“If she can get up and do everything, why can’t you?”
That’s how shame, silence, and stigma are created — not truth, not empathy.
But the reality is, periods can be painful and draining — and that’s perfectly natural.
Remember, we all have different bodies even though they look the same.
Some women can function during their periods. Others can barely move.
Both are okay.
Self-love is not about comparison — it’s about compassion.
Let’s learn how to be loving and kind to ourselves during periods.
Self-Love During Periods: The Emotional Shift
Earlier, when I used to have my periods, I would get angry — really angry. I would throw things, cry, scream, and feel betrayed by God.
“Why would you punish women with this monthly pain?” I would ask.
I used to say, “I wish I were a boy.” And some days, I didn’t even want to talk to myself:
“Sarbjeet, I don’t want to talk to you today.”
But over time, something shifted inside me.
Now, instead of anger, I feel a quiet acceptance.
I still feel the cramps, I still struggle to sit, stand, or even lie down some days, but I now understand:
My body needs self-love during periods, not judgment.
My Self-Love Toolkit for Period Days
What helps me doesn’t mean it will help you. You can take this as a reference, keep practicing, and do what suits you.
Here’s how I personally practice self-love during periods:
Rest Without Guilt
Let me be honest — I don’t always know what to do on my first day of periods. When I sit, I want to stand; when I stand, I want to lie down. Sometimes, it’s even hard to sleep.
I watch some movies to distract my mind at night and sleep in the morning. However, I tell myself to sleep by 9:00 PM.
Take a Day Off
I take a day off whenever I am unable to work, and I am grateful to my managers and colleagues who understand the pain of periods.
Move Kindly
On my first day, I don’t feel like doing any body movements. But if my body allows, I go for a gentle walk.
Eat Soul Food
I follow my usual routine — a fruit smoothie or oats in the morning, and home-cooked lunch and dinner.
But while researching for this blog, I discovered something interesting about one of my regulars: bananas.
They’re not just nutritious — they’re also rich in potassium and magnesium, which help reduce cramps and ease other period-related symptoms.
Speak Love
In those tender moments, I turn to soft affirmations.
Whispering gently, I remind myself: “You’re feeling this today, and that’s completely okay. I’m here for you, my love. I’ll always love you.”
Soothe the Pain
During my periods, I often tie a warm towel around my back and abdomen to ease the cramps. Recently, I’ve started drinking herbal teas—my nutritionist recommended chamomile tea or adding a spoonful of desi ghee to warm milk, both of which feel comforting.
There’s also some interesting research suggesting that dark chocolate (I’m trying raw cocoa powder to see how it helps me), coconut water, and even ibuprofen can effectively manage period cramps. If you want to explore the science behind this, here’s a helpful article: Comparative Efficacy of Dark Chocolate, Coconut Water, and Ibuprofen in Managing Primary Dysmenorrhea
Period Hygiene: A Gentle Act of Self-Love
Taking care of your hygiene during periods is just as important as food or personal hygiene. Your body is doing something natural and powerful — it deserves care, not shame.
Menstrual hygiene is not just about staying clean. It’s an act of self-love — listening to your body and being kind to yourself.
Health bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and India’s National Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) remind us that simple habits can protect our health and dignity during this time.
Change Your Pads or Tampons Regularly
Change your pad, tampon, or menstrual cup every 4 to 6 hours (or sooner if needed).
According to the CDC, this reduces the risk of irritation, odor, and infections like bacterial vaginosis or toxic shock syndrome (TSS) — rare, but serious conditions linked to prolonged use of internal products.
Wash Gently and Avoid Harsh Products
Use only warm water and mild, unscented soap on the outside. Avoid douching or harsh products. Your body knows how to clean itself from the inside — trust it.
Choose Breathable Cotton Underwear
Cotton underwear is your best friend. It allows airflow and keeps you comfortable.
Change your underwear daily (or more often if needed) to avoid bacterial buildup and maintain freshness — a practice supported by hygiene standards in both global and national health guidelines.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
Always wash your hands before and after changing your pad, tampon, or cup.
It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect your body from germs — a recommendation strongly emphasized by the CDC to prevent infections.
Dispose of Products Responsibly
Wrap used pads or tampons in paper and place them in a bin — never flush them.
If you’re using reusable products like cloth pads or menstrual cups, wash them thoroughly with hot water and dry them completely before reuse.
According to India’s national MHM guidelines, safe disposal is key to personal health and environmental care.
You don’t need to be perfect — just gentle, aware, and kind. Taking care of yourself is not a task — it’s a small, sacred act of self-love. 💖
Science-Backed Ways to Ease Period Pain
- Heat therapy: Heating pads reduce menstrual cramps significantly, improving comfort and reducing pain over time.
- Exercise gently: Light stretching and yoga improve mood and reduce period pain. (Please listen to your body. If it allows then only do yoga, else don’t.)
- Magnesium intake: According to NIH, Magnesium rich foods like nuts, spinach, and bananas may ease period cramps. For more details, check their Magnesium Fact Sheet.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water reduces bloating and pain.
- Mindfulness meditation: Helps reduce period-related emotional distress, according to research published in PubMed Central.
- Pain relief: Ibuprofen is effective if recommended by a doctor — listen to your body.
And remember: Self-love during periods also means seeking medical help when needed — you don’t have to suffer silently.
Period Tracking Apps That Make Self-Love During Periods Easy
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle for Better Self-Care
Tracking your cycle is an essential form of self-care. Period tracking apps increase your awareness of your body’s needs and changes, helping you embrace each phase with greater compassion and confidence.
Top Period Tracking Apps to Support Your Self-Love Journey
Here are some of the best period tracking apps that make managing your menstrual health easier and empower you to practice self-love during your cycle:
- Clue – Period Tracker (Download)
Clue offers a science-backed, data-driven approach to track menstrual cycles and gain insights into reproductive health. - Flo Period Tracker (Download)
Flo combines personalized health insights with community support to empower users in managing their menstrual and overall wellness. - Ovia Health App (Download)
Ovia Health specializes in detailed fertility and conception planning, ideal for those trying to conceive. - My Calendar (Download)
I personally use and love this app. My Calendar provides a simple, customizable tracking experience, perfect for beginners monitoring their periods.
Why Track Your Period?
By tracking your period, you can anticipate emotional shifts, cramps, and cravings, empowering you to love and support yourself more deeply through each phase.
| App name | Key functionality | Notable features | Scale/reach highlight | Evidence/privacy note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clue | Science-based menstrual and reproductive health app, supporting period tracking, trying to conceive, pregnancy, and perimenopause. |
|
100M+ downloads, 10M+ users globally. |
|
| Ovia Health | Digital health companion for the full spectrum of women’s and family health, from preventive care through menopause. |
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18M+ family journeys served across 200+ countries. |
|
| Period Calendar | Tracks periods, cycles, and ovulation; assists with conception and birth control. Personal period diary. |
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Trusted by 300M Android users, 1 billion+ downloads. |
|
| Flo | The world’s #1 women’s health app for tracking periods, ovulation, and pregnancy. Fertility and pregnancy week-by-week insights. |
|
420M+ downloads, 67M monthly users worldwide. |
|
💡 Note: There are many other top-rated period tracking apps available, such as Clue, Flo, and Ovia. Feel free to explore more options on the Google Play Store to find the one that suits you best.
A Personal Note on Self-Love and Periods
I started writing this blog last month on the first day of my period. I’ve been wanting to share these thoughts for a while — especially around men ending period myths and what those days actually feel like. But I chose to listen to my body first and took rest.
That morning felt different. I didn’t eat until 10 AM. I skipped my usual routine. And I didn’t force myself to do more.
It’s about slowing down.
Honoring your needs.
Being gentle with yourself.
It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to ask for help — from your brother, your husband, or your coworker. You deserve support.
Support also looks like men ending period myths by simply listening and being present without judgment.
🌸 Girls aren’t afraid of bleeding.
🧢 Boys aren’t ashamed to say the word “period.”
🛍️ No one hides a sanitary pad in a black bag.
If we truly want men ending period myths to become reality, we must normalize menstrual education for everyone.
💖 Self-love is your superpower.
📖 Education is where real healing begins — for everyone.
Let’s get real for a second. If something in this hit home, I’d love to hear from you.
💬 Men — who first told you about periods? Or did no one ever explain it to you?
💬 Women — what do you wish the men in your life understood about your period days?
This isn’t just a “women’s topic.”
It’s a human experience. And it starts with honest conversations.
Drop a comment. Share your story. Let’s learn from each other.
If this message matters to you, share it forward. Let’s end the shame and normalize truth — with compassion, not awkwardness.
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