Since the dawn of society as we know it, the topic of menstruation has gone through many phases. Women being worshipped while they are menstruating to women being isolated and treated with contempt. What is common in between these phases is the fact that all of it was based on misinformation or lack of proper biological knowledge. This not only gave rise to plurality of myths, but also major discrimination against people who menstruate. Some of the myths we hear today tell the menstruators to avoid temples, not touch pickles, to not enter the kitchen, and so many more. These are just myths and only isolate the menstruators in a delicate time.
All the misinformation and misconceptions about periods arise due to a simple lack of education. Menstruation is still a taboo topic in society and women dare not discuss it in front of men. But this thinking is extremely problematic and only leads to further stigmatization of the topic. Education is the key for all members of society to not only be empathetic with the concerns of menstruators but to also respect them for what they go through. In schools, the biology teacher either skips over topics of reproduction completely or barely teaches a small part of the material. This should stop and the students should be given a detailed lesson about human bodies and their basic reproductive systems. This will make them more vigilant and informed about the myths and silence surrounding menstruation.
Lastly, all menstruators should come forward with their troubles and concerns and voice their experiences which will lead to de- stigmatization and normalization of the topic. Menstrual cramps are proven to be almost as painful as, if not more, giving birth which is the most painful thing a human body can endure. But despite this fact, women are expected to be silent about their struggles and endure the pain. Organizations like Boondh, The Project Amara, Allforasmile, EcoFemme, and so many more are working tirelessly towards normalizing the conversation about sustainable menstruation. It is all of our jobs to make use of all resources available to us and educate ourselves and then others about this topic.