Breaking the Silence on Menarche: Why We Must Talk About First Periods

For many young girls, their first period (menarche) isn’t a trickle—it’s a flood.

Studies show that up to 37% of adolescent girls experience heavy menstrual bleeding (also known as menorrhagia) during their first cycles. For some, it’s a sudden, soaking event that happens in the middle of school, on the bus, or during gym class—with no warning and no support.

For girls who flood, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be traumatic. Many are left frightened, ashamed, and confused, especially if they haven’t been properly prepared. If a girl doesn’t know what’s happening or what’s normal, her first experience of menstruation can be one of fear, isolation, or even embarrassment—instead of an empowered rite of passage.

Painful Periods Are Common But Shouldn’t be Ignored

Many young girls are taught to accept period pain as a fact of life. But extreme cramps, nausea, and debilitating discomfort are not normal and may indicate underlying issues like dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, or hormonal imbalances. The good news? There are natural ways to reduce period pain and inflammation without resorting to medications alone.

Tips to Reduce Period Pain Naturally 

Magnesium for Muscle Relaxation
Magnesium is essential for muscle function and has been shown to reduce cramps and lower inflammation. Studies indicate that women with low magnesium levels are more likely to experience painful periods.

• Best sources: Spinach, almonds, dark chocolate, and pumpkin seeds
• Supplementation: A daily magnesium glycinate supplement can help regulate muscle contractions and ease cramps.

·      Regular Exercise & Movement
Though it might sound counterintuitive, light exercise can help relieve menstrual pain. Movement increases blood flow, reduces stress hormones, and releases endorphins (the body's natural painkillers).

• Best activities: Walking, gentle yoga, swimming, and stretching
• Avoid: Overexertion or high-intensity workouts if cramps are severe.

·      Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can significantly reduce menstrual pain and bloating.

• Eat more: Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, flaxseeds), leafy greens, ginger, turmeric, and nuts.
• Avoid: Processed foods, excess sugar, dairy, and caffeine, which can trigger inflammation.

·      Heat Therapy for Immediate Relief
Applying heat packs or warm baths can relax the uterine muscles, improving blood flow and reducing pain naturally

     Herbal Remedies & Teas
Certain herbal teas have been used for centuries to reduce menstrual pain and balance hormones:

• Ginger Tea: Anti-inflammatory and can reduce period pain as effectively as ibuprofen.
• Chamomile Tea: Helps relax muscles and ease cramping.
• Raspberry Leaf Tea: Traditionally used to tone the uterus and reduce heavy bleeding.

Menstrual Shame is Still a Global Issue

In many parts of India, menstruating women continue to face significant social stigma and discrimination. Cultural taboos often label menstruation as "impure," leading to practices that isolate women during their menstrual cycles. For instance, in certain communities, women are confined to separate spaces, known as "menstruation huts," which often lack basic amenities and pose health risks. This isolation not only affects their physical well-being but also reinforces feelings of shame and exclusion. 

Period poverty remains a pervasive issue worldwide, compelling many to resort to unhygienic alternatives such as rags, leaves, or even sand in place of sanitary products. In the United States, nearly a quarter of teenage students have experienced period poverty, with many unable to afford essential menstrual hygiene products. 

Even in Western countries, menstruation is often shrouded in stigma and misinformation. While initiatives like "first moon parties" aim to celebrate menarche, they may not resonate with everyone. Individuals experiencing heavy, painful, or irregular cycles might find such celebrations unrelatable, highlighting the need for more inclusive and empathetic approaches to menstrual education and support.

Clearly, it's time—well past time—to dismantle the idea of menstruation as something to hide, manage, or endure in silence. By fostering open conversations, improving access to menstrual hygiene products, and challenging deep-seated cultural taboos, we can create a world where menstruation is recognized as a natural and empowering aspect of human health.

How Do We Change the Conversation?

1. Normalize Talking About First Periods

Recently, several U.S. states have introduced legislation that restricts discussions about menstruation and sexual health in schools. For instance, Florida's House Bill 1069, passed in 2023, prohibits instruction on human sexuality, including menstruation, before the sixth grade. This means that young girls who begin menstruating earlier may lack essential information and support during this critical time.

Similarly, other states have proposed or enacted measures limiting sex education and discussions on reproductive health. These legislative actions can leave students unprepared for natural bodily processes, perpetuating stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation.

It's crucial to recognize that open, age-appropriate conversations about menstruation are essential for young individuals' health and well-being. Restricting these discussions can lead to confusion, shame, and a lack of preparedness among young girls.

Parents, educators, and health professionals need to provide more education on menarche, including the reality of heavy bleeding, cramps, and irregular cycles. Let’s start equipping girls with practical knowledge and emotional support so they can meet menarche with confidence.

2. Recognize That Not All Periods Are the Same

Not every girl experiences a light, predictable, 28-day cycle. Some flood, some spot, some cramp intensely, some feel nothing at all. Recognizing this variation helps eliminate shame and fear. Education needs to be ramped up everywhere so no young girls faces this transition unprepared.

3. Improve Access to Sustainable, Safe Products

Some conventional pads and tampons contain toxic chemicals, bleaches, and endocrine disruptors that can negatively impact reproductive health. It can be confusing and scary to navigate menstrual hygiene market as some tampon and pad providers are being sued for heavy metals found in their products.

Venus Mats will help you sleep overnight without worrying about breakthrough bleeding or exposure to hidden chemicals. We are excited to be launching a new line of Venus Mats designed especially for young girls—one is called Bed of Roses (like this blog image). Coming soon!

The Father Who helped Inspire Venus Matters

Years ago, I was getting a ride to the airport from Tulum, Mexico, when the driver’s phone rang. After a short conversation in Spanish, he hung up, visibly excited. Curious, I asked what had happened.

With tears in his eyes, he smiled and told me:

“My wife just called. Our daughter just got her first period.”

Intrigued, I asked: What are you going to do? 

“I’m going to buy her a dozen roses,” he said triumphantly.

I was so moved by this interaction it helped fuel my desire to found Venus Matters. I envision a world where every girl feels deeply loved at this important threshold. A world where menarche is honored, supported, and openly discussed—where no girl feels ashamed, scared, or alone. 

Now more than ever, we need to support young girls everywhere as they step into their reproductie powers.

Venus Matters is here to help ensure that every girl, everywhere, knows menstruation is not a curse—but a miracle, and so is she.

~ Jules Cazedessus

Founder, Venus Matters