10 surprising facts you need to know about menstruation

08/09/25

Blog

104

Supporting Girls Through Menstrual Health Education

At Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India), we believe that knowledge is power — and when it comes to menstrual health, that knowledge holds the power to change lives. As a child protection NGO, we work every day to ensure young girls have the tools, information, and confidence to understand and manage their menstrual cycle with dignity.

Periods are natural. But stigma, myths, and lack of awareness often turn this biological process into a barrier. It is time we changed that with the right facts, positive conversations, and community-driven solutions.

Here are 10 surprising facts about menstruation that everyone should know, especially young people growing up with limited access to information and support.

1. Periods Can Start Earlier Than You Think

While the average age of menarche (starting menstruation) is around 12, some girls start menstruating much earlier. This makes it crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators to start the conversation early, ideally before puberty begins.

2. Many Still Don’t Know Why Periods Happen

Despite progress in education, a large number of girls enter adolescence without understanding why periods happen. Menstruation is a natural part of the reproductive system, signalling the body’s readiness for future fertility, not something to be feared or misunderstood.

3. Periods Don’t Follow a Perfect Calendar

The widely known 28-day cycle is just an average. For many, cycles can range between 21 and 35 days, and irregularities can occur due to stress, diet, or health conditions. Understanding what’s normal for each individual is key.

4. Menstrual Cramps Are Real and Can Be Debilitating

Period pain is not just an excuse to avoid school. It is a genuine physical symptom caused by uterine contractions. Some individuals even experience severe disorders like endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which require medical attention and support.

Read Also: Understand About Girls Problems & Challenges Faced by Women

5. Hygiene Products Are Still Inaccessible for Many

Not everyone has access to sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups. In many low-income communities, girls resort to unsafe alternatives, putting them at risk of infections and discomfort. Accessibility and affordability remain major challenges.

6. Myths and Taboos Still Control the Conversation

In many parts of the world, menstruating girls face restrictions, from not entering the kitchen to skipping school or being isolated. These practices are rooted in outdated beliefs and continue to harm confidence and social inclusion.

7. Poor Sanitation Affects Menstrual Hygiene

Without clean toilets, water, or proper disposal systems, maintaining menstrual hygiene becomes difficult. This often leads to absenteeism in schools and workplaces, and in some cases, health issues.

8. Mental Health Can Be Affected by Periods

Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can impact mood, anxiety levels, and overall emotional well-being. For some, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or more severe PMDD can be distressing and misunderstood.

9. Period Education Isn’t Just for Girls

Boys, too, must learn facts about menstruation. Inclusive education promotes empathy, eliminates shame, and encourages supportive environments, whether at home, in schools, or in communities.

10. Talking Openly Makes a Big Difference

Creating safe spaces where young people can talk about periods freely helps reduce embarrassment and misinformation. Whether it is in schools, homes, or community settings, open conversations lead to better health outcomes and empowered individuals.

Our Commitment: Protecting and Empowering the Girl Child

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we’re proud to be a leading child protection organization working to break taboos and improve the lives of adolescent girls across India. Our menstrual health initiatives are community-driven, inclusive, and deeply impactful.

We work with both the community and government institutions to:

• Improve access to user-friendly toilets and handwashing units
• Provide essential knowledge about menstrual, sexual, and reproductive health
• Challenge stigma and encourage community acceptance of menstruation
• Empower girls to procure, manufacture, and use sanitary napkins, offering both dignity and economic opportunity

Our programmes aim to ensure that no girl misses school, loses confidence, or feels ashamed simply because she’s menstruating. When you donate for girl child education, you help us reach more girls, build better infrastructure, and offer essential life skills that go beyond the classroom.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to change how we talk about periods. The silence around menstrual health has held generations of girls back — but with knowledge, compassion, and support, we can build a future where every girl understands her body and feels proud of it.

At Bal Raksha Bharat, we’re doing our part — and with your help, we can do even more because educating a girl about period facts today means empowering a woman tomorrow.

Every girl deserves the chance to manage her period with dignity, stay in school, and grow up with confidence. By supporting Bal Raksha Bharat, you help us provide essential menstrual health education, hygiene access, and protection to girls who need it most.

FAQs

1. Why is it important to talk about menstruation openly?

   Open discussions empower girls, encourage healthy habits, and break age-old myths and restrictions.

2. What role do NGOs like Bal Raksha Bharat play in menstrual hygiene?

   We create awareness, improve infrastructure, support girls with hygiene resources, and challenge harmful social norms through on-ground programmes.

3. Do periods really cause girls to miss school?

   Yes. Many girls skip school due to a lack of toilets, pads, or fear of teasing. This can lead to lower academic performance and even school dropouts.

4. How can I support menstrual health initiatives?

   You can donate for girl child education, volunteer your time, spread awareness in your circles, or support local campaigns for better menstrual hygiene.

Naveen Kumar

“Naveen is an SEO expert and digital marketing analyst at Bal Raksha Bharat with a passion for helping businesses grow online. With a data-driven approach, he specializes in boosting search rankings, driving traffic, and optimizing digital strategies. Follow for tips on SEO, content, and marketing trends."