Gather with Natalie and Courtney as they explore menstruation from menarche to menopause. Part one is a deep dive into menarche AKA the first period, the historical and global context of menarche, the pivotal role it plays in young people’s lives, and the power of sharing our stories in the movement to de-stigmatize the health experiences of people who menstruate.

**Content Warning: between 31:45-34:35 this episode discusses content that may be disturbing to some listeners including social isolation and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised**

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered health advice. Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and website are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

Links:

Menarche Links:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/menarche

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470216/

https://www.unfpa.org/menstruationfaq

Period Poverty:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10014781/#:~:text=Around%201.8%20billion%20people%20menstruate,26%25%20of%20the%20global%20 population

Period Product Testing: https://wahawkinsider.com/6995/news/menstrual-products-testing-with-real-blood-for-the-first-time/#:~:text=A%202023%20study%20showed%20that,for%20the%20first%20time%20ever

Ending Period Poverty with Jacinda Arden: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/world/asia/new-zealand-period-schools.html#:~:text=AUCKLAND%2C%20New%20Zealand%20%E2%80%94%20Prime%20Minister,could%20negatively%20affect%20education%2C%20health

How Much A Woman's Period Will Cost Her Over A Lifetime: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/period-cost-lifetime_n_7258780

Pub med Statistics on Menstration: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10014781/#:~:text=Around%201.8%20billion%20people%20menstruate,26%25%20of%20the%20global%20population

A history of Menstration: https://getruth.ca/blogs/ruth-blog/periods-through-history-a-menstrual-timeline#:~:text=In%20the%20ancient%20civilizations%20of,treated%20with%20respect%20by%20society

Menstruation-related disorders: https://www.unfpa.org/menstruationfaq#Symptoms%20of%20disorders%20for%20menstruation