Menstruation should be discussed openly, confidently, and without shame. It’s a natural biological process experienced by girls and women from menarche (usually between ages 9–15) through to menopause (typically between 45–55 years of age). And yet, even today, periods remain surrounded by myths, stigma, and misinformation especially in underserved and rural communities.
This World Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re shining a light on what a healthy period looks like and why menstrual hygiene matters.
What Does a Healthy Period Look Like?
Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique, but certain signs point to good menstrual health:
- Cycle Duration: A healthy menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, with 28 days being the average.
- Flow Volume: Typically, blood loss ranges from 30–80ml per cycle. If your flow feels too light or too heavy, it’s worth speaking with a healthcare professional.
- Blood Colour: Healthy period blood can range from bright to dark red. Bright red indicates a fresh flow, while darker shades may be older blood from earlier in the cycle.
- Mild Discomfort: Some bloating, cramping, or mood changes are normal but if pain is severe or disruptive, it shouldn’t be ignored.
- Odour: Menstrual blood may have a mild scent, but a strong, unpleasant odour could signal an infection.
Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters
In many communities, menstruating girls face unfair restrictions and are made to feel ashamed. They’re excluded from daily activities, isolated from others, and denied access to proper hygiene facilities.
Worse still, limited access to clean toilets, running water, and affordable menstrual products means many girls struggle to manage their periods safely. In India, 1 in 5 girls drop out of school after starting their periods not due to illness, but due to a lack of support.
At RHV, we believe no girl should have to choose between her health and her education. By improving access to hygiene products and education, we can help young women manage their periods with dignity, safety, and confidence.
Tips for Maintaining Good Menstrual Hygiene
- Change your sanitary pad at least once every 6 hours.
- Tampons should be changed every 4–6 hours.
- If using a menstrual cup, sterilise it before and after each cycle.
- Wash your vaginal area gently every time you change your menstrual product.
- Always wear clean undergarments and change them twice daily.
- Never ignore signs of discomfort, odour, or irregularity; speak to a healthcare provider.
Breaking the Myths
Unfortunately, many outdated beliefs still persist, such as:
- “Menstrual blood is dirty.”
- “Girls should avoid sports or cooking during their period.”
- “Hygiene isn’t important during menstruation.”
These are not true. Menstruation is a sign of healthy reproductive function not something to be hidden or feared.
Periods are not dirty. They are a sign that a girl is healthy and growing. By talking openly, breaking myths, and promoting hygiene, we can create a society where every girl can manage her period with dignity and confidence.
