Who would have thought that in 2025, period health is still treated as a bit of a hush-hush topic? Talking openly about menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, or the challenges that come with our cycles doesn’t always seem to be part of everyday conversation – whether it’s between women, with partners, or with daughters. Why is that?
Thinking back to my own childhood, I don’t recall mums ever talking much about periods, or the discomfort and disruption that followed. To be honest, I don’t even remember talking about it with my friends! How about you? As a mum now, I try to be more open about menstrual pain and challenges with my daughter. She doesn’t see it as a taboo, and I truly believe that if more mums did the same, our daughters would have a better understanding of how to manage their periods and who to turn to for support.
Mum tip #1: Start young and keep it casual. A quick “Here’s what you might expect” chat over a cup of tea can make all the difference.
Research shows that many women still struggle with the emotional side of menstruation:
- 35% reported feeling self-conscious
- 28% were anxious about their period
- 21% felt embarrassed
And the physical symptoms? They’re very real—and very disruptive. The ten most common complaints include:
- Period pain: 66%
- Feeling bloated: 48%
- Tender breasts: 43%
- Headaches or migraines: 42%
- Heavy blood loss: 37%
Periods affect women’s daily lives in more ways than one. Many cancel sports or social plans, some take time off work, and a significant number still feel too embarrassed to speak up or seek help.
Mum tip #2: Stock up on comfort essentials. A hot water bottle, a stash of chocolate, and some Netflix ready to go can make a crampy day just a little more bearable.
Even the language around menstruation reveals the discomfort: some women avoid the word menstruation altogether, opting instead for euphemisms such as:
- Time of the month – 68%
- Monthly visitor – 38%
- That time – 34%
- Aunt Flo – 32%
- On the rag – 26%
- Lady days – 24%
- The Curse – 23%
- Code Red – 18%
Mum tip #3: Be playful if it helps. Sharing a funny nickname for your period can take some of the fear and embarrassment out of the conversation – just don’t get caught calling it “Code Red” at a PTA meeting!
It’s clear that the stigma hasn’t completely disappeared – but things are changing. Raising awareness, talking openly, and seeking medical support when needed are all key to helping women feel more empowered, rather than embarrassed. Periods shouldn’t be something to hide – they’re a natural part of life and deserve a voice.
Mum tip #4: Lead by example. The more open we are as mums, the more confident our daughters will feel. A frank chat about menstrual challenges over breakfast or while doing homework together can normalise what so many women experience.
One solution making this easier is Evana, a new over-the-counter product designed to help women manage heavy or painful periods. With support like this and open conversation, hopefully we’ll see a future where periods are no longer a taboo topic – and where mums, daughters, and women everywhere can speak freely without blinking.
