Menstruation is a common biological process that every woman has to go through in her life. Unlike other human physiological processes (i.e., digestion, respiration, and excretion), it does not start with our birth. It happens after a certain age, which differs from person to person but generally is between 9 and 10 years for women. This stage of human life is called adolescence, and its starting point is called reaching puberty. It is a phase that differentiates a woman from a man. When a girl reaches puberty, she starts menstruating.

But if menstruation is such a biological, universal, and usual process, why don’t most women talk about it? Why are girls and boys reaching puberty unaware of the changes going on in their bodies? And if they know, why do they hesitate to talk about it? Generally, boys are kept in the dark, and girls, if they talk, do it in closed groups in hushed tones and use slang like ‘down’ or 'chums. If we are that uncomfortable talking about the universal process of menstruation, there must be a strong reason behind it. So what’s that reason?

The reason is our attitude towards menstruation. We take it as a process about which we should not talk openly. When girls reach puberty and experience their first menstruation, they are mostly worried because of the pain and blood associated with the process. At that time, we make them more scared by treating them differently and sometimes telling them not to share this with certain people. In some households, they are bound by rules and practises that have been followed for generations without questioning, which kind of strengthens their belief that it is something that needs to be hidden. All this leads to creating a feeling of shame, embarrassment, and indignity around it. This continues even when they grow up and start working. We generally work during our periods, which is okay as long as we don’t ignore our body's health. Sometimes we end up asking for leave, but the reason for it is never given as menstruation. We end up saying "We are not well". And also, we lose our sick leave for something that is not a sickness. Unwillingness to talk about it also results in unhygienic menstrual management, leading to infection and health problems.

Our attitude towards menstruation is strongly influenced by social and cultural practices. The problem surrounding menstrual health lies in a woman’s attitude towards her periods and her unwillingness and shame to talk about it. So, if she doesn’t feel good about herself, she will not consider herself worthy of care and necessary hygiene during menstruation.