History of Periods
What is the oldest menstrual product?
What is… Disposable Pads (1896)
What is menstration?
What is… The process of a person releasing blood about once a month, usually called a period.
What’s the difference between a pad and a panty liner?
What is… A pad is a thick cotton adhesive product intended for regular to heavy flow days or for overnight use.
A panty liner is a thinner, less absorbent version of a pad. They are generally intended for lighter flow days on your period.
What happens when you menstruate?
What is… Your body discards the monthly build up of the lining of the uterus
What should you do when you get your period at school?
What is… Ask a friend, the nurse, or a teacher for menstrual products.
Find/bring a extra pair of clothes.
Be brave, don’t give up!
When was the first pad without a belt created?
What is… the 1970’s
How often does a period happen?
What is… Every 3-6 weeks
What are some of the common symptoms during your menstrual cycle?
What is… Moodiness, Food cravings/intense hunger, cramps, bloating, acne, tenderness in breasts, and tiredness.
Why do people menstruate and have periods?
What is… Every month a menstruating body prepares to carry a baby. When pregnancy doesn’t occur, the body sheds the inner lining and unfertilized egg. This shedding is known as a Menstrual Period.
Don’t worry, the egg is about the size of a strand of hair!
Your period usually lasts 5 days but this month you noticed that you stopped bleeding after 3 days? What do you do?
What is… Stay prepared and continue to wear a panty liner just in case. Sometimes periods may appear to be over but your flow has actually just slowed down rather than ended.
What decade were wings added to pads?
What is… the 1990’s
How many days does an average period last?
What is… 2-7 days
Name 2 apps that you can use to track your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and period symptoms.
What is…
1. Apple Health
2. Clue
3. Flo
4. Magic Girl Teen Tracker
Where does the egg travel?
What is… To the ovary through the fallopian tube.
What do you do if you start your period while traveling?
What is… Plan ahead. Ask a trusted adult or friend for options/help. Pack an extra outfit just in case!
When were trans men openly recognized as menstruating people?
What is… the 2010’s
How many periods does the average American menstruator have in their lifetime?
What is… 456 periods.
What can you do to minimize cramps/abdominal pain?
What is… Tylenol, heating pads, taking a hot shower/bath, and physical activity.
When does ovulation happen?
What is… Around 14 days before the start of your next period.
Your period is late. What do you do?
What is… Be prepared for when it does come. Wait a couple of days and don’t worry. Keep track of your symptoms and note anything out of the ordinary. Talk to a trusted adult if you would like to see a medical professional.
What was the first movie that openly showed period blood?
What is… “Carrie”(1976)
How many menstrual products does the average American menstruator use in their lifetime?
What is… 11,400 products (on average)
What are 2 hygiene tips that you can use while on your period?
What is…
1. Wear deodorant daily! You may want to keep some in your locker or backpack if you need to reapply at school after gym/recess.
2. Consider showering more frequently if you notice more body odor than usual during your period. Remember to only use a gentle soap and water when cleaning yourself.
3. Plan to change your pad/tampon at least every 6 hours to prevent leakage. This will help to prevent infections.
What are the 4 Menstrual Cycle Phases?
What is… the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase.
What do you do if you start your period at an overnight sleepover?
What is… Talk to an adult in the household about next steps. Be willing to help clean up and wash any bedding you may have bled on. Don’t forget that this is totally normal and you have no reason to be embarrassed!