Bodily Functions
Menstruation is when the lining of what organ is shed and exits the body through the vaginal canal?
Uterus
What is the term for a person’s first period?
Menarche
Approximately how many disposable pads end up in U.S. landfills every year?
12 billion
What is the two-word term for the state of being unable to afford period products, hygiene facilities, and/or education about menstruation?
Period Poverty
In what year did the State of Illinois pass a bill requiring that public universities and community colleges make tampons and pads available, at no cost to students, in all campus bathrooms? It was the same year that the state passed a bill that required shelters granting temporary housing assistance to women and youth provide free tampons and pads.
2021
What is the average number of teaspoons of blood a person will expel during one menstrual cycle?
5-12
What condition needs to be met for a person to be in menopause?
366 days without a period
Approximately how many tampons end up in U.S. landfills every year?
7 billion
In how many U.S. states can SNAP or WIC benefits be used to purchase menstrual products?
None
In what year did the State of Illinois pass a bill requiring that public school restroom facilities provide free tampons and pads for all students who menstruate in grades 6-12?
2017
How many days does the average period last?
4-7
What is the term for the period of time before menopause, which can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years and is often characterized by hormonal changes, inconsistent periods, hot flashes, and other life-impacting symptoms?
Perimenopause
Average percentage period products are taxed worldwide?
11.2%
What is bleeding while on hormonal birth control called?
Withdrawal bleeding
In what year did the State of Illinois pass a bill requiring that correctional facilities provide free tampons and pads for all committed persons who menstruate?
2023
On average someone who menstruates will have about how many periods in their life?
450
On average, how many years of life do people who menstruate experience periods?
38 years
What type of leaves did Ancient Egyptians use to make tampons?
Papyrus
What is the most common menstrual symptom?
Cramps!
What Midwestern state was the first U.S. state to eliminate the Tampon Tax?
Minnesota (in 1981)
True or False: Can cold weather make periods heavier and longer?
True!
Average age of first period? (In half years)
12.5 Years Old
How many products on average are used per menstrual cycle?
22 Items
What are the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle called?
Menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase
How many U.S. states still levy state sales taxes on period products (as of July 1, 2026)?
18