Period Facts
What is the science name for having a period?
Menstruation
According to UNICEF, approximately how many girls globally miss school due to lack of menstrual supplies?
1 in 10 girls
Period blood is toxic and dirty
Myth; Period blood is a normal, natural mix of blood, endometrial tissue, and vaginal secretions.
What is the main hormone responsible for triggering menstruation?
Progesterone
Is the average age of a first period higher or lower than 10 years old?
Higher. The average age of a first period is 12.4 years old.
How long does a period last (range)?
3-7 days
What was the first U.S. state to mandate free menstrual products in schools?
California!
You can get pregnant during your period
Fact! While unlikely, it is medically possible to get pregnant during your period due to sperm survival (up to 5 days)
What does PMS stand for?
Premenstrual Syndrome
Is the average number of tampons used per cycle higher or lower than 12 tampons?
Higher. The average number of tampons used per cycle is 20 (between 3-6 per day)
What hormone is elevated during the ovulation?
luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen
Name one organization that works to increase menstrual equity in Massachusetts.
Mass NOW!
It is dangerous to leave a tampon in for too long.
Fact!
Leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours is a risk factor for Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can cause organ damage
Which mineral is essential during menstruation to replenish blood loss and reduce fatigue?
iron!
Does endometriosis affect more or less than 100 million people?
More— Endometriosis affects approximately 190 million people globally (10%)
What is the average length of a menstrual cycle?
28 days! Can range from 21-35 days.
What is the additional cost women pay on products including menstrual products due to gender-based pricing?
Pink Tax
You should not exercise during your period
Myth; Exercise can actually help with period pain, feeling low and other symptoms. It helps boost blood flow and endorphins, the happy hormones!
What hormone is responsible for thickening the uterine lining?
Estrogen
On average, does someone who menstruates spend higher or lower than $5,000 on period products during their lifetime?
Higher. "In the 40 years on average that a person menstruates, they will spend $13.25 a month and $6,000.00 total in those years on menstrual products before tax."
https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/period-poverty-in-the-united-states
What is the name for the first period a person has?
Menarche
It most commonly happens around age 12 or 13, though an age range between 10 and 15 is considered normal!
What is the lack of access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, waste management, or education?
Period Poverty
Heavy bleeding during a menstrual cycle is normal
Myth!
Heavy bleeding (Menorrhagia) is not considered normal and can cause anemia. It may also be a symptom of an underlying health condition including endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS and more
What is the medical term for painful periods?
Dysmenorrhea
Women and racial and ethnic minorities are at the highest risk, about 15% more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis. Guess higher or lower for the actual percentage!
Higher; 20-30%!