Menstrual Cycle Basics
Period Poverty
Menstrual Products
Cultural and Historical Views on Menstruation
Syracuse, NY and Reproductive Health
100

This is the average length of a menstrual cycle, from the start of one period to the start of the next.

What is 28 days?

100

Studies show that period poverty can cause this long-term impact on young girls, contributing to educational inequality and gender disparity.

What is absenteeism?

100

This highly absorbent yet disposable menstrual product is typically made from a combination of cotton, rayon, and synthetic fibers.

What is a tampon?

100

In some cultures, menstruation is viewed as impure, and people are isolated from their communities during this time, a practice known by this term.

What is menstrual seclusion?

100

This major medical university in Syracuse, NY, offers comprehensive women’s health services, including reproductive care.

What is Upstate Medical University?

200

This hormone triggers ovulation and the release of an egg.

What is luteinizing hormone (LH)?

200

This term refers to a lack of access to menstrual products, education, and hygiene facilities.

What is period poverty?

200

This menstrual product, first patented in 1937, can be worn for up to 12 hours and is popular for its sustainability and reusability.

What is a menstrual cup?

200

This African country was one of the first to eliminate the tampon tax in 2004.

What is Kenya?

200

This Syracuse-based organization provides free hygiene products, including menstrual products, to women in need.

What is the Women’s Fund of Central New York?

300

This hormone, released by the hypothalamus, signals the pituitary gland to start the menstrual cycle by releasing FSH and LH.

What is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)?

300

According to UNICEF, this percentage of girls in low-income countries miss school during their periods.

What is 20%?

300

Wearing ultra-absorbant tampons for extended periods of time can potentially lead to this medical consequence. 

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

300

This historical figure, a feminist icon, campaigned for menstrual education in the early 20th century and is known for coining the phrase “the curse.”

Who is Margaret Sanger?

300

In 2020, this public university in Syracuse launched an initiative to distribute free menstrual products across its campus.

What is Syracuse University?

400

This structure in the ovary produces progesterone after ovulation, and its deterioration leads to menstruation if fertilization doesn’t occur.

What is the corpus luteum?

400

This nonprofit organization distributes menstrual products to people in need and advocates for menstrual equity in the U.S.

What is PERIOD?

400

This period product can be worn for up to 12 hours and sits around the cervix to collect menstural blood. 

What is a menstrual disc? 

400

In this European country, menstruating women were traditionally barred from entering churches, but the practice is less common today.

What is Italy?

400

This grassroots organization in Syracuse fights period poverty by donating menstrual supplies to low-income students and families.

What is We Rise Above the Streets?

500

This medical condition involves endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, causing severe menstrual pain and possible infertility.

What is endometriosis?

500

This country became the first in the world to make period products free for all citizens in 2020.

What is Scotland?
500

This period product brand introduced the first widely available disposable sanitary napkin in 1921. 

What is Kotex?

500

This ancient civilization is believed to have used softened papyrus as menstrual pads. 

What is ancient Egypt?

500

This Syracuse-based organization, founded in 1977, is dedicated to preventing domestic and sexual violence, providing support to survivors, and promoting healthy, respectful relationships.

What is the Vera House?