Use clear language, like "vagina". Emphasise that periods are completely normal and natural – they're part of growing up. My Period is perfectly written for girls going through puberty, in a language that they will understand. A no nonsense, essential guide for young girls that explains EVERYTHING they need to know. Highly recommended!”

Menstruation is something half the world does for a week at a time, for months and years on end, yet it remains largely misunderstood. Scientists once thought of an individual’s period as useless, and some doctors still believe it’s unsafe for a menstruating person to swim in the ocean wearing a tampon. Period counters the false theories that have long defined the study of the uterus, exposing the eugenic history of gynecology while providing an intersectional feminist perspective on menstruation science. This is such an important book. Maisie's insights and cycle strategy have changed my life and my cycle. Period Power is written with such intelligence, humour and a deep understanding of women's health. If you have a period you need to read this book.' - Anna Jones, author of The Modern Cook's Year

Talking about periods

Your first period might not last very long, as it can take your body some months to get into a regular pattern. As a general rule, once they're settled, you'll have a period every 23 to 35 days and it will last 2 to 7 days. How much blood will I lose?

Period Power reveals a new way of being for people who menstruate. Based in fact and articulated with both love and humour, Maisie Hill's strategy - to work with our cycles rather than against them - is life-changing. Boys also need to learn about periods. Talk to them in the same way as girls about the practicalities, mood changes that can come with periods, and the biological reason behind periods. It will keep them informed, as well as help them to understand about periods. There are ways of covering up stains until you're able to change your clothes, such as tying a sweatshirt around your waist. Keep a spare pair of pants and tights at school or in your bag. Should I use pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period underwear?Adults uncomfortable discussing sexuality will find support in Karen Gravelle's companion books . . . . Her straight-forward, lively writing provides comfort and readability.

Period by the biological anthropologist Kate Clancy, hope[s] to draw our attention to menstruation and the often overlooked organ central to it. . . . Clancy hope[s] to encourage us to better appreciate this remarkable muscle. . . . Rather than greeting our periods with disgust, perhaps we should trade our revulsion for awe."—Yasmine AlSayyad, New Yorker

Further reading for girls

That means that a QUARTER of women in the UK find it difficult to buy period products. According to The Journal of Global Health Reports, a staggering two thirds of the 16.9million women who menstruate in the US struggle to afford period products. Globally, 500million women are finding it hard to manage their menstrual cycles hygienically. First thing first: No shame. No fear. Let’s get educated and help educate the rest of the world for menstrual equality. Because, hey, half-ish of the population gets their period, and it’s the most basic bodily function, and it shouldn’t be kept a secret anymore. Talk to your parent or another adult you trust about what you can expect before it actually happens. Films to watch with the teens - including those that will actually be helpfully educational for them to.

Before we share the book, we wanted to give you an idea of just what period poverty is, and why what Hey Girls are doing is so, so important that we felt we needed to give them a little support. One social enterprise to another. A detailed guide to what happens to our bodies as part of the monthly cycle, and how to cope with whatever feelings or sensations arise. An essential bible.Periods aren’t secret little taboos anymore. They’re a big, loud political issue, and Jennifer Weiss-Wolf breaks it down for us, with historical and cultural context across the world, along with tons of activism ideas to get your blood pumping. Periods Gone Public is a must-read for any feminist activist out there. Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You by Maisie Hill I thought I knew a lot about periods. Boy was I wrong! Period blew up so many of my preconceived notions in the best possible way, offering up a kaleidoscope of new perspectives on menstruation. Kate Clancy weaves history, science, narrative, and analysis into an expansive, inclusive, and insightful profile of the oft-misunderstood uterus. You’ll never look at a tampon the same way again, and that’s a good thing.”—Rose Eveleth, producer and host of Flash Forward