We’re beyond thrilled to give you a sneak peek of some of the incredible period stories we’ve received from people all across the spectrum for The Book on Periods. From first periods to perimenopause, these stories are raw, real, and absolutely heartwarming—each one a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from each other when we break the silence and talk openly about menstruation.
We’ve been deeply moved by the honesty and courage in every submission, and we can’t wait to hear more! So, if you’ve got a period story to tell—whether it’s funny, emotional, or anything in between—now’s the perfect time to add your voice to this empowering movement. Ready to share? Submit your story and help us keep the conversation going!
Cassaundra (she/her), 28, Toronto, ON, Canada
When I first got my period I was fifteen and nobody had taught me how to use a tampon, so I inserted it with the plastic cap still on and walked around like that all day. It was so uncomfortable. I finally told someone about it and they explained that I had to remove the cap by pulling after insertion. I wish someone had explained it in sex ed!
Sarah (she/her), 50, New York, USA
During the beginning of Covid we—my husband and two young kids—were living upstate New York with my mother. My mom, a widow for over 20 years, didn't usually live with us, but we were lucky enough to have a home that could fit us all. I hadn't had my period in months and assumed I was heading straight to menopause. I was 47 years old and hadn't seen a doctor, because of Covid, in months. One night I got these rumbling, low belly pains in my stomach and while they had me worried, they felt a lot like period cramps so I wasn't anxious. I had horrible periods for my entire life.
Before I knew it, I found myself bleeding, barely able to get up the stairs, and beginning to gush blood. I ended up on the floor in my bedroom, with blood all around me. At that point I was a bit more worried. It was the heaviest period I had ever had and I thought I would faint. It was at that moment, that I screamed out, "mom!" I was so lucky to have her there. She came running up and talked about her peri-menopause periods—the worst of her life.
Eventually, of course, it stopped. My mom being there has stopped—she passed in January 2024. But, that discussion between two women of different generations about their periods continues in my memory of her.
zig (they/he), 19, Ottawa, ON, Canada
for about two years, the start of my period has been hell. everything else is normal, but during the first couple days it feels like i’m dying. i’ll get severe pain and waves of EXCRUCIATING pain that can shock me into impromptu vomiting uncontrollably, or losing my vision/fainting.
painkillers do nothing, even when i was prescribed mefenamic acid for it. i’m struggling to get this addressed medically, too. for the longest time my (cis man) doctor would just tell me “keep an eye on it” even when i called family history to his attention (mom has PCOS and endometriosis). he eventually told me he’d refer me for an ultrasound and the clinic would call me, but that was almost a year ago. it’s hard to get professionals to take me seriously, but i know i can’t do this every month of my life till i’m in menopause.
Kelly (she/her), 28, Boston
Getting my first period at 12 felt like diving into a whole new adventure, but I definitely wasn’t ready for it! My mom, the expert on all things period-related, was adamant that I should use tampons. She had some not-so-great experiences with pads and was convinced that tampons were the way to go. I didn’t really think much of it at the time; my body was changing, and I was just trying to keep up!
It was a gorgeous, sunny day when my first period decided to make its appearance, right before a big track meet. I only had three tampons with me—the ones my mom insisted I pack in my bag. To be honest, I wasn't quite comfortable using them yet; they felt a bit strange, like I was trying to learn to ride a bike for the first time. But I brushed it off, reasoning that I’d figure it out.
As fate would have it, just before my race, I realized I needed to change. I rushed into the restroom, but as I struggled to get the tampon at the right angle, frustration kicked in. I felt too shy to ask my friends for help, worrying they might judge me. The pressure of the ticking clock added to my panic. I ended up going for a classic solution—shoving a wad of toilet paper down my pants. Not ideal, but I was holding out hopes it would do the trick until after the race.
I made my way to the track, trying to focus on my race and not on the awkward toilet paper situation shifting with every step. The race was a mix of adrenaline and a bit of discomfort. As soon as it was over, I bolted to the car where my mom was waiting. When she saw my flushed face and the panic in my eyes, she silently handed me a plastic bag to sit on.
Even though I appreciated her understanding, I felt mortified. I'll never forget the thought of sitting "bare booty" on a plastic bag while my mom drove us home—it felt like a scene from a comedy!
The next day, I learned that my mom had shared my little mishap with another mom. My face turned crimson as I listened to the story being recounted, complete with all the details about the plastic bag! It was definitely an experience I wouldn’t want to relive, but it opened my eyes to the importance of having accessible period care and not shying away from asking for help.
Accessible period care matters so much, and breaking the taboo around asking for it is equally important. Having the right resources and the confidence to tackle my period could have made all the difference that day. Looking back, I realize moments like these highlight why it’s crucial to have open discussions about period care.
Heidi, 51, Toronto, ON, Canada
I remember my father saying to me once as a teenager that when I had my period (which I did at the time), that I should make sure to hide the "period stuff" well because it stinks and is dirty. I didn't know how to respond, but gathered he had somehow been made to witness the fact that one of his daughters was menstruating and that made him feel uncomfortable. So, naturally, I grew up thinking that having one's period was dirty and something to be ashamed of.
I don't blame my father; he was from a generation and a culture that didn't know better, but I often think about what a different experience my own daughter has had with much less stigma about periods today. In fact, she became President of the Student Council in highschool running on the platform that she would get free period products put into washrooms—ALL washrooms, regardless of gender. And she did. And what's more, she didn't need to explain to the boys who volunteered to put period products in the male washrooms. (She did, however, have to tell them to put more then 2 tampons in there.)