The Essence of Girlhood: An Exploration of the Experiences and Feelings of Young Women in Relation to their Menstrual Cycles

Menstrual cycles have carried a heavy burden of stigma, stereotypes and taboos throughout history and throughout varying cultures. The bodies that experience menstruation have endured generations of negative associations, feelings and experiences in relation to their own personal cycles. This study sought to understand the feelings and experiences directly from those who are experiencing and feeling them today. By asking the questions that the five participants would not have otherwise been asked, this study offers an insight into the peer and social influences that impact young girls' perspectives and associations with their periods and changing bodies. This study found that the combination of deeply imbedded social constructs like patriarchy, sexism and gender norms and beauty standards create feelings of stress and shame as they navigate this critical time in their lives. This study also found that there is a serious need for an emphasis on mental health concerns and validation expressed by the participants as they cope with puberty.