The perpetuation of menstrual shame: implications and directions

In North America, many taboos and myths related to menstruating women have been officially discredited. Unfortunately however, menstruation continues to be imbued with complex, largely negative meanings. This paper examines how menstrual shame and embarrassment are perpetuated through common folk wisdom, educational methods, and commercial advertising. A discussion of female socialization illustrates how girls arrive at puberty with attitudes that reflect largely negative cultural stereotypes. Implications and directions for education and research which are intended to counterbalance the prevalent menstrual ideology are presented.