why:
overall importance
The menstrual cycle is a natural, recurring process that affects nearly half of the world's population and is often regarded as a vital sign, much like pulse, respiration, or blood pressure.
Despite its universality and importance, a significant gap in knowledge and understanding persists. This lack of awareness can profoundly impact women's health, well-being, and empowerment. Addressing it through comprehensive education and open conversations is essential to empower women and support informed decisions about their bodies and lifestyles¹.
why understanding the menstrual cycle matters?
Understanding the menstrual cycle is fundamental not only for reproductive health but also for overall well-being and empowerment. Here’s why:
Health Awareness
A deep understanding of the menstrual cycle allows women to monitor their reproductive health more effectively. Changes in cycle patterns can signal potential health concerns such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or thyroid disorders. Recognizing these shifts early supports timely intervention and better long-term health.
Menstrual Health Management
Awareness of the cycle helps women manage their periods more effectively. By anticipating when menstruation will occur and understanding different phases, they can prepare for symptoms, ease discomfort, and enhance overall well-being during sensitive times.
Personal Empowerment
Knowledge about the menstrual cycle fosters confidence and reduces anxiety surrounding menstruation. It enables women to make informed choices about their health, view their natural processes with positivity, and strengthen their sense of personal empowerment.
Emotional and Physical Well-being
Hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle can affect mood, energy levels, emotional sensitivity, and even increase injury risk during physical activities. Recognizing these patterns empowers women to practice proactive self-care, support emotional balance, and optimize their physical activities accordingly.
Menstrual Hygiene Practices
By understanding the timing and phases of their cycle, women can adopt better menstrual hygiene practices, ensuring they are prepared with the necessary products and maintain proper care throughout their period.
Tracking Reproductive Health
Cycle tracking provides valuable insights into ovulation and fertility patterns. It enables women to identify potential factors influencing conception and share meaningful information with healthcare providers, supporting accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
Fertility Awareness
For women who wish to plan or prevent pregnancy, understanding the fertile window within the cycle is crucial. This knowledge assists in fertility awareness methods and strengthens autonomy over reproductive decisions.
Menopause Readiness
As women approach menopause, being familiar with their menstrual cycle helps them recognize early signs of transition. This awareness supports a smoother, more informed navigation of this important life stage.
conclusion
Ultimately, understanding the menstrual cycle isn't just about reproductive health or family planning — it's about overall well-being and personal empowerment. When women know how their bodies work, they can make more informed choices, take better care of themselves, and have clearer, more confident conversations with doctors, friends, and family about their health, thus benefiting society as a whole.
Even in modern times, the menstrual cycle/menstruation is still a societal taboo and highly stigmatised (women still hide period products, feel ashamed when having to buy them and don't feel comfortable talking openly about it with other women or partners). This lack of open dialogue perpetuates misinformation and prevents women from accessing accurate information about their menstrual health. Breaking down these cultural barriers and creating spaces for open, honest conversations is crucial if we want to end the stigma around menstruation.
At the same time, most of the resources out there still follow a one-size-fits-all idea of the menstrual cycle, ignoring the reality that every woman's experience is different. This narrow view leaves many feeling unseen and unsupported when understanding their bodies. There is no "one cycle fits all" rule. For those not "fitting in the box", relying on the existing tools is usually demotivating. Thus, they end up not doing it all. It is essential to change how we view the matter and develop tools that encourage and inspire women to listen and synch to their bodies⁴.
thus, the creation of unboxing cycles
Bridging the knowledge gap around menstruation is essential for true empowerment and lasting well-being. When we challenge outdated taboos, offer education, and open space for honest conversations, we give the necessary tools to make informed choices about ones bodies — physically and emotionally.
Empowering women (and all genders) with knowledge benefits general well-being and contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society. It is time to break the silence, end the stigma, and create an environment where menstruating women can confidently embrace and manage their health, improve their lifestyles, and open the conversation.
By giving a new perspective and providing the proper tools, we can (finally) transform and normalise the subject.
This project was born from the desire to bring together three pillars — art, education, and health — both online and offline. Through art exhibitions, co-created books, retreats, live events, and eventually, a dedicated website, we aim to offer everything needed to make informed, empowered decisions about female health. From practical tips and knowledge sharing to guidance on navigating the hormonal journey, nourishing the body through every phase, and real stories that connect and inspire, the goal is to support women in their unique paths of unboxing their cycles.
The artistic exhibitions will be visual catalysts, sparking conversations across genders and generations. The books will be tangible companions, offering inspiration and knowledge for the journey ahead. The offline gatherings - in the city or out in nature - will create safe spaces to share, listen, and grow — spaces where mutual learning and real change can happen.
Sources
¹ Critchley et al. (2018). Menstruation: science and society. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 223 (5), 624-664.
² Heyen, N. (2019). From self-tracking to self-expertise: The production of self-related knowledge by doing personal science. Sage Journals, 29 (2). https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662519888757
³ Santoro, N., Roeca, C., Peters, B. & Neal-Perry, G. (2021). The Menopause Transition: Signs, Symptoms, and Management Options. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 106 (1), 1–15, https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaa764
⁴ McHugh, M. (2020). Menstrual Shame: Exploring the Role of ‘Menstrual Moaning’. The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies.
Bull, J.R., Rowland, S.P., Scherwitzl, E.B. et al. Real-world menstrual cycle characteristics of more than 600,000 menstrual cycles. npj Digit. Med. 2, 83 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-019-0152-7
Golub, S. (1985). Lifting the Curse of Menstruation: A Feminist Appraisal of the Influence of Menstruation on Women's Lives. Harrington Park Press, Inc.
Liu, Y., Gold, E., Lasley, B. & Johnson, W. (2004). Factors Affecting Menstrual Cycle Characteristics. American Journal of Epidemiology, 160(2), 131–140, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwh188
Schmalenberger, K. et al. (2020). How to study the menstrual cycle: Practical tools and recommendations. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104895
van Lonkhuijzen, R., Garcia, F. & Wagemakers, A.(2022).The Stigma Surrounding Menstruation: Attitudes and Practices Regarding Menstruation and Sexual Activity During Menstruation. Women's Reproductive Health, 10(3), 364-384.
World Health Organization (2022). WHO statement on menstrual health and rights: 50th session of the Human Rights Council Panel discussion on menstrual hygiene management, human rights and gender equality. https://www.who.int/news/item/22-06-2022-who-statement-on-menstrual-health-and-rights