--- title: menstruation date: 2023-07-24T16:30:00-04:00 canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/menstruation" section: Blog Categories --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# menstruation [## Period Poverty is a Human Rights Issue. Period.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/period-poverty-is-a-human-rights-issue-period)Read [What is period poverty, and what can we do to help combat it? ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/period-poverty-is-a-human-rights-issue-period) [![Periodpoverty](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/period-poverty-is-a-human-rights-issue-period) [What is period poverty, and what can we do to help combat it? ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/period-poverty-is-a-human-rights-issue-period) [## The Very Early Perimenopause: What We Can Learn from Dr. Jerilynn Prior’s Research](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-very-early-menopause-what-we-can-learn-from-dr-jerilynn-priors-research)Read [Many women in early perimenopause experience changes in flow, fertility, sleep, mood, and night sweats while still menstruating regularly. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-very-early-menopause-what-we-can-learn-from-dr-jerilynn-priors-research) [Many women in early perimenopause experience changes in flow, fertility, sleep, mood, and night sweats while still menstruating regularly. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/the-very-early-menopause-what-we-can-learn-from-dr-jerilynn-priors-research) [## Dirty Business: Lack of Menstrual Equity in Colombian Prisons](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons)Read [No woman - inside or outside prison - should face illness or feel humiliated because she cannot access pads, tampons or menstrual cups. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons) [![Toallas carcel 3](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons) [No woman - inside or outside prison - should face illness or feel humiliated because she cannot access pads, tampons or menstrual cups. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/dirty-business-lack-of-menstrual-equity-in-colombian-prisons) [## Negocio Sucio: Falta de Equidad Menstrual en las Cárceles Colombianas](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/negocio-sucio-falta-de-equidad-menstrual-en-las-carceles-colombianas)Read [Ninguna mujer, ni dentro ni fuera de una cárcel, debería enfrentarse a enfermedades o humillaciones por el hecho de no tener acceso a toallas higiénicas, tampones o copas menstruales. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/negocio-sucio-falta-de-equidad-menstrual-en-las-carceles-colombianas) [![Toallas carcel 3](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/negocio-sucio-falta-de-equidad-menstrual-en-las-carceles-colombianas) [Ninguna mujer, ni dentro ni fuera de una cárcel, debería enfrentarse a enfermedades o humillaciones por el hecho de no tener acceso a toallas higiénicas, tampones o copas menstruales. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/negocio-sucio-falta-de-equidad-menstrual-en-las-carceles-colombianas) [## Science Says Period Brains Aren't A Thing: Women Are Not Surprised](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing)Read [Finally, a study shows what those of us who menstruate already know: there is no such thing as “period brain.” ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing) [![Period brain photo](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing) [Finally, a study shows what those of us who menstruate already know: there is no such thing as “period brain.” ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - 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