---
title: "What We Still Don't Know About Periods"
date: 2024-10-11T15:10:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-we-still-dont-know-about-periods"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# What We Still Don't Know About Periods

This article by Yasmine AlSayyad in *The New Yorker* sums up new efforts to better understand periods and the female reproductive system. The stigma around menstruation, and menstrual blood, has held back medical research on endometriosis and other menstrual-related disorders. The myth that menstrual blood is toxic continues to affect research today.

AlSayyad spotlights two recent books that overcome that stigma: "Womb" by midwife Leah Hazard, and *"*Period" by biological anthropologist Kate Clancy. "Womb" reflects Hazard's experience in labor wards. In "Period," Clancy discusses what can be learned from our menstrual cycles. Both Hazard and Clancy urge us to view our bodies' capabilities with awe rather than disgust.

> Dr. Margherita Yayoi Turco, a researcher then at the University of Cambridge who was working on a placental “organoid,” tiny placental tissue that can, under the right conditions, form mini-placentas in a dish, and be analyzed for its response to different drugs and hormones. Despite the importance of placental development for a successful pregnancy, garnering support for her work was difficult. “When I came into this field, it was really clear that it was hard to find funding,” she tells Hazard. “The placenta? It’s mostly, like, ‘Who cares? We just throw it away.’ ”

[Read the full article ](https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/what-we-still-dont-know-about-periods)

SOURCE: The New Yorker • AUTHOR: Yasmine AlSayyad • LAST UPDATED: April 12, 2023

![Covers of the following books: "Period: The Real Story of Menstruation" by Kate Clancy and "Womb: The Inside Story of Where We All Began" by Leah Hazard](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ sexual anatomies & sexual health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/sexual-anatomies-sexual-health)
- [ destigmatizing the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/destigmatizing-the-menstrual-cycle)
- [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions)
- [period poverty](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/period-poverty)
- [shame](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/shame)
- [anatomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/anatomy)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## How Menstrual Education Can Shape Body and Sex Positivity

This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall.

![pexels-karolina-grabowska-7281538](data:image/png;base64,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)

This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-menstrual-education-can-shape-body-and-sex-positivity)

[ResourcesRead

## Now More Than Ever, It’s Time for Universal Menstrual Education

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.

![pexels-rodnae-productions-4911023](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/now-more-than-ever-its-time-for-universal-menstrual-education)

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Six Trans Women Talk Menstruation

This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more.

![Kyle a0 KL1 Um0w BA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/six-trans-women-talk-menstruation)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.

![My Story- Wanting More in the Sex-Ed Curriculum](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares a few pros and cons of her experience with sex education in high school.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wanting-more-in-the-sex-ed-curriculum)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

![Pexels andrea piacquadio ptsd scaled e1661796367968 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[ResourcesWatch

## "Cellular Memory": Can a Heart Transplant Affect Our Personality?

In this video, a neurosurgeon and a transplant survivor discuss the possibility that memories could be stored outside the brain.

![pexels-cottonbro-7579823](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAC/klEQVRIiW1WXdIaMQyTmb3/4Tp96VW6sdQH/4Z+wARYNpYtyQ7259dvQPWUpHpjvAMShHwBkAH9VRDE2kv1GleAp7blprW34u3fbF25b10X9zY86gDqHYFfV6cIQFf6mCqATPtGEp4oJL4VQ4iIWWhiZFwtAFU+m+K+PdaHOz5KggYDQ4bKY5SoGE23ppRFwFMFxHvJu3Xu/RcMUKledWAFD4pIjgiR0YVRRQx3Lex/NV2WS4wBuIuVbvOliAWQqd8wBsBuDqGH/FExCVxtwa6nDb6Un9WsPlv4DY+T66ahsgWo9hnh9QNARcwVFvdYUrQAUN27pNb3oxWBsrEBkxkyesG0yGWk7jM0RVd0rmKqBgEwAwALDOuvP1I0RH0D8Jut/wFuDIMtF7X6LJbYq1hjjNMeRRLKP6jQhREaOLkmWMDwa0Z27qQkkJN+KB3m+QII0sam1iJDCH7Q/ER4cK1rOIxBG2BsKq1OxvgnyblErtwpdtdvv5oMChc1ZFSAzc9YqIdEKhxNEZO2da4mlQAmRrxMBjyLyXFRtcKerNWE63jru8d1YNDbP/a47g6o0d4D/j5PMPVam3VJRYkAk2fpWbMVGFY79x5vFXQcrejV1E0SSVF0yhNJerYCXUO5sI5KAbA6mcyss4l5kGk4RXq/JJf0XNHLp9CEHlrMIJhZX7EPxEwginDS3d0P/ZCU+IT/8c0vhpbo02zW+jigln81BIl0+onncbroT2zIThvR0Cy1pIZ6xiKBNDPLQ0CknDzu5/h7jp9D+gMzKOUCDDDBVEbLmZvRI1ZWYAA/HyihiyU6+Z7zvu85h+5Pk9uyVb1WpjKbmJmxAZJZVhA/VREhwjnv+7qfrsAquHXieSYN2/OINMzMPgbmhaiA5Dn+vufv+/o5H2vjxQgvjOV35CwulubxGbxklfJUOoo4n7L1tkYFRTOTFrKa+jt6MVSzhXKnl9Sf1KAd2EDVVvrCSBHW4Tilo0e8kwHzuVPuxH8saAq1ufG6M+zNPARJ8h8r7g+dpSvHrQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

In this video, a neurosurgeon and a transplant survivor discuss the possibility that memories could be stored outside the brain.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/cellular-memory-can-a-heart-transplant-affect-our-personality)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Understanding How Deceptive Social Media Can Be

LM addresses the ways that social media harms people.

![LM](data:image/png;base64,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)

LM addresses the ways that social media harms people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-how-deceptive-social-media-can-be)