Colman Noctor: Silence around menstruation leaves girls quietly isolated

While it is understandable for teens not to talk about their bodies, a stigma around periods can lead to silence, shame, or misinformation

The hormonal changes and pain associated with menstruation can cause low mood and irritability. The understanding of parents and teachers is vital in helping girls navigate their experience. Picture: iStock

After 25 years of working with teenage girls, especially girls with eating disorders, I’ve had more conversations about periods than most men would in several lifetimes.

What those discussions have taught me is that the menstrual cycle is not a biological footnote in adolescence, but a key factor in young girls’ mental health and how they come to understand themselves.