Menstruation is so much more than a useless byproduct of the reproductive cycle — it's a dang biological miracle. With the help of Dr. Kate Clancy, a professor at the University of Illinois and author of Period: The Real Story of Menstruation, this episode dives deep into the misconceptions, stigmas, and hidden truths about menstruation. Uncover the true purpose of periods, debunk the idea of a 'normal' period, and explore how environmental factors and personal experiences can impact menstrual cycles. We touch on premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PCOS, and endometriosis, along with the stigma associated with menstrual blood and why efforts to give menstrual products to girls in the global South are misguided. Also, retrograde menstruation. You've been warned.

Pick up Kate's book, "Period: The Real Story of Menstruation," right here: https://amzn.to/3qmF0d9

See citations and a transcript here: https://www.tabooscience.show/s3e9-menstruation/

Need music for a project? Use my Epidemic Sound referral link: https://share.epidemicsound.com/kbva2h

Connect with the show:

Newsletter: https://www.tabooscience.show/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabooscience

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tabooscience

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tabooscience

Website: https://www.tabooscience.show/

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taboo-science/id1533606473