Why is it still so hard to talk about periods? Menstruation is a normal biological process experienced by millions of people every month.

Yet in many workplaces it remains awkward, avoided or wrapped in stigma. When conversations don’t happen, people can feel isolated, unsupported and unsure where to turn.

In this Henpicked Lunch & Learn, we explored why silence still surrounds menstrual health and what we can do about it.

The session featured Talycia Nayee, consultant, advocate and facilitator, and Sally Leech, Director at Henpicked, who leads much of Henpicked’s work supporting organisations to better understand menstruation and menstrual health at work.

Together they explored why stigma still exists, the impact it can have at work and what practical steps can help open up the conversation.

Why does stigma around periods still exist?

Sally Leech: We’re seeing more conversation about menstrual health both in society and in organisations. But stigma still exists. From your experience, why do you think that is?

Talycia Nayee: A lot of it comes back to how we’re taught about these things when we’re growing up. In many schools, the way reproductive health is taught hasn’t changed very much for decades. Boys and girls are often separated into different classrooms, learning different things.

What really sticks with me is the moment afterwards in the playground. The boys are often excited and joking about what they’ve learned, while the girls can feel worried or overwhelmed about what it means for them. There’s a disconnect right from the start, where people aren’t learning together or understanding each other’s experiences.

Then there’s the language we use at home. Many people grow up using euphemisms instead of saying the word “period”. We say things like “time of the month” or use other coded phrases. That kind of language encourages silence and reinforces the idea that this is something we shouldn’t talk about openly.

Have attitudes started to shift?

Sally Leech: We’ve seen changes in the way society talks about periods, including how products are described and advertised. Do you think that’s helping?

Talycia Nayee: Absolutely. I remember when supermarkets changed the wording from “feminine hygiene” products to “sanitary products” and eventually to simply “period products”. That felt like a really significant moment because it removed the idea that menstruation is something to do with being clean or unclean.

Advertising has changed too. For years we saw that blue liquid being poured onto pads in adverts. Now we’re seeing red liquid, which represents the reality of what actually happens. Those kinds of shifts might seem small but they help normalise something that is completely natural.

What challenges still exist in the workplace?

Sally Leech: Even with those societal changes, many people still feel uncomfortable talking about periods at work. What are some of the barriers you see?

Talycia Nayee: One of the simplest examples is something almost everyone who menstruates has experienced — quietly hiding a tampon or pad in your sleeve or pocket before heading to the bathroom.

That small moment reflects a much bigger issue. People often feel like they need to hide the fact that they’re menstruating. It becomes even more difficult for people living with menstrual health conditions such as endometriosis or PMDD, where symptoms can be severe.

For some people, the stigma can be so strong that they leave a job rather than talk about what they’re experiencing. That’s why continuing to open up these conversations is so important.

Why is education so important?

Deborah Garlick: One of the things we often hear in our training sessions is people saying they’ve learned more about their bodies in the last hour than they have in their entire lives.

Sally Leech: Yes, we hear that a lot. Many people leave school with only a very basic understanding of menstruation. They might know the biology but not what a typical period looks like or when something might need medical attention.

That lack of knowledge means people sometimes live with symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. If someone experiences very heavy bleeding or severe pain, they may think that’s just something they have to put up with.

Education can help people recognise when something isn’t right and feel confident seeking help and support.

How do menstrual health conditions affect people at work?

Sally Leech: For people living with menstrual health conditions, the impact can be significant. How do you see that showing up in workplaces?

Talycia Nayee: It can be incredibly challenging. Conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis or PMDD can affect people’s whole bodies and their day-to-day lives.

What’s important to recognise is that these conditions are often invisible. Someone might be managing severe pain or fatigue while still trying to perform at work as though everything is normal.

That’s why listening to lived experience is so important. When organisations take the time to understand what people are going through, they can start making meaningful changes.

What practical steps can help break the silence?

Deborah Garlick: For organisations that want to create a more open culture around menstrual health, where should they start?

Talycia Nayee: One of the simplest things we can do is say the word “period”. That might sound small, but using clear language helps remove stigma.

When people hear the word used openly, it becomes easier to talk about their own experiences. It also encourages curiosity and learning.

Sally Leech: Listening is another crucial step. Organisations that are doing this well often start by asking employees about their lived experiences.

That can lead to really practical changes. For example, some organisations have looked at uniforms or working environments after hearing feedback from employees about how difficult it can be to manage menstruation at work.

Training and education are also important so that managers feel confident having supportive conversations.

This is why so many organisations joined Menstruation Friendly membership to help make it easier to support their colleagues.

Why does this matter now?

Deborah Garlick: Over the past decade we’ve seen huge progress in opening up conversations about menopause. Now we’re starting to see more focus on menstruation and menstrual health too.

Sally Leech: Exactly. Menstrual health is part of a wider life course that includes puberty, reproductive health, menopause and beyond. Understanding the whole journey helps workplaces support people at every stage.

Menstruation affects a large proportion of the workforce every month. When workplaces understand this and create supportive cultures, it helps people feel confident, valued and able to perform at their best.