Menstruation (from the Latin menses, "month") [1] also known as menstrual bleeding, catamenia, period or monthly, is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle occurs due to the rise and fall of hormones [FEMALE CYCLE] of women in their fertile age. The period usually begins at around twelve years of age, a point in time known as menarche, and stops after menopause which usually occurs at 50 years of age. [2] [STAGES OF LIFE]

In humans (as opposed to other mammals) a cycle takes an average of 28 days and thus corresponds to the length of a moon cycle. This fact has always contributed to the mystification of menstruation. [2] [3]

Culture
Menstruation was assessed differently in various cultures. In ancient times, the period was still considered a cleaning process of the female body but in the following decades it was regarded as harmful. To this day, menstruating women are believed to be impure in many traditions and religions and the menstrual blood is considered poisonous. [4] [HISTORY]

The menstrual taboo entails serious consequences. For many women the access to clean tampons and sanitary pads is limited. Instead of clean products, the use of fabric remnants might be a risk to health. [5] In some areas, menstruating women are not only prevented from entering holy sites but they are also excluded from public life [6] [7]. In the western world, artists with a playful access to this topic often have to experience a wave of devaluation and disgust. [8] [9] In short, this taboo impedes a relaxed dealing with a topic relevant for women.