Period Positivity

Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of being a woman. As part of our Healthy Women for Life Program, Adagio Health and our partners are ensuring that women and girls have the education, resources, and period products they need to feel confident every day, every month.

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Talking openly about your period to a trusted healthcare provider or family member, empowers women to have a deeper understanding of their bodies and wellbeing. At Adagio Health, we support period positivity so women and girls can feel safe, healthy, and educated when it comes to menstruation.

Need period products? Limited quantities of no-cost period products are available to patients in need through the Healthy Women for Life program. Fill out this form to get connected about period products and more.

You have questions, we have answers.

Menstruation, or having your period, is a short period of time that occurs every month when blood and tissue sheds from the uterus. This causes bleeding through the vagina. This is a normal occurrence and is part of the menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles typically start at the beginning of your period and last until the time you have your next period, or about 29 days. 

The menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes that occur in a woman’s body each month to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy. It’s a complex process involving hormonal fluctuations and physical changes, primarily focused on preparing the uterus for implantation of a fertilized egg. Menstrual cycles typically start at the beginning of your period and last until the time you have your next period, or about 29 days.

Don’t be afraid to talk about your period. Being period positive means:

  • You understand periods are an important part of your health
  • You know that it is a safe topic to discuss and to share your experiences with others
  • You acknowledge that some communities may have barriers to accessing period products and that it is important to advocate for period products in the workplace, school, and other important locations
  • Have discussions about periods with your friends, family, and healthcare professionals
  • Utilize apps, charts, or be aware of your body’s signals to track your period
  • Prioritize being gentle with yourself as you have your period by eating healthy foods and resting
  • Seek support from your community and don’t be afraid to ask for help

Understanding Common Period Products

There are many different types of period products that can help you navigate your life normally during menstruation without getting blood on your clothes, sheets, or other items. The best product for you is the one that fits your lifestyle and the one you are most comfortable with. A few popular period products are pads, tampons, period underwear, and menstrual cups.

Pads are a narrow piece of material that stick to your underwear. They are designed to prevent leaking and come in a variety of sizes based on how heavy, or how much you are bleeding, from your period. This is commonly known as your “flow.” Periods can range from light flows to heavy flows based on the person or at what stage you are at during your period. Some pads are disposable after one-time use, and others can be made from reusable fabric which you can wash and use again.

Tampons are a piece of material that is used internally to mitigate menstrual blood. This means that tampons are inserted into the vagina to soak up blood and prevent any leaking. There is typically a string attached to the end of the material, which is used to pull out the tampon when you are ready to discard them. Most tampons are provided with an applicator to make it easy to insert into the vagina.

Period underwear is just like regular underwear, except they are made from heavy fabrics to absorb menstrual blood. You can wear period underwear by themselves or while using another form of period product, like a tampon, for extra protection.

Menstrual cups are made from rubber, silicone, or soft plastic and are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. They are bell-shaped or shaped like a small bowl. Most menstrual cups are reusable, which means you can use them multiple times after properly washing them after every use. It is not recommended to use a menstrual cup if you have an IUD because the cup might move the IUD out of place.

Educational Virtual Workshops

Sign up for one of our period positivity virtual classes to learn about tracking your menstrual cycle, the difference between normal and abnormal periods, and where to find no-cost period products. Our virtual workshops are free to attend — sign up now!

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View the full list of Healthy Women for Life locations & partners below.

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