Let’s face it: periods are a part of life for 1.8 billion people worldwide , yet they’re still shrouded in unnecessary stigma and silence. Enter Period Talk, Evana’s campaign to “challenge the status-flow” and normalise open conversations about menstruation. 

Launched across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube earlier this year, our ongoing project calls for people to share their memorable period stories—the good, the bad, and the downright hilarious—to foster a community of empathy and understanding. Through this movement, we aim to dismantle taboos and empower everyone to embrace the messy, real-life experiences that come with menstruation.

Why did we launch Period Talk?

The mission of Period Talk is simple: to normalise menstruation by amplifying real stories and creating a safe space for conversations. By encouraging people to share their personal experiences, the campaign aims to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and challenge long-standing cultural taboos. It’s about providing a platform where people can discuss everything from period pain to embarrassing moments without fear of judgment. In doing so, Period Talk fosters a sense of community, helping individuals feel less isolated in their experiences and more empowered to address their menstrual health needs.

At its heart, the campaign is also a call to action, encouraging individuals to reflect on how society perceives menstruation and to join in reshaping those narratives for the better.

Laughing through the embarrassment: We’re not alone!

Who hasn’t had a cringe-worthy moment involving their period? Period Talk reminds us that we’re all human, and laughter truly is the best medicine. Take Kim, for instance, who accidentally fired her only tampon under a toilet cubicle door into a crowd of strangers. “It was like a party popper!” she joked, adding that she waited out the embarrassment in the stall until a kind stranger left a spare tampon for her. Stories like Kim’s are a lighthearted reminder that even the most awkward situations are survivable—and often hilariously relatable.

Then there’s Zoe, whose waxing appointment took an unexpected turn when the beautician inadvertently yanked out her tampon along with the wax strip. “It’s safe to say I haven’t been back for a wax since!” she quipped. These moments may be mortifying in the moment, but sharing them fosters solidarity and reminds us that periods are nothing to be ashamed of.

Finding common ground: Periods in sport, public, and life

Period Talk also sheds light on the shared challenges menstruation brings, particularly in public spaces and sports. Deana, who started her period just after joining her school swim team, confessed to weeks of worry about how it would impact her ability to train. “I had an internal freak-out for multiple weeks leading up to training,” she admitted, reflecting the uncertainty many young athletes face. Similarly, Kelly highlighted the unpredictability of her irregular periods and how they complicate her participation in races. “You can imagine how that feels—not knowing on a day-to-day basis when my races are, when my period will start, or what the symptoms will be,” she shared.

Thea’s story is another familiar one: as a teen at the beach, she was chatting with a crush when he suddenly went quiet—he’d noticed her tampon string peeking out from her bikini. “Periods are such a big part of our lives, so I definitely think it’s something that we need to talk about more,” she said. Stories like Thea’s highlight how a lack of openness can turn a simple mishap into a source of shame, particularly for young people navigating relationships and social settings.

Normalising the pain: It’s okay to speak up

A recurring theme in Period Talk is the importance of acknowledging and discussing period pain. Amy’s story is a striking example of how misunderstood this issue can be. Starting her period young, Amy suffered severe pain that her father mistook for appendicitis. “He called an ambulance, and I was put on gas and air,” she recalled. Her experience underscores the urgent need for more education around menstrual health, so that period pain is acknowledged and treated as a distinct medical condition, important in its own right. 

Another participant shared the emotional and physical toll of chronic pain. “My day-to-day is very frequently filled with pain and bleeding,” she revealed. “I wish these things were more openly spoken about.” By sharing such experiences, Period Talk encourages individuals to seek medical advice or support when needed, rather than suffering in silence. As one contributor aptly put it, “If it was any other part of our body, we wouldn’t hesitate to tell people we were struggling. Because it’s our uterus, we put up and shut up.”

If you experience period pain, Ultravana® period pain relief tablets may be a suitable treatment option for you. Ask your pharmacist about Ultravana® or learn more about this medicine here. 

Remember to consult a doctor if your period pain is severe and/or affecting day to day life.

Breaking the silence on heavy bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding is another subject that Period Talk is tackling head-on. Sabrina recalled her anxiety after leaking onto her chair during an exam at school. “I just remember feeling so mortified and anxious,” she said, describing how she spent the following week terrified someone would discover what happened. For others, heavy bleeding can disrupt daily life, from work to social events, yet the stigma around it often leaves people feeling isolated and ashamed. 

By openly discussing heavy bleeding, Period Talk reminds us that these realities should not be brushed aside or dismissed as “normal.” As one participant explained, “We just have to do our best to reduce the stigma.”

You can learn more about heavy menstrual bleeding, or explore our heavy periods medicine, Evana®. 

Evana® is not indicated for heavy periods caused by an underlying condition or if you have irregular periods. Remember to talk to your GP if you're concerned about heavy bleeding affecting day to day life.

Join the conversation: Share your story!

Evana’s Period Talk campaign is more than a series of social media posts. By encouraging people to share their stories, whether they’re hilarious, awkward, or heart-wrenching, the campaign hopes to create a world where talking about periods is as normal as discussing the weather.

Do you have a period story to share? Visit our Period Talk page to join the conversation and help break the silence around menstruation. You can also find us over on Instagram and TikTok, @evanaperiods.