We are proud to share the “Let’s talk about your period! Everything you need to know about your body, the stigma, and how you can fight back” booklet, created by our young volunteers Monica and Samara for fellow youngsters.
You will find information on biological and societal aspects of menstruation, results of a survey of secondary schoolers’ menstrual experiences, and suggestions on how youngsters can participate in advocating for menstrual equity.
For anyone interested in learning more about the topics covered, the reference list is as follows. The list was last updated in August, 2026.
References
Abraham, C. (2025). Think you have a vaginal infection? Here’s what you need to know. Acog.Org. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/think-you-have-a-vaginal-infection-heres-what-you-need-to-know
Alyousif, D. Y. (2026). PCOS | Gynaecologist Victoria| Dr Alyousif. Dralyousif.Com.Au. https://www.dralyousif.com.au/pcos
CDC. (2025, March 18). Healthy habits: Menstrual hygiene. Water, Sanitation, and Environmentally Related Hygiene (WASH). https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2017, August 15). Female reproductive system: Structure & function. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, October 27). Cervical Mucus: Chart, Stages, Tracking & Fertility. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus
Cleveland Clinic. (2022a, August 9). Follicular phase of menstrual cycle. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23953-follicular-phase
Cleveland Clinic. (2022b, February 9). Estrogen: Hormone, function, levels & imbalances. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22353-estrogen
Cleveland Clinic. (2023a, August 22). Menstrual cycle (normal menstruation): Overview & phases. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
Cleveland Clinic. (2023b, August 4). Vaginitis: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis
Cleveland Clinic. (2023c, September 5). Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis
Cleveland Clinic. (2023d, September 5). Vaginal yeast infection: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5019-vaginal-yeast-infection
Cleveland Clinic. (2023e, September 6). Irregular Periods (Abnormal Menstruation): Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods
Cleveland Clinic. (2023f, September 7). Vaginal discharge: Causes, colors & what’s normal. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
Cleveland Clinic. (2023g, September). Endometriosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10857-endometriosis
Department of Health & Human Services. (2018). Menstrual cycle. Vic.Gov.Au. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle
Dr. Niels van de Roemer. (2025, July 14). The follicular phase understanding the start of your menstrual cycle. Daysy; Valley Electronics AG. https://daysy.me/us/en/learn-more/menstrual-cycle/the-follicular-phase/?srsltid=AfmBOoo6TcLJQi_uzOKV_tbvXCs_oqVf8hu4qsTJe2Q_Pa5FtQ7mkk9E
Faragitakis, G. (2025, November 12). Menstrual cycles 101: An introduction to understanding your menstrual cycle – student wellness centre. Student Wellness Centre. https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/menstrual-cycles-101-an-introduction-to-understanding-your-menstrual-cycle/
Lindsley, D. J. (2026, January 19). What does progesterone do? Functions, benefits & deficiency signs. Highlandlongevity.Com; Highland Longevity. https://highlandlongevity.com/blog/what-does-progesterone-do/
Nationwide Children’s. (2020). Vaginal discharge. Nationwidechildrens.Org. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/vaginal-discharge
Premom Editorial Team. (2026, May 19). How to track menstrual cycle length accurately. Premom. https://premom.com/how-to-track-menstrual-cycle/
Reiff Ellis, R. (2024, May 13). What is the luteal phase? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/luteal-phase
Sese, C. (2024, July 19). The 7 signs of Ovulation. Northlinewomenshealthcenter.Com; Northline Women’s Health Center. https://northlinewomenshealthcenter.com/patients/blog/the-7-signs-of-ovulation
Society for Endocrinology. (2021). Luteinising hormone. You & Your Hormones. https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/luteinising-hormone/
Further reading
Beattie, E. (2017). Period of change: The women fighting to break Hong Kong’s menstruation taboo. In The Guardian. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/20/period-change-women-hong-kong-menstruation-taboo. Accessed June 2026.
Chu, C. M.-Y. (1980). Menstrual Beliefs and Practices of Chinese Women. JSTOR. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3814221?origin=jstor-pdf. Accessed August 2026.
citron-admin. (2020, October 13). Global period poverty: Stats, struggles & solutions worldwide. Citron Hygiene. https://www.citronhygiene.com/resources/period-poverty-world-stats-solutions/. Accessed June 2026.
International Planned Parenthood Federation. (2021). Period stigma: How it holds back girls and women. In IPPF. International Planned Parenthood Federation. https://www.ippf.org/blogs/period-stigma-how-it-holds-back-girls-and-women. Accessed July 2026.
Leung, H. (2025, November 3). 66% of domestic workers say buying menstrual products causes financial stress, Hong Kong NGO finds. Hong Kong Free Press. https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/04/66-of-domestic-workers-say-buying-menstrual-products-causes-financial-stress-hong-kong-ngo-finds/. Accessed July 2026.
Plan International & St. Frances University. (2025). Situation analysis study on period poverty in Hong Kong. In Plan International. https://www.plan.org.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Situation-Analysis-Study-on-Period-Poverty-in-Hong-Kong-2.pdf. Accessed August 2026.
Red Box. (2020). Zubin Foundation. https://www.zubinfoundation.org/our-work/red-box/
World. (2026, June 18). Menstrual health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menstrual-health. Accessed June 2026.