Periods in Pop Culture: My Experience as a 41 Year Old Woman

Growing up in the ’90s, periods were basically weren’t something hugely talked about. ‘Just Seventeen’ or ‘Bliss’ magazines were the oracle of all things “Aunt Flo” and the classic passing of a tampon like it was some kind of illegal contraband. 

Fast-forward to today, and things are a bit better—but let’s be honest, the media still has some catching up to do. This is something that Evana® thinks is a missed opportunity (read more about their take), and I share my periods-in-the-media experience below…

The Horror Movie Trope

For years, periods were practically a horror movie plot device. Think the film ‘Carrie’ (the ultimate period-gone-wrong scene), where getting your first period meant your classmates turned into monsters and zombies, and you then discovered you had murderous telekinetic powers. Relatable, right?! Instead of what could have been a moment of immense empowerment, it was literally used as a catalyst for humiliation and rage. Cheers for that, Stephen King!

Cringey Comedy Moments

Then we have the awkward period moment, usually played for laughs. You know the one—some poor girl leaks through her trousers, a clueless boy reacts in horror, and somehow, instead of a casual “It happens,” it becomes the most humiliating thing that’s ever occurred. Even Friends, a show I adored, had Ross acting like Rachel had suggested ritual sacrifice when she asked him to buy her tampons. Could this BE more old-fashioned?!

Refreshing Realism in 2025

But things in 2025 have finally started to shift. More recently, shows like Sex Education and Turning Red have treated periods like… well, a normal part of life. Imagine that! Maeve Wiley in Sex Education talks about needing painkillers like it’s no big deal, and Turning Red gives us a realistic (and kind of adorable) mother-daughter moment about first periods (this is honestly the best Disney film to watch with a pre-teen). These feel like small victories, but they matter.

How It Shaped Me

For years, I absorbed the message that periods = ultimate embarrassment. It took adulthood (and, let’s be honest, motherhood) for me to fully embrace the fact that, actually, periods are just biology doing its thing. Seeing more honest, positive representations in media makes me hopeful that my kids, both my daughter and two sons, won’t grow up feeling embarrassed about something so natural. It’s definitely not a taboo subject in our house!

So, here’s to more movies, books, and TV shows that treat periods like what they are—a totally normal part of life. No more horror movie moments, no more tampon-trauma, just real-life, messiness, tampons, moon cups, and all!

I’d love to know what the worst (or best) period portrayal you’ve seen is? Let me know in the comments below!

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.