Once upon a

time of the month.

Help us write the

book on periods.

woman diving

Our period stories have been silenced for too long. Let’s change that. We want to hear your period stories: the good, the bad, the bloody. We are writing the Book on Periods to empower our stories in print. Together, let's expand the narrative to include our real experiences, and end period silence and shame for good.

We are looking for first period stories, last period stories, period sex stories, period care stories, period syncing stories, PCOS stories, menopause stories, endometriosis stories...the list goes on. Add your story below.

Drawn image of woman climbing

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

End Period Silence. Tell your story.

Start the

conversation.

“…It was the summer of 1996 and I was 12 years old. I awoke bright and early on the first day of an intense 2 week long basketball camp to find my undies soaked in blood and a bone crushing pain in my lower belly…”

Ali (she/her), 40, Venice
“...As fate would have it, just before my race, I realized I needed to change. I rushed into the restroom, but as I struggled to get the tampon at the right angle, frustration kicked in. I felt too shy to ask my friends for help, worrying they might judge me. The pressure of the ticking clock added to my panic. I ended up going for a classic solution—shoving a wad of toilet paper down my pants…”

Kelly (she/her), 28, Boston, USA
“...There was a lineup and once I got a stall, well - what I thought was sweat was actually a mid-cycle bleed and it had gone through the back of my shorts. I left the stall, and frantically washed my hands while I sensed people's eyes staring at my shorts…”

Linda (she/her), 33, Toronto, Canada
“When I first got my period I was fifteen and nobody had taught me how to use a tampon, so I inserted it with the plastic cap still on and walked around like that all day. It was so uncomfortable. I finally told someone about it and they explained that I had to remove the cap by pulling after insertion. I wish someone had explained it in sex ed!”

Cassaundra, 28, Toronto, Canada
“...Don't get me wrong - my periods are far from pleasant. The cramps can be debilitating, and the mood swings are a force to be reckoned with. But every twinge, every mood shift, every stain is a reminder that my body is functioning, that it's strong enough to maintain this natural cycle…”

Natalie (she/her), 16, Boston
“...Being diagnosed with endometriosis was both a revelation and a heartbreak. For years, I endured unbearable pain every month since I was just 15, never truly understanding the cause. When I finally received the diagnosis, it was a bitter confirmation of the silent battle I had been fighting. The pain had been my constant companion, dictating how I lived, how I dressed, and even how I dreamed…”

Reina (she/her), 33, Lagos, Nigeria

Join the

movement.

Tag us on social with #joniperiodbook and share your story.

FAQs

  • Periods shame has prevented us from sharing and celebrating our period stories—until now. We’re writing The Book On Periods that shares anecdotal stories, your stories, so that we can learn from each other, remove the shame associated with menstrual cycles and normalize conversations about periods. We want to see this book show up in all the unconventional places to spark conversation, education and awareness.

  • Period stories deserve to be told. Join us in reclaiming our periods by sharing your story and breaking the silence. While we can’t put every story we receive into print, we’re hoping that you can feel empowered through the act of writing and telling your period story—to us and beyond—as we all work to change the discourse together.

  • We want to amplify a diversity of voices and period experiences through authentic and honest stories. We want to hear about your experiences with PCOS, endometriosis, first periods, last periods, menopause, period sex, gender, race, and every bloody thing in between. Please ensure your submission is no longer than 3,000 words—so we can share as many stories as possible!

  • In order to put a face to period stories, we require a name with your story. If you wish to remain anonymous, please submit your story under a pseudonym/pen name. Note that we also ask for your age to give the story context as well as your city.

  • Stories will be edited for grammar and clarity. If substantive edits are required (for structure or flow for readability), the writer will be contacted.

  • Please email [email protected].

  • Only your name, age and your story will be published. Any other personal information will not be published or shared online. joni’s privacy policy can be read here.

  • Stories must be submitted no later than October 30th, 2024.

  • This is a voluntary submission. By submitting to this anthology, you’re helping to change the discourse toward openness and shame-free sharing of period stories.

  • All stories submitted require a release form which can be found here.

  • All profits from The Book on Periods will go towards providing free dispensers, pads and tampons to non-profits, elementary and high-schools across Canada and the US.