Menstrual Health

Campus Health is committed to supporting, uplifting, and empowering those who menstruate so they can be well and succeed while at Carolina and beyond.

Pay Attention to Your Body

Pay attention to your body. Notice if you bleed more or less than usual. If something isn't normal for you, talk to a healthcare provide whom you trust.

Track Your Cycle

Keeping track of your menstrual cycle helps you understand your body and notice when something is irregular. There are a variety of apps that can help you track your cycle (Apple Health, Clue) or you can use your calendar. Take note of when menstruation begins each month. You might also track how many days you bleed, the heaviness of your flow, any body changes you notice throughout the month that might be related to your cycle.

Finding a Medical Provider

Campus Health offers Gynecology services which focuses on people who menstruate, as well as Primary Care services. Campus Health offers gender affirming care.

Menstrual Hygiene

Questions about hygiene are normal. At Campus Health, we encourage you to be open about your body and ask questions when you have them.

Pay attention to your cycle. Note if you are bleeding more or less than usual. If something isn't normal for you, ask a healthcare provider whom you trust.

To help avoid the possibility of infection, try to wash the outer pelvic area daily with unscented sop and water. Replace any absorbency products at least every 4 hours.

If You Use Hormones

Hormones affect bodies differently. Not everyone uses or wants to use hormones, and that is just fine. For those who do choose to use hormones, here are some resources:

Testosterone and the menstrual cycle (Clue)
The pill and your period (Clue)
Heavy Periods and Birth Control (University of Colorado)

Gender and Menstruation

Menstruators can be any gender. For many menstruators who are trans and non-binary, monthly bleeding might trigger dysphoria. Remember that your identity, feelings, and experiences are all valid, and you are amazing! Here are some resources that may help you to take care of your physical and mental well-being during this time.

What it’s like to get your period when you’re trans (Clue) | This article showcases testimonials from transgender and non-binary folks about menstruation. It includes lived experiences and advice on dealing with gender dysphoria and menstruation.
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms on Campus | An interactive map of gender-inclusive restrooms on UNC-Chapel Hill's campus
Transgender Resources | The UNC LGBTQ center's Exploring Identities - Transgender resource page

Know Your Flow

Image description: When Do I Need to Change My Sanitary Products? Light Flow (one drop, tip of tampon, small spot on a pad) Change products every 3-5 hours. Medium Flow (two drops, half of tampon, half of pad) Change products every 2-3 hours. Heavy Flow (three drops, full tampon, most of pad) Change products every 1-2 hours.

Absorbency Method / Product Guide

Choose the product(s) that work best for you and your own body! And of course, make sure you wash your hands before and after changing products to keep yourself and others healthy.

Method/Product	Cost	Flow Level	Potential Benefits	What to Consider
Free bleeding	Free!	any	Available and accessible to anyone all the time because it doesn't require any specific products - just yourself and a willingness to free bleed.	Can be messy. You may need to wear dark colored clothing if you want to conceal your bleeding.
Period underwear	$10-$45 per pair	light to medium	Available in different underwear styles and absorbency levels. Reuseable and environmentally friendly. Can be worn as a back-up to another absorbency method.	Cost. Needs to be washed and dried regularly; often requires multiple pairs per cycle. Not commonly available in brick and mortar stores; may need to purchase online.
Liners	$7/box	light or spotting	Good for when you have spotting or light flow. Can be used with another absorbency method to catch any leaks. Thin and often comfortable.	Not ideal to use alone when your flow is medium or heavy.
Pads (single use)	$7 / box	Variety	Good for overnight use No need to insert anything Sold in variety packs or according to your flow level	Does not work with thongs or boxers Can sometimes overflow
Pads (reuseable)	$10-$20 or DIY	Variety	Reuseable and environmentally friendly Good for overnight use No need to insert anything	Does not work with thongs or boxers Can sometimes overflow
Tampons	$7/box	Variety	Can be used while swimming Can be used with any style of underwear Sold in variety packs or according to your flow level	Requires comfort with insertion Needs to be changed every 4-6 hours; otherwise may increase risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome Not recommended for use overnight
Menstrual discs	Variety	Variety	Can be used while swimming Available in disposable or reuseable/eco friendly options Can use with any style of underwear More flexible than menstrual cups Can be worn up to 12 hours, depending on your flow Can be worn during sex	Disposable Requires comfort with insertion Typically only sold according to one flow level
Menstrual cups	$20-$40/cup	Variety	Can be used while swimming Can use with any style of underwear Reuseable and environmentally friendly With proper care, some cups can last up to 8 years Can be worn for up to 12 hours Can wear overnight	Requires comfort with insertion Have to make sure they are made of medical grade silicone and that you buy from a trusted brand

Adapted from UC Davis Menstrual Health page

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