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
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