Menstruation — aka having your period — is when blood and tissue from your uterus comes out of your vagina. It usually happens every month. Student Wellness is committed to supporting, uplifting, and empowering people who have periods 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 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 or you can use your calendar. Take note of when bleeding 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 Care offers Gynecology services which focuses on people who menstruate, as well as Primary Care services. Campus Care offers gender affirming care.
Period Hygiene
Questions about keeping yourself clean during your period are normal. 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 soap 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 Periods
People who have periods can identify with any gender. For many people who have periods 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 at all times; no products required. | Can be messy; may require frequent clothing changes. Not always practical in public spaces or work/school settings. Wear dark clothing to conceal bleeding. |
| Period underwear | $10–$45 per pair | Light to medium | Available in different styles and absorbency levels. Reusable and eco-friendly. Can be worn as a backup to other methods. |
Upfront cost; requires washing. Need multiple pairs per cycle. Often sold online only. |
| Liners | $7/box | Light or spotting | Good for spotting or light flow. Can be used with another method to catch leaks. Thin and comfortable. |
Not ideal for medium or heavy flow when used alone. |
| Pads (single use) | $7/box | Light to heavy | Good for overnight use. No insertion required. Sold in variety packs or by flow level. |
Does not work with thongs or boxers. Can sometimes overflow. |
| Pads (reusable) | $10–$20 or DIY (e.g., fabric scraps with waterproof layers) | Light to heavy | Reusable and eco-friendly. Good for overnight use. No insertion required. |
Does not work with thongs or boxers. Can sometimes overflow. Requires washing. |
| Tampons | $7/box | Light to heavy | Can be used while swimming. Works with any underwear style. Sold in variety packs or by flow level. |
Requires comfort with insertion. Must be changed every 4–6 hours to reduce Toxic Shock Syndrome risk. Not recommended for overnight use. |
| Menstrual discs | $15–$40 (disposable or reusable) | Light to heavy | Can be used while swimming. Available in disposable or reusable options. Works with any underwear style. More flexible than cups. Can be worn up to 12 hours (depending on flow). Can be worn during sex. |
Requires comfort with insertion. Disposable options create waste. Typically sold in one flow level only. |
| Menstrual cups | $20–$40/cup | Light to heavy | Can be used while swimming. Works with any underwear style. Reusable and eco-friendly. Can last up to 8 years with proper care. Can be worn for up to 12 hours. Safe for overnight use. |
Requires comfort with insertion. Must be made of medical-grade silicone from trusted brands. |
Adapted from UC Davis Menstrual Health page