Girls' experiences of menarche and menstruation

A review of the literature on girls' and women's experiences of menarche and menstruation revealed many negative representations, both in traditional and feminist research and theorizing, though a few studies have highlighted positive aspects. Qualitative research has begun to show how experience is constructed and, to develop this further, the aim of this article is to examine how girls construct meaning around menarche and menstruation in social interactions and specific contexts. Analysis is informed by a reflexive feminist constructionist approach. Data from nine girls, aged between 12 and 15, who participated in two focus group discussions are analysed alongside existing literature. It is theorized that developing and changing, context specific, socio-cultural representations and practices construct meanings in relation to menstruation. In common with other feminist literature, menarche and menstruation were largely constructed as embarrassing, shameful and something to be hidden, specifically within the school context. Menstruation was also constructed as illness. The production and perpetuation of gender-related difference narratives was also evident. Implications for individuals, as well as for the subjugation of girls and women, are discussed, and it is argued that current negative representations of, and practices in relation to, menarche and menstruation need to be challenged.