For something half the world experiences every month, periods have rarely been seen or spoken about on screen (at least realistically). And when they are, it’s usually through awkward jokes, dramatic reactions, or the classic, “must be that time of the month” stereotype. 

Think about it, how many movies or shows can you name where a character actually talks about her period like it’s a normal part of life? Most of the time, it’s whispered about, glossed over, or treated as a sign of weakness. 

Pop culture has a huge influence on how we think and talk about things, and for years, it’s shaped how people perceive menstruation. Often, not in the best way. When we constantly see period scenes handled with embarrassment or humor, it quietly reinforces the idea that periods are something to hide. That they’re messy, shameful, or “gross”.

But in reality, they’re just biology. No more, no less. 

A few films and series have started to challenge this old narrative. Movies like Pad Man in India, animation movies like Turning Red, or even shows like Never Have I Ever, have begun showing periods as they are, uncomfortable sometimes, yes, but completely normal. These moments might seem small, but they matter. For a young person watching, seeing a character accept and handle her period confidently can feel validating. It tells them: “It’s okay. This happens to everyone.” 

Realistic portrayals help break the silence that’s lasted too long. They spark conversations at home, in classrooms, and even online. They remind us that talking about periods isn’t oversharing; it’s normalizing. 

When pop culture starts showing period cramps, leaks, and mood swings as everyday realities rather than punchlines, we move closer to a world that treats menstrual health as part of overall well-being, not an afterthought. 

At Saathi, we’ve always believed in that kind of honesty. Since 2016, we’ve used red to depict period blood in our visuals — because we think truth shouldn’t be controversial. For us, normalizing menstruation isn’t a trend. It’s the foundation of our work in menstrual equity, sustainability, and access.

We don’t need dramatic storylines or public service announcements to make progress. We just need more honesty. More characters who casually mention they’re on their period, borrow a pad from a friend, or call in sick because their cramps hurt, the same way someone would mention having a cold or a headache. 

Representation matters. And when it comes to periods, it’s long overdue. 

Maybe one day, period scenes won’t stand out as “brave” or “bold”. They’ll just be normal. And that’s exactly how it should be.