Going with the flow: Gen Z is not here for shame!

After smashing bloody taboos around menstruation for over 14 years, we weren’t surprised when a recent survey by Lunette revealed that Gen Z is leading the charge in normalizing period talk.

The study included 2,000 women aged 18 to 38, and the results show a major shift in how younger generations approach reproductive health. Spoiler alert: Gen Z is not here for shame.

Gen Z is talking about periods loud and proud

While 65% of respondents believe menstrual stigma still exists, the majority agree that periods are a natural process and should be openly discussed - yes, even with men.

83% of Gen Zers support open conversations about menstruation;
Compared to 72% of Millennials, Gen Z is clearly more vocal and unapologetic.

So why, if periods are so normal, are we still hiding tampons in our sleeves, whispering about cramps, and making up excuses when we need time off?

Period pain is real and it’s disrupting our lives

Let’s talk facts:

Nearly 50% of respondents have missed work due to period symptoms like heavy bleeding, cramps, headaches, nausea, and diarrhea;
A whopping 92% say they’ve had to adjust their daily routine because of their period.

That’s not just inconvenient - it’s a sign that we need to normalize menstrual health in workplaces, schools, and social settings.

Periods vs pool parties: The Summer struggle

Imagine this: It’s summer. Your friends invite you to a pool party with pineapple floaties and frozen margaritas. You’ve got your Lunette Period Cup, so no worries about tampon strings or leaks. But your head is pounding, your stomach’s in knots, and you’re one sneeze away from disaster.

So you cancel. You stay home with a heating pad and binge-watch Bachelor in Paradise. Turns out, 66% of survey participants say they’d do the same. Maybe not with the same flair, but you get the idea.

Periods and dating: The silent dealbreaker

You’ve been chatting with someone cute. You finally ask them out. But then your period hits and 38% of you say that’s a totally valid reason to cancel. In fact, the average young woman surveyed has canceled three dates in the past year due to period symptoms. And while many say they’re comfortable talking about menstruation with any gender, we’re guessing “I’m bleeding and bloated” wasn’t the reason you gave for bailing on date number three.

Gen Z is changing the game, but there’s still work to do. We need to: