Eventually the bahu manages to convince her marital clan that such restrictions imposed by a ruthless patriarchal society on women are illogical, baseless, unscientific, and grossly inhumane.

I realize that the need of the hour is to educate and generate awareness about perimenopause and menopause. For some women, depending on their genetics, it can last as long as ten years, followed by menopause.

This would be my first time alone, “I hope you come soon.” Covering my face with a dupatta, I had run towards the woods, consoling myself, “It’s just 3 days. I’ll be fine.”

Period taboos need to be demolished, and we should talk about it openly with even the men in the family - here's why.

From using code words about periods to wrapping sanitary napkins like a bomb, we keep periods a secret. It's time we changed that, says the author.