‘I thought I lost my childhood’: Understanding Indian adolescents’ preparedness and practices during menstruation

Background Despite its universality, menstruation is often surrounded by cultural taboos and stigmas that impact how girls experience and manage their menstrual health. Objectives To explore the emotional and psychological responses of adolescent girls at the onset of menarche; to assess the level of preparedness and the role of prior discussions in shaping adolescent girls' experiences with menarche; to identify the prevailing menstrual practices and taboos; and to analyse the factors influencing the choice of menstrual hygiene methods among adolescent girls. Methods This qualitative analysis was conducted with data obtained from an analytical cross-sectional study done among college going women in Coimbatore district, India between October 2022 and January 2023. Results The findings are presented across four domains such as emotions during menarche, willingness to discuss, menstrual practices and influencers of menstrual hygiene. About 84.1 % experienced negative feelings, including confusion, fear, embarrassment, and a sense of loss during menarche and only the remaining 15.9 % expressed positive emotions. About 47.2 % were open to initiating discussions, citing the importance of preparedness and demystifying menstruation, while others were hesitant. Majority (81.8 %) experienced restrictive and myth-based practices. Washroom facilities, parental and peer influence, media, and digital influencers were among the common influencers of menstrual hygiene products. Inspite of safety concerns, privacy and convenience also played roles, with some opting to purchase products online to avoid embarrassment. Conclusion The findings stress the importance of fostering open dialogue about menstruation, addressing harmful cultural practices, and improving access to menstrual products and education.