Documentary director Lina Lyte Plioplyte wants to make menstrual stigma a thing of the past.
His new film, “Periodic,» tells the unexpected story of the human body by exploring the wonder and mystery of the menstrual cycle, from a woman’s first period to her last.
“I decided to make a documentary about menstruation because I realized that it is an important biological phenomenon affecting half of the world’s population, essential for human reproduction, and yet it remains shrouded in shame,” Plioplyte told Know Your Value. “Almost all major religions describe menstruation as dirty. Why aren’t we supposed to talk about this?
The MSNBC Films documentary, premiering Sunday and streaming on Peacock, features soccer star Megan Rapinoe, who reveals how the U.S. Women’s World Cup-winning soccer team tracks their cycles, to scientists researching stem cells found in menstrual blood, to young activists trying to ban the so-called “tampon tax” nationwide, and to celebrities, including Gloria Steinem and Naomi Watts, who share their own stories and defend their own rights.
“This film is for everyone who bleeds, and even more curiously, for those who don’t bleed,” Plioplyte said.
Know Your Value spoke with Plioplyte about the film, why menstrual stigma exists, the biggest myth surrounding menopause and much more.
Below is the conversation, which has been edited for brevity and clarity:
Know Your Worth: Tell us how and why you decided to make a documentary about menstruation?
Lina Lyte Plioplyte: …Widespread stigma (around menstruation) has hindered our understanding of periods, and we finally have new tools and scientific data to better understand our cycle.
My goal was to see what would happen if we used curiosity as a way to break down barriers and learn something new about our bodies. And it was so important to hear diverse perspectives on the menstrual cycle, from those who don’t yet bleed, to celebrities, to people whose gender is expansive, to those who have mastered their experience of menopause.
Know Your Worth: What was the most surprising thing you learned about women, society and periods while making this film?
Lina Lyte Plioplyte: One of the biggest surprises I learned in the film is that we are all cyclical beings: we are all affected by the moon and the hormonal tides in our bodies. For those who have a menstrual cycle, we can learn to ride this hormonal wave: act in accordance with the body’s cycles, and even hack them, by aligning ourselves with increases in estrogen and progesterone, to be better people , better partners, better employees. So, having a menstrual cycle can be a superpower, not a nuisance!
Know Your Worth: In the documentary, you speak to several activists who are trying to remove the states’ “tampon tax.” More than 20 states still impose sales tax on vintage products. Are you optimistic that this will be a thing of the past in the coming years? What is the biggest obstacle on the way?
Lina Lyte Plioplyte: I’m pretty optimistic that we can eliminate both the tampon tax and the general stigma around menstruation. The biggest obstacle to removing these unnecessary taxes often comes from lawmakers, mostly men, who don’t understand the realities of menstruation and why menstrual products are essential. By increasing dialogue, normalizing discussions about menstruation, and actively engaging men to address this knowledge gap, we improve the possibility of informed discussions about women’s bodies, their bodily autonomy, and their needs.
In just a few years during the production of this film, we have seen a significant shift in the way the menstrual cycle is discussed, including topics such as free menstrual products, menstrual leave, and experiences and treatments of menopause. Even Oprah is talking about menopause now! The more we talk, share information and stories, the more we promote change and normalize the experience of monthly bleeding. While conversation alone isn’t enough, I have great faith in organizations like Period Law and Period.org, which not only raise awareness, but also actively combat unfair taxes and educate policymakers.
Know Your Worth: What is the biggest myth surrounding women and menopause?
Lina Lyte Plioplyte: There are many myths surrounding menopause, starting with the very term we use to describe it. The term “menopause” is a misnomer; it is not a simple “break”. Additionally, in medical circles, menopause is often classified as a “urogenital disease.” However, this is misleading because menopause is not a disease but a natural stage in the life of anyone who menstruates. Our documentary aims to re-envision menopause, seeing it as a powerful transition to a new phase in women’s lives. This perspective encourages anticipation and celebration, rather than treating the subject as a taboo subject to be discussed in hushed tones.
Know Your Worth: What do you hope viewers take away from this documentary?
Lina Lyte Plioplyte: I hope viewers get a new perspective on their bodies and their periods. My goal is for this film to arouse curiosity, offer relief, and perhaps even reveal a sense of empowerment.
It is about considering the menstrual cycle not only as a biological fact but also as a remarkable aspect of human life, worthy of appreciation and respect. This documentary aims to change the narrative, by challenging stigmas.
