Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD (in Counseling),
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Providing Virtual Therapy to Adult Clients
in the States of AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, ID, IN, LA, MA, ME, NV, OR, SC, TX, UT, VT, WI & WY, USA
Specializing in Supporting Clients who are Newly Secular or Deconstructing from High Control Religions, Groups or Cults: Religious Trauma / Faith Crisis, Religious Deconstruction / Purity Culture / Religious Residue / Mixed-Faith Relationships / Secular Therapy
Menstruation Shame
Menstruation shame is the embarrassment or guilt someone feels about having their period, often due to cultural or religious taboos that label menstruation as dirty or spiritually impure.
You hide pads or tampons so no one sees them.
You skip religious services because you're on your period, fearing judgment or violating purity rules.
You feel dirty or spiritually unclean during menstruation because of religious teachings.
Potential Clinical Implications (especially in high-control religious settings)
Shame rooted in beliefs about impurity may prevent you from seeking medical help for menstrual issues like heavy bleeding or severe pain.
Constant guilt or secrecy around your period can heighten anxiety, depression, and feelings of unworthiness before your faith community or deity.
Obsessive focus on religious purity can lead to disordered eating, self-harm, or compulsive cleansing rituals as you try to restore spiritual "cleanliness."