Shame and taboos make it difficult for a young menstruator to figure out what is and is not considered a “normal” period. In this article, we highlight 6 young adult novels that include a character dealing with a menstrual disorder.
Being a teenager can be tough and dealing with extremely painful menstruations makes it even harder. Shame and taboos make it difficult for a young menstruator to figure out what is and is not considered a “normal” period. The diagnosis of menstrual disorders often takes years, due to menstruators failing to recognize their symptoms and the dismissive attitude of family, peers, and doctors (Bawden 2023). Young adult literature plays an important role in this. Symptoms of menstrual disorders can start with the very first period, which is usually when young people are reading middle grade or YA novels. Finding recognition of their own symptoms in literature can prompt a menstruator to take them seriously, openly discuss their problems with friends and family or seek medical help.
This list of book recommendations discusses YA novels that include a main character or important side character with a menstrual disorder. Some novels deal with the aftermath of a diagnosis, others are about struggling to figure out what causes the symptoms. While menstruation itself is very slowly becoming a more common topic in YA literature, the inclusion of menstrual disorders is limited. Alice Nuttall advocates for more children’s books about menstruation in her BookRiot article (Nuttall, 2019). Unfortunately, only a few books specifically addressing menstrual disorders have been published since 2019. Therefore, this list only includes six recommendations.
Before sharing the recommendations, I want to briefly discuss some disclaimers. The only novels with menstrual disorder representation I could find in my extensive research were based on endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This list highlights books that make menstruation a topic of discussion, which was my main selection criterion. Some of the listed books might be lacking in other regards, such as style or creativity, but the aim of this list is to create a sense of recognition and normalization of menstrual disorders. Lastly, I am happy to point out that all of these books have lovely – and mostly non-toxic – queer romances.
1. Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman
A wholesome graphic novel that follows a group of teenage girls while they navigate the challenges of friendships, first loves, and menstruation. Brit suffers from extremely painful periods and seeks medical help. The outstanding illustrations, which use only shades of red, reference the color of blood but still convey a sense of calmness and happiness, rather than the stereotypical hint of despair.
2. The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
A breathtaking psychological thriller about con-artist Nora, her ex-boyfriend Wes and girlfriend Iris who are held hostage in a bank robbery. While held captive, Iris has to deal with an endometriosis flare up. Readers should not only prepare themselves for graphic depictions of violence in this thriller but also references to problematic issues such as domestic abuse and child molesting.
3. The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe
Since the first part of Tess Sharpe’s thrilling series will leave you craving more, you should read the intriguing sequel. It follows the group of friends while they are hunted down in the forest by a mysterious criminal organization. Iris’ stress caused her symptoms to increase and she needs all her strength and the support of her friends to survive. And if this has not intrigued you yet: there is an adorable dog!
4. Speech and Debacles by Heather DiAngelis
Will-they-won’t-they romance, (mental) illness representation, and fan fiction: if you’re interested in these prompts, this book is for you! Taryn is recruited for her school’s speech and debate team, but increasing abdominal pain attacks limit her performance and social life. Riker is an aspiring voice actor and star of the speech competitions who falls for Taryn at first sight. He wants to help after witnessing Taryn’s pain, but his lack of confidence stands in the way.
5. The Art of Saving the World by Corinne Duyvis
This fantastical science fiction novel tells the story of not one, but five Hazels. On her sixteenth birthday, the rift that erupted when Hazel was born starts spitting out other-dimensional clones. The Hazels learn that the world is ending and only they can save it. Some Hazels suffer from endometriosis symptoms, which increase the struggles they have to face while trying to save the world.
6. The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonado
Lovers to enemies to…? This cozy, fall-themed novel tells the story of Whit, a teenage girl who deals with a new PCOS diagnosis, fatphobia in the medical sector, and a lowkey obsession with the annual fall festival. Her dream is to chair the committee, but then she gets paired with her ex-crush Zay.
Do you know of any other novels that deal with menstrual disorders? Please share them with us at SLIDING and our readers in the comments!
Bibliography:
- Bawden, A. (2023). Millions of women in UK face severe period pain but symptoms dismissed, survey finds. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/14/millions-of-women-in-uk-face-severe-period-pain-but-symptoms-dismissed-survey-finds
- Nuttall, A. (2019, March). We Need More Children’s Books About Menstruation And Period Issues. BOOK RIOT. https://bookriot.com/childrens-books-about-menstruation/
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