Breaking the Stigma

This research takes a dive into the intricacies of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, with an aim to encourage and further the dialogue of the complexities of hormones and the connection between mind and body. It explores knitting as a tool for expression, embedding the craft practice alongside ethnographic methodologies in order to create an outcome that will serve as advocacy on female health.

There is a lessened perception of the menstrual cycle through pervasive poor language and misrepresentation surrounding the topic contributing to the deeply rooted taboos and misconceptions which remain hard to break even today. This research shows that the menstrual cycle can indeed be a map to life. This is done by supporting holistic approaches and introducing them into the academic field. The average length of the cycle varies between individuals and can change during different life phases. It is divided into four phases which occur on average of 28 days: follicular phase, ovulation, luteal phase, and menstruation. The luteal phase occurs during the second half of the cycle and is fixed in length. This is where hormonal changes are most prevalent in their enigmatic fluctuations, causing the insufficiently researched phenomena of the premenstrual syndrome.

My work therefore hopes to map out information that has been difficult to obtain, with the goal of uncovering insights of the nuanced and ever-fluctuating behaviours observed in individuals who menstruate, particularly in the luteal phase of the cycle. It demonstrates the interconnected nature of practice and research, illustrating how they can contribute to a shift in societal attitudes through a deeper engagement with, and understanding of the luteal phase.