PVLF 2025

Interview with Nirmala Gowda Nayak, Author of "Menstruation"

Interview with Nirmala Gowda Nayak on Menstruation: Moon, Men and More—breaking taboos, embracing cycles, and reclaiming menstrual wisdom.
on Mar 15, 2025

Frontlist: Your book challenges societal taboos around menstruation. What inspired you to write Menstruation: Moon, Men and More, and what impact do you hope it has on readers?

Nirmala: As someone from an older generation, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to share knowledge that has been hidden, misunderstood, or spoken about only in hushed tones. The silence around menstruation disturbed me—why was no one addressing it with the depth and respect it deserved? Then I realized: if I couldn’t find the book I was looking for, I had to write it myself.

As a dedicated practitioner of yoga, Ayurveda, breathwork, and chakra therapy, I have spent years using holistic tools to balance the body, mind, and soul. My personal experiences, combined with extensive research, gave me the clarity and vision to write this book as a tribute to womankind. Through this journey, I discovered profound wisdom—wisdom that must be passed on, so we don’t lose another generation to misconceptions, assumptions, and a lost connection to the true essence of menstruation.

It became my mission to share this knowledge so that young women could truly understand the essence of their menstrual cycles rather than seeing them as an inconvenience or burden.

With this book, I want to shine a light on the powerful feminine energy stored in the womb. Women do not need to compete with anyone, for their uniqueness lies in their cyclical nature. Their hormonal variations are not weaknesses but sources of strength, guiding them through different phases of life with purpose and intuition. There is no need to envy another woman, for each of us is whole and complete in our own way.

Through Menstruation: Moon, Men, and More, I hope to inspire women to prioritize menstrual wellness—not just as a physical necessity but as an integral part of their mental and emotional well-being. Too often, women feel pressured to thrive on masculine energy, pushing themselves beyond their natural rhythms. But true empowerment comes from honoring our femininity, not suppressing it.

By embracing lifestyle changes, aligning with the circadian rhythm, nourishing the body with nutrient-dense food, and understanding that—like the seasons—our hormones shift and evolve, we can bring new perspectives into our lives. More importantly, I want women to embrace both their limitations and their boundless possibilities with grace and confidence.

This book is also a call to strengthen sisterhood—to uplift rather than judge, to lend a hand rather than compete, and to create a world where vulnerability is not seen as weakness but as an integral, beautiful part of womanhood. When we reclaim our menstrual wisdom, we reclaim our power. And when society begins to honor menstruation, we take a step toward true progress.

Frontlist: Menstrual health is not just a physical concern but an emotional and societal one. How does your book help women build resilience and self-acceptance in a world that often stigmatizes menstruation?

Nirmala: In my book, I emphasize that the womb is far more than a reproductive organ—it is a woman’s second heart, deeply interconnected with her emotions, intuition, and overall well-being. Scientific research increasingly supports the existence of the uterus-brain axis, demonstrating how hormonal fluctuations influence mood, cognition, and even decision-making. The womb responds to emotions through subtle micro-contractions, reacting to fear, heartbreak, intimacy, and stress. This profound hormonal intelligence makes it not just an organ but a dynamic source of power, creativity, and inner wisdom.

However, in today’s world—where women are constantly striving to meet targets, climb corporate ladders, and embody leadership roles—they are often encouraged to suppress their cyclical nature in favor of a linear, masculine-driven approach. While ambition and success are crucial, ignoring the body’s natural rhythms can create hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and emotional exhaustion.

My book provides a roadmap for women to work with their hormonal cycles rather than against them. It highlights that there are optimal phases within the menstrual cycle for high-energy pursuits—where women can be go-getters, lead, and execute with clarity. Equally important are the phases that call for introspection, rest, and creative renewal. When women align their lifestyle, work, and self-care with these natural cycles, they not only enhance productivity but also nurture their physical and emotional health.

True resilience and self-acceptance come from embracing this cyclical nature, rather than conforming to societal expectations of constant output. My book serves as a guide to reconnecting with the body, understanding the intelligence of the menstrual cycle, and unlocking a deeper sense of empowerment—one that honors both ambition and the sacred need for rest and renewal.

Frontlist: International Women’s Day celebrates strength and resilience. How do you see menstrual health as a core aspect of women's empowerment?

Nirmala: Women's International Women’s Day is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the unique essence of womanhood. Menstrual health stands at the very core of women’s empowerment because it represents the natural rhythm of a woman’s body—one that should be embraced, not suppressed.

Men and women are inherently different, each designed to navigate life through distinct masculine and feminine energies. Women’s empowerment is not just about equality in opportunities but also about honoring the biological nature of her being. When we truly empower women, we acknowledge their cyclical nature, respect their vulnerabilities, and create spaces where their creativity and intuition can flourish.

A woman’s ability to create life is not merely a function of reproduction—it is an expression of her inner strength, her power to nurture, give, and innovate. Her womb is not just a physical organ but a symbol of creation, transformation, and boundless potential. Her ever-changing hormonal landscape, rather than being judged or misunderstood, can be harnessed to enhance productivity, creativity, and intuition.

To build a world that truly respects and uplifts women, we must first connect with menstruation—not as a taboo but as a source of wisdom. By fostering an environment where women from all walks of life can address their fears, embrace their cycles, and redefine their self-worth, to unlock their fullest potential. When menstrual health is acknowledged, understood, and celebrated, women can step into their power—unapologetically, authentically, and without fear .

Frontlist: Many women still feel embarrassed discussing their menstrual health. What are some ways society can create a more open and accepting dialogue about menstruation?

Nirmala: Breaking the stigma around menstruation begins with education. Menstrual health should be integrated into the school curriculum at the primary level for both boys and girls, ensuring that from an early age, children understand it as a natural and essential biological process. By normalizing menstruation through early education, we can dismantle ignorance and foster a culture of awareness and acceptance.

Beyond formal education, society must actively engage in continuous awareness programs. Documentaries, providing educational materials, workshops, and interactive role-plays can serve as powerful tools to initiate conversations. These initiatives should not be limited to urban spaces but must extend to semi-urban and rural areas, reaching diverse communities. A consistent and inclusive approach across all sectors can truly drive change.

It is also crucial to highlight the profound role of the womb and the cyclical hormonal variations a woman experiences each month—not just as a function of reproduction but as a creative powerhouse. Menstrual blood is not something to be ashamed of; it is a symbol of life, transformation, and renewal. Open discussions, mutual respect, and the creation of supportive environments will empower women to embrace their cycles rather than conceal them.

Additionally, reconnecting with cultural roots can be a transformative step in shifting perceptions. Ancient traditions once revered menstruation, with temples dedicated to the bleeding goddess and practices that honored the natural need for rest and rejuvenation. However, with the impact of invasions, conversions, and colonialism, these traditions were dismissed, and menstrual wisdom was ridiculed as primitive. Ironically, the Western world is now reclaiming these very practices, recognizing the importance of menstrual well-being. This should serve as a wake-up call for society—progress is impossible without uplifting women, and true empowerment cannot exist if menstrual health is ignored.

The only way forward is inclusivity. Men and women alike must be involved in creating a world that is empathetic, kind, and accepting.

Frontlist: Your book highlights the importance of men participating in conversations around menstruation. Why is this inclusion crucial, and how can society encourage open discussions between genders?

Nirmala: It is undeniable—men and women are deeply interconnected, and both originate from the same life-giving force: menstrual blood. Yet, over time, society has drawn an artificial divide, making men feel like separate entities, detached from this fundamental reality. The truth is, both genders are entrusted with the sacred roles of reproduction, caregiving, and harnessing cosmic energies. The earth was never meant for competition but for coexistence, where men and women complete—not compete with—each other.

As more women step into diverse professional fields, menstrual health is no longer just a "women’s issue"—it is a human issue that affects families, workplaces, and society at large. Men must recognize that menstruation is not distant from them; it affects their mothers, sisters, daughters, spouses, and colleagues. A truly balanced society requires an integration of masculine and feminine energies, where both are acknowledged, respected, and harmonized.

When men actively engage in discussions about menstruation, they dismantle stigma, create safer spaces, and promote inclusivity. Encouraging this dialogue can be achieved through:

● Education from an early age – Integrating menstrual health into school curriculums for both boys and girls, normalizing the conversation from childhood.

● Workplace inclusivity – Employers fostering policies that support menstrual wellness, such as flexible work arrangements and access to menstrual hygiene products.

● Shared responsibility in families – Fathers and brothers openly discussing menstruation, offering support, and normalizing period-related conversations at home.

● Community engagement – Men joining menstrual awareness initiatives, advocating for access to menstrual hygiene, and challenging outdated cultural taboos.

A society where men and women communicate openly, respect individuality, prioritize self-care, and share decision-making fosters not just equality, but harmony, abundance, and meaningful relationships. When men embrace their role in this conversation, they don’t just support women—they elevate humanity as a whole.

Frontlist: Across cultures, menstruation has been viewed differently—sometimes as sacred, sometimes as taboo. What historical or cultural insights in your book do you think are most eye-opening for readers?

Nirmala: Menstruation has long been intertwined with cosmic rhythms, particularly the lunar cycle, which mirrors the ebb and flow of a woman's body. Ancient civilizations revered the menstrual phase as a time of deep connection to the divine feminine, a phase meant for rest, introspection, and heightened intuition. Our ancestors understood that this period of stillness was not a sign of weakness but a powerful reset, allowing women to replenish their energy, deepen their wisdom, and return stronger to their responsibilities.

One of the most fascinating insights in my book is the parallel between a woman's menstrual cycle and the four seasons—a framework that offers a biological and psychological roadmap for self-awareness. The more a woman aligns herself with these internal rhythms, the better she can navigate her work, relationships, creativity, and personal well-being. Instead of fighting against the natural hormonal shifts, she can optimize her strengths at different phases, embracing both her limitations and her untapped potential.

Another significant revelation is the scientific and practical basis of menstrual rituals in ancient societies. In historical agrarian communities and joint family systems, menstruating women were given rest not as a form of exclusion but as a necessity—a way to rejuvenate from their physically demanding roles. However, over centuries, the lack of documentation and cultural distortions turned these once-meaningful traditions into restrictive taboos, breeding shame and alienation instead of reverence.

My book serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that not all is lost. When a woman reconnects with her roots, she discovers a profound wisdom embedded in her biology. By embracing strategic pauses during her menstrual phase, she is not retreating—she is recharging. This balance between rest and action, introspection and ambition, flow and force is the key to unlocking her full potential, allowing her to thrive, lead, and conquer without sacrificing her well-being.

Menstrual rest is not a hindrance—it is an empowerment strategy. And the sooner we restore its rightful place in our understanding, the sooner we create a world where women’s bodies are honored, not shamed.

Frontlist: If you could send one powerful message to women around the world on International Women’s Day about embracing their cycles, what would it be?

Nirmala: Your menstrual cycle is not a burden—it is a blueprint for your well-being, creativity, and power. Prioritizing your menstrual health is an act of profound self-care, one that influences not only your physical health but also your emotional resilience and mental clarity.

Go out and conquer the world, but always return to yourself—your inner home, your sacred feminine energy. In a world that often glorifies relentless hustle and masculine-driven productivity, remember that your strength lies in your ability to flow, nurture, and create. Instead of forcing yourself to push through every phase at the same intensity, honor the natural rhythms of your cycle. When you work with your hormones rather than against them, you cultivate balance, vitality, and a deeper connection with yourself.

Ignoring these rhythms can lead to burnout, emotional imbalances, and a sense of emptiness, often masked by unhealthy coping mechanisms such as chronic stress, addictions, or seeking external validation. Instead, embrace practices like yoga, chakra healing, and holistic wellness tools that help you tune into the immense wisdom of your womb.

You are the divine feminine you have been searching for. Your bleeding phase is not just a biological function—it is a portal to intuition, clarity, and renewal. It offers you a monthly reset, an opportunity to reflect on your dreams, goals, and aspirations with heightened awareness.

This Women’s Day, reclaim your power by listening to your body, embracing your cycles, and stepping into the fullest expression of yourself. The world doesn’t need you to be less of a woman to succeed—it needs you to be fully, unapologetically you.