How Brothers Can Be Allies: Supporting Siblings Through Menstruation

Menstruation often feels isolating; seeing a brother engage openly reduces shame.

Allied brothers help shift family attitudes, modeling respect for menstrual health.

Your support shows you value your sister’s well‑being and builds her confidence.

Understand key phases: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, luteal.

Know common symptoms: cramps, mood changes, fatigue, and how they vary.

Use the cycleEducationGraphic to visualize hormone shifts and symptom timing.

• • Ask open‑ended questions: “How are you feeling today?”
• • Listen without judgment and validate: “That sounds tough, I’m here.”
• • Refer to allyCommunicationGraphic for sample phrases and tone tips.

• • Keep period supplies stocked and discreetly accessible.
• • Handle chores—fetch water, cook meals, run errands—when cramps hit.
• • Offer a heating pad or warm beverage and a quiet space to rest.

Check in regularly: use simple prompts like “Do you need to talk?”

Avoid minimizing comments—acknowledge the reality of her experience.

See emotionalAllyshipGraphic for structured check‑in steps.

Challenge myths: periods don’t impair intelligence or capability.

Speak up if others make rude jokes or dismissive remarks.

Use destigmatizePMSGrapic to counter common misconceptions with facts.

• • Watch educational videos or read articles as a sibling pair.
• • Attend family health workshops or SHELY community events together.
• • Explore sharedLearningGraphic for recommended resources.

Follow the supportFlowchartGraphic to decide when to check in, offer help, or step back.

Respect her autonomy—ask before acting: “Would you like me to get you something?”

• • Journal experiences: what went well, what could change, using reflectionPromptsGraphic.
• • Ask for feedback: “Did that help you? How can I be better support?”
• • Celebrate progress and continue learning.

Brothers who educate themselves, listen empathetically, and act thoughtfully create a safer, more supportive environment for their sisters. Your allyship strengthens trust, reduces stigma, and builds lifelong bonds.

• • Practice one empathetic check‑in today using an allyCommunication phrase.
• • Stock period supplies and ensure they’re accessible this week.
• • Share one myth from destigmatizePMSGrapic with a friend to educate others.