Ever heard of bears eating people who were on their period? Maybe sharks eating menstruating swimmers? These sort of myths are everywhere. India is joined by Caroline Byrd who’s job was lost due to a myth of blood and bears. Dr. Elinor Cleghorn takes us all the way back to the mediaeval ages to root out the beginning of these myths and Dr Anita Mitra gives the low down on the textures and appearance of period blood.

Credits: Presented by: India Rakusen. Producer: Ellie Sans. Assistant Producer: Jorja McAndrew. Executive Producer: Suzy Grant. Original music composed and performed by Rebekah Reid. Sound design by Olga Reed.

Special thanks to all contributors and audio diarists.

A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.