Why I became a menstrual coach: ‘From the age of 11, I had excruciating periods — that pain was seen as normal’

Menstrual educator and coach Paula Byrne is on a mission to spread accurate and empowering information on periods and reproductive health in schools, workplaces and with parents ahead of their child's first period

Paula Byrne from Abbeyleix, Co Laois, has a ‘holistic and mindful approach’ to period education. Photo: Dylan Vaughan

Saoirse Hanley

Paula Byrne isn’t embarrassed about her period. “I could talk to the Pope about periods, and I wouldn’t bat an eyelid,” she teases, “but it wasn’t always like that, and I think there is still a taboo of sorts out there.” It’s a taboo she’s setting out to erase.

It makes sense that the Co Laois woman would be comfortable talking about the menstrual cycle, as it’s her full-time job. At The Mindful Cycle (appleblossomholistic.ie), Byrne is a menstrual cycle coach, offering sessions one-to-one, in schools and workplaces, and even with parents ahead of their child’s first period.