The Red Cycle: Fantasy Novels with Menstruation
Inspired by, and initially sourced from recommendations within, the Pagebound Club post by Justsomecrazyhuman, this is a list of fantasy novels where periods exist. Shocking, I know!
Please comment your recommendations.
created by amandatothewall
last updated August, 2026
Comments
Absolutely love this idea 🙌🙌
Great list! 👏 I’m currently reading Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas and there’s a bit about period here too. I see the first one in the series is on the list so I don’t know if you want to add this as well or not 🫣
Ah amazing! I haven’t got that far into ToG yet so didn’t know. I’ll add it to the list 🩸
This is great! The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna briefly talks about menstruation, I don’t know if that would fit?
I’ll add it! Thanks 🙏🏼
Amazing list!
If I remember correctly Ciri has at least one period in Blood of Elves. Don't remember how well that was done though. Please fact check me.
Anyway, great list, I love this idea!
I haven’t read it but google agrees with you. Adding it now, thanks!
A Song of Ice and Fire by G. R. R. Martin would actually qualify for this list😅
Amazing! I’ll add it
I love this list! It's really crazy how rare it is to see periods mentioned in books when they're such a normal part of life
Right?! It’s crazy to me as well. I tentatively think it’s getting a little more common
Love this! I've just read The Knight and the Moth and the FMC has a period!! First time I've ever come across that which is crazy 🫠
Awesome! Added it in thank you Yeah, absolutely crazy how short this list is
The Assassin's Way by JM Kearl mentions bleeding and monthly cycles. It's an issue bc the book is about vampires lol
Thanks! I’ve added it in
