personperiod

Personperiod is a proposed inclusive term in sociolinguistics and public health discourse intended to refer to individuals who experience menstruation without anchoring the reference to gender. The term blends "person" and "period" to foreground the condition rather than identity, reflecting ongoing efforts to use language that does not assume gender for people who have periods.

It is a relatively new neologism and not widely standardized. In practice, most materials use "people who menstruate" or "individuals who have periods." Proponents see it as another tool for inclusivity in contexts where gender is irrelevant or variable, such as medical data collection, policy guidelines, or educational resources. In some discussions it is treated as exploratory or hypothetical rather than established terminology.

Linguistically, "personperiod" aims to reduce gendered assumptions but can be perceived as awkward or opaque outside its intended audience. Adoption may depend on context, audience familiarity, and the goals of clarity versus inclusivity. Example usage: "Healthcare workers should consider the needs of personperiods when designing menstruation education materials." Critics argue that more established phrases are clearer and easier to understand for the general public.

As a niche term, personperiod has limited traction and is primarily discussed in theoretical or advocacy settings. It sits alongside other inclusive formulations such as "people who menstruate" and "individuals with periods." See also: menstruation; gender-inclusive language; people who menstruate; health communication.