Objective: to understand the meaning of women’s menstrual period in their daily lives, and to uncover divergences and convergences related to cultural and socioeconomic aspects concerning women during menacme. Method: descriptive research of a qualitative approach. Data was gathered from two focal groups comprised of 18 female subjects. Six categories and subcategories were identified from their statements which were classified and adapted to the quality of life characteristics related to menstruation, based on the WHOQOL 100, quality of life questionnaire, validated by th WHO. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) under Opinion No. 2.726.630. Results: research outcomes reveal how women perceive their bodily and psychological aspects, level of independence, social relations, environment, personal beliefs and myths associated to life quality on the simbolic aspect of menstruation. Conclusion: Menstruation conveys a duality, for it brings relief as a proof of non-pregnancy, and it marks youthfulness. If they were given a choice, however, women would rather not to menstruate because of the bodily and psychological discomforts which affect them in their daily lives.Objetivo: compreender o significado da menstruação no cotidiano de vida e desvelar as divergências e convergências no aspecto cultural e socioeconômico de mulheres na menacme. Método: pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa com pressupostos do interacionísmo simbólico. A coleta de dados deu-se por meio de dois grupos focais cujos sujeitos foram 18 mulheres. Foram realizados três encontros com cada grupo em locais distintos. A partir dos depoimentos foram identificadas seis categorias e subcategorias. Resultados: revelam a percepção das mulheres nos aspectos físicos, psicológicos, nível de independência, relações sociais, ambiente e crenças pessoais e mitos associadas a qualidade de vida no simbólico da menstruação. Conclusão: a menstruação significa dualidade, pois traz alívio por não estar grávida e marca a jovialidade. Mas se houvesse escolha, as mulheres preferiam não menstruar pelos desconfortos físicos e psicológicos que as afetam no cotidiano da vida.