I came across the stories of many female pirates, and I wanted to study their lives, as I find it interesting to witness the indomitable spirit of women throughout history.

What you say about women's behavior of passing themselves off as gentlemen is very true. In fact, many female writers and painters used male pseudonyms.

Regarding menstruation, it's a valid concern; I wonder about it too. I suppose they could hide it, because there was more respect for privacy back then than there is now.

I remember only seeing my father naked when I stayed overnight to care for him in the hospital, and he couldn't hold it in. His face, red with embarrassment, and his tears of shame are forever etched in my mind.

These days, fathers shower with their children. That would never have happened with my parents. So I deduce that Mary Read was able to conceal her menstrual period, thanks to those situations typical of 17th-century society.

Thank you for your reading and insightful comment.