By PHRC Admin Team
Menstruation. The word alone can bring a lot of emotions – confusion, embarrassment, relief, or sometimes just plain annoyance. Despite the fact that it’s a natural part of life for many people, there’s still so much we aren’t taught about our periods and menstrual cycles. Here are ten things I wish I was taught about my period.
1. Every Period is Unique
Just like us, no two periods are the same. Your flow, duration, symptoms, and cycle length can be different from your best friend’s or your sister’s – and that’s perfectly normal. While we want consistency with our cycles, even each cycle may be different. Our bodies are unique, and so are our periods.
2. Periods Aren’t Dirty
There’s a lot of stigma and taboo around menstruation, despite the fact that it is a natural, biological process and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s time we stop treating periods as something dirty that needs to be hidden away.
3. PMS is Real
Those mood swings, bloating, and cravings aren’t just in your head. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a legitimate medical condition that affects many people who menstruate and can vary from mild symptoms to severe, impacting one’s quality of life. If you suffer from severe, debilitating symptoms, there are providers that can help with this and please seek help.
4. Tracking Your Cycle Helps
Keeping track of your cycle can help you understand your body better, and give you more objective information to discuss with your provider if you have concerns. It can also help identify any irregularities early on. There are many apps available these days that make tracking your period a breeze.
5. Menstrual Products Vary
There’s more than just pads and tampons. Menstrual cups and period panties are eco-friendly alternatives worth exploring. These options can be more economical and environmentally friendly than traditional products.
6. Exercise Can Help
While it may be the last thing you want to do when you’re on your period, light exercise can actually alleviate cramps and boost your mood. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. Gentle yoga or massage, self-myofascial release techniques are also ways to help calm the nervous system and reduce menstrual pain, especially if you do these regularly.
7. Healthy Eating Matters
Certain foods can help manage period symptoms. Iron-rich foods can combat fatigue, calcium can help with PMS, and dark chocolate can soothe cravings! Remember, there are no ‘good’ foods or ‘bad’ foods when it comes to real foods. Though, food can be reactive in some people due to underlying issues such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and these can increase bloating symptoms or other GI issues. Reducing, or eliminating sugar, is something that can help to improve symptoms, though many of us find ourselves with all the sugar cravings at this time. This could be a sign that we are deficient in certain nutrients, such as carbohydrates, and reaching for foods rich in nutrients (including carbs) may be helpful instead of that bag of peanut M&Ms. What is most important is finding out what helps you during this time!
8. Period Pain Isn’t Always Normal
Severe pain isn’t something you should just “put up with”. If your period pain is interfering with your daily life, it could be a sign of conditions like endometriosis, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. If your period is interfering with your ability to work, go to school, or enjoy social activities, this isn’t normal and there are treatment options.
9. Hormonal Birth Control Affects Your Period
Different types of hormonal birth control can lighten your period, make it disappear, or cause spotting. It’s important to discuss these potential changes with your healthcare provider before starting a new method, to better meet your contraception or symptom goals. While contraception is wanted by many for various reasons, there may be unwanted side effects. If you have concerns or notice any changes in your mood, urinary, or sexual functioning, discuss this with your care provider. There are so many options, it may take some time to find what is right for you.
10. Your Period Doesn’t Define Your Worth
Having a period (or not) doesn’t validate or invalidate your identity. You’re valuable and important, no matter what.
Let’s normalize talking about periods and empower each other with knowledge. The more we understand our bodies, the better equipped we are to take care of them. Need more resources? Check out our previous blog series about Period Health 101.
(Please note: Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice related to periods and menstrual health.)
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tags: menstrual cycle, menstrual period, normal menstrual cycle, emotional and physical symptoms, luteal phase, menstrual blood, first period, body prepares, period products