Periods: Normalizing and Acknowledging Menstrual Cycles

Hello, beautiful! Sorry I haven't posted in two weeks! I've been super busy and overwhelmed because I had tech week for a musical at my school. It was really fun, and I'm so proud of myself, but I didn't have time for anything other than homework after I got home from rehearsals, which meant I couldn't write for you all.

But anyways, for today's post I'm going to talk about periods and menstruating. This is different than a lot of the topics I've written about on my blog, because it's a lot more medical. I want to remind you all that I am not a doctor. I'm not qualified to make a statement about someone's health or give medical advice to anyone. I can only talk about my experiences as someone who has periods, my personal opinions on stigma surrounding menstruation, and my general tips for managing pain and cramps. I will take information from actual doctors and the things that I do know about the science of periods, but take it with a grain of salt, and do what works for you!!

The first thing that I want to mention is the apparent social stigma surrounding periods. For whatever reason, a lot of people, specifically men, have made it taboo to get periods or to talk about them openly. Personally, I really don't understand why this idea exists. Why is it weird to talk about something that most women experience for about 40 years? I feel so much more understood when I talk about anything with my friends, including when I talk about periods. What I'm trying to say is that getting your period is completely normal, and you should feel free to talk about it with whoever you're comfortable with.

Feelings on Your Period

I think we all know that one of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome is mood swings. That's part of what has led to the misconception that women are too emotional, and therefore, they can't do the thing men can (that's a whole other conversation for a whole other day.) Mood swings don't make your thoughts and feelings any less valid, and your period isn't a reason for people to treat you that way.

In many conversations, my ideas and concerns have been ignored or downplayed, because of one incredibly stupid question: "Are you on your period?" This dismissal should never, ever happen to anyone when they're just trying to express their opinions. The worst part is that when we try to defend ourselves or to gain back that basic right to be listened to as a human, we're told that we're being dramatic and to calm down. It's so infuriating that most if not all women have to go through this invalidation at some point. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we should stand our ground with our emotions. Whether we are or aren't on our periods, women shouldn't be treated like their ideas mean nothing.

Pain on Your Period

By now we've all seen those videos of girls having their boyfriends try the period cramp simulator. In the beginning of the video, the boyfriend is often skeptical that the cramps will be that bad, and he's usually proven wrong. But, that speaks to the misconception that period pain "isn't that bad". Personally, my cramps are some of the least painful among the people I know, and they're still not at all pleasant.

"Rising Period Stigma: What New Data Reveals" Girls Helping Girls Period

According to Girls Helping Girls Period, 73% of teen girls have felt pressured to endure period pain without talking about it. This statistic shows so much just one number. First, young girls already feel like they shouldn't be talking about their periods. Second, teens aren't being supported on their periods by parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults.

I hope that if you're reading this, you will remember that your pain is 100% valid!

I have a few tips that have helped me on my period, so if you think some of these might help you, feel free to try them out!

Period Tracking Apps

I use Flo to track my period, and it helps me a lot because my period is irregular, so it helps me anticipate when my period might be coming based on my previous cycles.

Comfort Foods!

It is completely normal to crave foods on your period. I know that you lose minerals and nutrients on your period through the blood that you lose. So if you feel really hungry during your period, that could be why. I know this might be a bit controversial if you have specific goals or conditions, but I usually treat myself when I'm on my period, because I know that my body is literally in need of more food and nutrients (especially my comfort foods)!

Hot Water Bottle

This one is typically for if you're staying at home to something like that. It feels so nice to have it on my stomach while sitting on my couch, and it's a good alternative to something really expensive like a heated or weighted blanket.

Finally, I would suggest doing things you enjoy on your period. Not so you're more agreeable for other people, but so you feel better as yourself. Periods can make you feel pretty down in the dumps, but things like reading a book(not a depressing one), watching a movie(again, not a depressing one), crocheting, baking, or journaling are some of the things that make me feel a little bit better for myself.

Remember, if you ever need a hand, girl, let me help!