Do you ever remember being young and innocent? And one day you bled out of your vagina? And no one told you what was going on, so you had to learn everything through Google? (Well, we have ChatGPT now, which is better at this, but still.) This guide is so no one ever has to go through that again. If you have questions about your period, we’re here to help. (Disclaimer: we are not licensed medical professionals. If there’s something seriously wrong, please go see a general practitioner or a gynaecologist.)
Ah, periods. It's that time of the month we all love to hate. But what is it actually, and why does it happen? In this (absolutely not at all) comprehensive guide, we'll explore the process of menstruation, possible treatments and solutions, premenstrual syndrome and more. So, pull up a chair, and let's dive in. (Unless of course, you faint at the mention of blood.)
Congratulations for making it this far. You’re doing great. Read on.
Taboos
Let's talk about periods, shall we? (Or not. Oh the horror! *Faints dramatically*) Specifically, let's talk about the taboos and myths that surround them. Why are we so afraid to talk about this natural bodily function that half the population experiences on a monthly basis? Why do we insist on perpetuating myths and taboos that only serve to shame and stigmatise women? Let's take a closer look.
One of the most common taboos is the idea that menstruating women are unclean or impure. Like… seriously??? We're talking about a little blood here, not a toxic waste dump. This belief is often rooted in cultural or religious traditions, but it's time to challenge it and recognize that menstruation is a normal and healthy bodily function.
Another taboo is the idea that menstruating women should not touch certain objects or participate in certain activities. In many cultures, a menstruating woman is not allowed to participate in religious activities (such as praying) and is not allowed to do certain common household chores, like cooking and watering plants. (We won’t contaminate the food or the plants, relax.) Originally, this was supposed to allow a woman to rest and recover from a frankly annoying and painful time of the month. But over time, this evolved into something else entirely. (Thanks patriarchy!)
Apparently, our periods also make us somehow less capable and competent? This belief is often based on outdated and patriarchal notions of femininity and womanhood, and it's time to leave it in the past where it belongs. By all means, take a break from praying if your religion says so, but you are still perfectly capable of doing anything else, blood or no blood.
Let's all agree to stop buying into these ridiculous taboos and myths and start embracing the reality of menstruation. It's not gross, it's not shameful, and it's certainly not something that should be hidden away or whispered about in hushed tones. It's time to talk openly and honestly about periods, and to support and empower women in all aspects of their lives. For all my girls out there who googled for information after getting their period and not being able to talk about it; this is so no one else has to.
What Is Menstruation?
Menstruation is the shedding of the lining of the uterus, which occurs approximately once a month in females who have reached puberty. It's also known as a period, Aunt Flo, or that time of the month. Euphemisms (*Sigh*). Menstruation is a normal and healthy bodily function that allows a woman's body to prepare for pregnancy.
What Actually Happens In The Body?
During the menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for a potential pregnancy. Ovulation is the release of the egg (which explains sudden pains when you’re not bleeding). If the egg is not fertilised and pregnancy does not occur, the lining is shed through the vagina in the form of blood and other fluids. Menstrual blood consists of blood, tissue, and mucus from the lining of the uterus.
In simpler terms, the egg is released. The egg does not tango with sperm. Your uterus, having gone through all the preparation of making a nice comfy home for a foetus, gets mad at you. It throws a tantrum. It implodes (to some extent). This leads to cramps. The outer lining is ripped off, your hips contract and expand to form a wave motion to allow uterine tissue and blood to pass out through your vagina. That explains the lower back ache.
Hormone levels go up and down and all around, which can lead to mood swings, irritability and a constant feeling of flipping through emotions. (Here’s a little secret. When you’re on your period, your testosterone levels increase. Yes, women have testosterone. It’s not much, but it’s enough. So really, when you’re on your period, you’re not being emotional, your hormones slightly mimic those of a man’s. Oh how the tables have turned.)
Possible Treatments And Solutions
For many women, menstruation can be uncomfortable and generally painful. But… if it’s so painful that you’re constantly lightheaded, throwing up, feeling faint or just… zombie-ing around, please see a doctor. It could be something as simple as vitamin/mineral deficiency or it could be something worse (looking at you guys, endometriosis and polycystic ovaries).
There are several treatments and solutions available to help alleviate some of the discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as panadol or ibuprofen, can help reduce menstrual cramps and inflammation. (Don’t be fooled by ‘Panadol Menstrual’. All panadols have the exact same composition.) A warm bath, heating pad or hot water bottle can also help relieve menstrual cramps.
Simple stretches can help ease the muscle pains, and counter pressures are surprisingly useful. If you have a pet that likes to snuggle, let them curl up on your pelvis. They’ll like it, and you’ll like it too. (Disclaimer: I do not have a pet. I substitute with a heavy-duty heating pad.) Additionally, hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill or an IUD, can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the severity of symptoms. In some cases, these can stop periods entirely. Do check with a medical professional and get an actual prescription.
What Is Premenstrual Syndrome And What Does It Entail?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the days or weeks leading up to their period. Symptoms of PMS can vary widely from person to person and can include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. While the exact cause of PMS is unknown, it is believed to be related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
Essentially, your uterus is preparing for a special guest. And it’s going into overdrive. (“It must be perfect! Everything must be perfect! Why is it not perfect! Do you not understand? We are preparing for a foetus! A foetus! *Gasp*)
This leads to random pains, cramp-like feelings, mood swings, and tiredness. And for many people, cravings. If you ever start craving chocolates (or pickles or ice cream or anything you don’t normally crave so much), multiple times a day, all day… do keep an eye on the calendar.
Another common giveaway is acne. Hormonal acne. If you’re feeling a bit spotty (pun absolutely intended), it could be a sign of your period. To combat the acne, dab a little tea tree oil on them, and don’t be ashamed. They’ll take a couple days to go away.
What Are the Side Effects and After Effects of Menstruation?
In addition to the physical and emotional symptoms of menstruation and PMS, there can be side effects and after effects as well. For example, some women may experience anaemia as a result of heavy menstrual bleeding. Additionally, menstrual hygiene products, such as pads or tampons, can cause irritation or infection if not used properly or if left in place for too long. After menstruation has ended, some women may experience irregular bleeding or spotting.
The average period lasts seven days. For some people, it lasts between five and eight. For some (very lucky) people, it lasts three. But… just because the blood has stopped doesn’t mean the pains will. It is very normal to experience some cramps, irritability, cravings, mood swings and breast tenderness after your period. It usually takes a day or two, and you’re fine. The acne would clear up by then too.
Always ensure that you take care of yourself on your period. Shower daily, wash your hair when it makes you feel better. Change your pad/tampon/menstrual cup at least every eight hours. This prevents itching, inflammation and infection. You will likely feel a little woozy and fatigued a couple days after your period. It’s normal, don’t worry. Eat foods that are rich in iron and antioxidants. Almonds, apples, blueberries, strawberries, hummus, carrots. And chocolate. Especially dark chocolate.
Debunking Period Myths
Why do we insist on perpetuating myths and misconceptions about this perfectly normal bodily function? Let's debunk some of the most common period myths, shall we? Some may apply now, some are for… future reference.
Myth #1: You Can’t Go Swimming During Your Period
Okay honestly? Are we really supposed to believe that a little menstrual blood is going to contaminate an entire swimming pool? Those things are huge, look at any maths paper, you’ll know. (If the length of the swimming pool is x, and the width is y and the depth is z, calculate the volume. It’s a lot. Don’t worry. xyz = ∞ cm3)
It's perfectly safe to swim during your period, and there are plenty of products out there that can help you do so without any leaks. Tampons and menstrual cups are great go-tos. And menstrual cups are reusable too! But if you don’t like the idea of inserting something into your vagina, don’t worry. Just take a week off and turn back into The Little Mermaid afterwards.
Myth #2: You Shouldn’t Exercise During Your Period
Oh, come on now. Exercise is good for you, period or no period. In fact, exercise can help reduce menstrual cramps and boost your mood, so why would you want to skip it? Just make sure to wear proper protection and you're good to go. Light walking and jogging can do immense things for cramps. Cycling and swimming… just be careful. But if you’re too zombie-like to do any exercise, that’s perfectly fine. Rest, relax. It’s okay.
Myth #3: Period Blood Is Dirty/Impure
Really? It's just blood. Sure, it might be a little messier than your average nosebleed, but it's not toxic waste. Period blood is a natural bodily fluid that serves an important function, and there's nothing dirty or impure about it. It’s like a monthly spring cleaning. It’s necessary. It doesn’t make you dirty or impure, and you should never feel that way. If you can handle bleeding twelve weeks out of the year, constantly feeling like you’re being stabbed in the stomach, and dealing with side effects on top of that… my dear, you have the strength of a goddess. The purest thing there ever was, is and will be.
Myth #4: You Can’t Get Pregnant During Your Period
Okay no. This one is just plain wrong. While you are less likely to get pregnant during your period, it is still possible. Sperm can survive in the body for up to five days, so if you have a short menstrual cycle or ovulate early (totally possible by the way), you could potentially conceive. Do be careful. There’s nothing wrong with getting frisky on your period. Just use proper protection. Always use proper protection. Not just on your period.
Can we all agree to stop perpetuating these ridiculous period myths and start embracing the reality of menstruation. It's a normal and healthy bodily function that half the population experiences, and there's no shame in talking about it openly and honestly. Be the change you want to see in the world. Start talking about periods openly and honestly. Debunk the myths, burn away the taboos. Make it a safe and approachable topic, without the stigma, without the shame, without the fear. Change begins with you. So begin it.
In Conclusion
Ah, menstruation. The monthly gift that keeps on giving. But fear not, my fellow uterus owners, for we have the knowledge and power to conquer this (perfectly natural and healthy) bodily function like a pro. Sure, it can be uncomfortable and downright painful, but with the right treatments and solutions, we can kick Aunt Flo to the curb and show her who's boss.
PMS, side effects, and after effects? We got this. We'll stock up on the heating pads, pop some pain relievers, and indulge in all the chocolate and junk food our hearts desire. And let's not forget that taking care of our bodies and staying informed is key to tackling this monthly visitor head-on.
So, the next time Aunt Flo comes to town, we'll be ready and waiting. Bring on the cramps, the bloating, and the mood swings. We'll handle it like the fearsome goddesses we are. You got this!
Thank you to Dharuka Jeerasinghe, Isabella Cagliarini, Krisheena Panjabi, Poppy West and Tai Chapple for taking the time to meet with me and discuss your experiences, and for inspiring this article. But thank you most of all to Tumblr, Pinterest and Reddit, who taught me about periods when I was eleven.
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