PERIODS. Why are we still so lost?
Written by: Larissa Wignall
As 2022 ended, it had me thinking a lot about my personal experiences surrounding periods and conversations I had with other women. How did we get to this place where it’s expected of us to carry on during our monthly flows? Each of us has a tale to tell, whether that be positive or one we associate with being negative. Either way, there is always going to be something that binds us females together, and that’s… our cycle.
We all have a story to tell. We all have a feeling or emotions tied to our periods. More conversations should be brought forward - no matter where you are in the world, what culture or religion you’re brought up in, or your ethnic origin. More education needs to be readily available without shame or stigma surrounding females and our bodies. How is this still happening in 2023? This a question everyone should be asking, whether male or female. Without the creator of a woman – we could not have lived at all.
The internet is a tool where women can find out more about themselves, compared to the past when this knowledge was only given through studying. Today, not everyone will have access to computers, laptops, iPads, or any technology. So there remains a huge portion of the world where females and teenagers are growing up confused, embarrassed, shamed, and made to feel guilty because of one of the most naturalist things.
Also, period products are not available in so many countries around the world. This is not a necessity – it’s a fundamental human right – the same way clean water is. To have these products - a basic and bare minimum need - any female should have access to them. This is something that needs to change in the coming years. No teenage girl should grow up and not be able to take care of herself when it comes to period hygiene and believe her needs are unimportant. This will trickle out to other areas of her life.
I grew up in what some would say privilege. Growing up in England, with period products on every supermarket aisle, available in school, and not a topic too shy with my parents. I’m talking 35 years ago now, and although the products were everywhere, education wasn’t. I still remember the shyness that came with finally starting your period, and other than a quick chatter with friends – shame, shame, shame would always lay at the forefront. Then if problems came surrounding them – a quick fix would be to go on the contraceptive pill.
Being on the contraceptive pill at such a young age was common for me and many of my friends and family. We were conditioned and taught to believe this was the only way to our pain and discomfort. There was no holistic doctor or alternative medicine to help us combat the journey our bodies were going through. I believe this has massively contributed to further issues in adult life. I don’t have any medical training – therefore, I am speaking from my struggles and discussions with others.
Have we been given false freedom by being on pills or other forms of contraception? Being told this is the best thing for us and there’s no other way to tackle our periods. I am not against nor for the pills. I remain neutral because I believe it depends on the person and their situation – as with everything in life.
Maybe at one point on my journey, it was best to try to regulate my hormones and make my periods steady and regular. But later in life, I believe this has enhanced my hormone imbalance, abnormal bloating (almost looking six months pregnant each month), feeling nauseous, the worst cramping, cold sweats, and even affecting my digestive system.
I have put this out there because I know I am not alone. We really must be the change moving forward. Here are some top tips for doing so:
Educate yourself! There are millions of websites, books, and medical and holistic professionals giving away free e-books, webinars, and talks online.
Visit your local sexual health clinic. In a lot of parts of the world, this will be a free service, and if you know someone who doesn’t have access to this – share your knowledge. Join online forums, social media groups, or within your local community.
Talk to your children - both genders and educate them about cycles and periods.
Try your best to understand females having a difficult time surrounding their periods. It may not be easy with fluctuating hormones, mood swings, and physical ailments, but this could make a huge difference.
Know to not bring shame or guilt surrounding your body or others.
And if there’s any opportunity for you to buy products and give them away to less fortunate people – there are millions of charities and groups to help you do so.
Research is key, and knowledge is power!
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