Period Shame

As a woman, we get embarrassed about our periods.  We’re told not to talk about it but just like when we’re children and we were told “Everyone Poops!” so, too, do all women have their periods.  Therefore, we should not have Period Shame!

Periods are a part of a woman’s life

As frustrating as it is, periods are a part of our lives.  Sad, but true.  I don’t know any woman who likes having their period.  With all the hormone fluctuations (i.e. mood swings), acne breakouts, bloating, etc., we have a week of not feeling well so it’s no fun.  But, it is a part of life.  And, your feminine hygiene routine should not be something you are ashamed of.

5 Things you may be embarrassed about:

1. Wearing pads vs. tampons
2. Going to the bathroom with our purses (a sign that you are on your period)
3. Removing a pad (and that loud sound it makes!)
4. Cramps, bloating, moodiness, acne, feeling hormonal
5. Bleeding through your clothes / in bed

Should I be Embarrassed about my Period?

Wearing pads vs. tampons

First of all, why should we be embarrassed with whichever product we use (tampons or pads).  It’s a personal choice and sometimes one is more convenient over another.  Or, maybe you happen to have only one option available because you didn’t stock up.  Even more annoying is that your periods are so heavy that you actually need both!  Either way, don’t be embarrassed about it!

Going to the bathroom with our purses

Next, I’ve been embarrassed so many times when I had to take my purse into the bathroom.  Let’s say you’re at work and you have to drag your purse to the restroom.  You feel all the male eyes staring at you thinking “she’s on the rag”.  But, who cares!  Yes, you are having your period – so what!  But, then I also realized that I could be taking my purse in the bathroom to re-do my make-up.  No one knows why you’re taking your bag.  They can assume and maybe they assume correctly or not!

And, by the way, rather than just throwing our menstrual care products in our purses and have to dig through it to get at it, I suggest trying a tampon case.  Herbs Pro has a great one – just search for “tampon case“.

Removing a pad

How many times have you gone into a stall and tried to quietly remove a pad from your underwear or trying to quietly remove the backing from a feminine care product?  For real!  I’ve done this countless times until I again realized “who cares”.  Yes, I am on my period!  Oh my Goodness!  I got over it and you should too!

Period problems

At number 4 comes in all the problems with having your period.  You don’t feel well and you’re embarrassed to let on that you’re not feeling well.  I have a friend who told me that when they first met me, they had no idea I had such back period issues.  As I got to know them better, I obviously didn’t hide the fact and they told me that I hid it so well.

Now, I agree that you don’t need to announce it to the world, but don’t be ashamed of period – ever!  But, what about if it’s written all over your face – as in the form of pimples?  Period pimples is frustrating but we’re going to learn how to manage them.

Bleeding through…

Lastly, bleeding through.  The first time this happened to me, I was in high school and I was mortified.  And, I mean mortified!  It happens and it is embarrassing but what can you do.  I even remember telling people that I must have sat on ketchup.  Really?  Like that was believable, I am sure.

So, if you’ve had this happen to you, I am sorry.  It’s rough but I figured all I can do is be prepared and just move on from it.  Or, what about bleeding through when you’re sleeping.  Also embarrassing but again, it happens and when you can’t control the bleeding (when you’re asleep), you’re just going to have to get up, clean yourself and the bed, and move on!  Know it’s OK because you’re not the only one that this has happened to.

How to not be embarrassed about your period

This comes with time.  When I was a teenager, I was embarrassed about everything like my parents, my siblings, my hair and of course, my periods.  Over time, I got used to it and my period shame started to leave me.  It’s a normal part of life so we eventually accept it, even if we don’t necessarily “like having our periods”.

And, you know what?  I started looking at it as me time.  If I’m normally busy and running around and then Aunt Flo arrives, it gives me a really good excuse to chill.  Sometimes our bodies just need to and for me, it is a good excuse because otherwise, I wouldn’t slow down.

So, should you be embarrassed about your period?  NO!  End Period Shame for good!

See this article on how British royalty are even speaking about women’s issues, most notably:  Menopause.

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