I Hate My Period!
My Period makes me absolutely miserable! It lasts a full 5 days, I bleed heavily, my cramps are severe (so bad they make me nausea) and the fatigue is draining. So even though this healthy bodily process sucks, it is important to discuss and never feel ashamed. Getting your period is one of the most natural and common experiences a woman will ever go through, but this does not mean it is an easy one to deal with. Not only this, but period shaming is real, and it makes this entire process even more stressful to deal with. Don’t feel bad, you are not alone.
If you are one of those lucky, rare, ladies that never have to deal with the cramps and pain or mood swings, you are one lucky gal! But for the rest of us, you should never feel embarrassed and you don’t have to love it either. Here are some reasons it’s Completely OK to Hate your Period.
1. Menstrual Cramps Are the Worst
Menstrual camps can last a day or two or even extend to several days. This can fluctuate from a mild pain to an unbearable one. Cramps are one of the most common causes of pelvic pain, typically concentrated in the lower abdomen and lower back. Many experience this pain just before and during their period. For many of us this is the worst part of our menstrual cycle. Even when they are at their least painful, these cramps are constant, exhausting and energy draining. I have always experienced menstrual cramps; I cannot think of a time where I was completely cramp-free during my cycle. To make my cramps more tolerable, I have invested in heating pads. I can’t tell you how much this helps with the pain, it’s a life saver. You might also consider stick on heating pads; these are efficient and great on the road.
2. Bloating Sucks
Period bloating can be extremely uncomfortable and can affect your self-confidence. Many women experience bloating before and at the start of their period. You will feel like you gained weight or if your belly suddenly grew and now sticking out of your body. Bloating occurs due to changes in progesterone and estrogen levels, causing the body to retain more water and salt. Studies have found that women retained and experience the worst bloating on the first day of their period.
3. Periods Cost Money
The simple act of menstruating will cost you money. It depends on what supplies you need and how often you need them. A year’s worth of disposable products like tampons and pads will cost a lot more than using re-usable organic period panties or menstrual cups. I have opted for the later as these are cost effective and safer for me and the environment. Another cost, if you experience a lot of cramps will be pain medication, over the counter pain relievers should do the trick. Many times, pain and cramps are so bad you will have to stay home from work. If you don’t have sick leave or time off, this will also cost you greatly.
4. Period Shame Is Very Real
It often feels like the only way to discuss period in our culture is to make jokes or say something about crazed menstruating women. Menstrual cycle is essential to humanity, it is natural and necessary. It is sad we must experience period shaming from TV shows, advertisement, friends and family. Take the time to educate yourself and others around you about your body, hormones, you period and health. Chances are when you got your first period, you got the message, that your period was something to be hidden and not discussed. Let us change this and educate ourselves! 
5. PMS Can Make You Feel Crazy
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. The mix of emotional and physical symptoms that women deal with every month, before and during the cycle. It feels nearly impossible to control the anxiety and irritability that comes with PMS. These symptoms affect your body and brain. The most common emotional symptoms include irritability, mood changes and feelings of depression. While the common physical symptoms including acne, tender breasts, bloating, and feeling tired. Some of these symptoms can be managed with medication or changing your eating habits. As every woman is unique so are the symptoms and remedies.