My period story; dealing with the pain and the shame
- Healthforhappy
- May 25, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2020
Guess who's back?! Every month, I am fortunate enough to get my period. As someone who one day wants to have children, i try to be grateful for it. However, i know i am not the only person who has some unfavourable - let's be honest and say absolutely awful - symptoms. Not only is this a physical struggle, but mental as well. I thought i might share my story and experience with you; and how i manage the pain and the shame of having my period.
SHAME
I first got my period when i was 12 years old. My mom had always been very open with me about
the process and reason as to why women experienced it. I wish i could have said this was enough to prevent me from feeling embarrassed about it, but it was not. I have always associated the topic with a weird feeling of shame; as if it was unacceptable or uncommon to go through what the majority of women do. I wouldn't feel comfortable to tell others when i was feeling sick because of my period, or even that i had it at all. I wouldn't ask anyone except for my mom to buy my pads or whatever i needed either. I had never really understood why this was! In the back of my mind, i knew that it wasn't something to fear or be judged for; yet i still felt that way.
I have found that over the years, i have become a lot more comfortable with myself; and my period too. As i continue to grow, I have been trying to accept all of the parts of me that make me feel insecure; including my period struggles. When i notice myself feeling guilty, i remind myself that i am not alone. When i notice i am feeling angry or sorry for myself, i remember how incredible my body is. My experience with period shame is ever evolving, but i work hard to try and appreciate my body and everything it can do, while taking care of my body to feel my very best!
PAIN
My experience with period pain has been quite the journey. Once my periods started becoming more regular - around 13 years old - my symptoms have only worsened. My periods have always lasted 6-7 days, and for the first 3-4 days i experience extreme lower stomach and lower back pain. I feel nauseous and am unable to get out of bed. I find that for the first 48 hours, i am constantly running to the bathroom; which is not any less painful. Occasionally, i feel like i will throw up (and almost do), but it eventually will pass.
I have tried many things to help with the symptoms, and i am still trying different things today. I thought i might share with you some things that i have and continue to use:
Of course, the normal ibuprofen/acetaminophen is a go-to, however I am unable to take Advil due to my other auto-immune medications. Acetaminophen is the only thing i can take - and it only does so much for me personally.
One thing that I cannot live without is my heating pad! I keep it on my stomach for the entirety of my period - day and night! It helps me sleep and decreases my pain and nausea!
Something that i have recently started that my naturopath recommended was anti-yeast/anti-fungal supplements (Candidastat Vitanica). I have been taking it for about 2 weeks now. It is said to decrease menstrual cramps, as well as help with my psoriasis and immune support.
Peppermint essential oil helps with my nausea. Just the smell and some deep, controlled breathing does wonders!
My mom loves essential oils! She has tried many different blends for me to use on my stomach. One blend that i loved included lavender, clove and bergamot.
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Just in case you are curious:
I continue to try to work on my physical pain and my mental idea of having a period, despite the challenges. I feel better knowing that there are so many strong women around me that are open and honest about their experiences; making me feel less alone. I hope one person can takeaway a tip or thought from my story so that we can continue working towards a guilt-free and pain-free experience for women.
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