I recently had “the talk” with my daughter, covering everything from periods to puberty and beyond. The most shocking revelation for her? The frequency of periods. When I explained that she would experience this monthly for many years, her face turned to one of sheer horror. “It happens EVERY MONTH?!” she exclaimed.
Indeed, it does. How fortunate are we? sighs dramatically
In that moment, I reflected on all the potential experiences she might encounter throughout her menstrual journey. Would she suddenly get her period at school? Would she suffer from excruciating cramps like I did at her age? Or perhaps forget she was wearing a panty liner and jump into the pool at a party where her crush was—only to see the liner floating to the top (yep, that happened to me)? Or would she find herself in an embarrassing situation at a sleepover (like I did)?
Whatever her path may hold, I knew I had to prepare her as best as I could. So, we discussed pads, tampons, cramps, bodies, and everything in between. I made sure she knew she could ask me anything, anytime.
Because, let’s be honest: periods are a drag, but they are an unavoidable part of life. Here are some confessions from those who have been managing them for years and likely will continue to do so, because having a uterus is just so delightful.
- I wish my husband could experience the agony of a heavy period alongside sudden diarrhea. Add in hip and lower back cramps, and see how he functions while life carries on.
- If only my husband understood the misery I endure the first couple of days of my period, maybe he’d stop pressuring me for intimacy. It’s just awful—please, stop guilting me.
- When my family fails to grasp my utter exhaustion during the early days of my period, I wish I could show them the golf ball-sized clots I pass. Maybe then they’d get it.
- One of the most frustrating aspects of menstruating is that our families often don’t comprehend how terrible we feel. Stop asking us for favors, make your own dinner, and just let us be!
- My period drains my energy so much. I can’t call in sick, I can’t work overtime, and I can’t spend time with my nephew. My boyfriend has to do everything for me. It’s exhausting.
- While my periods have never been that bad, the accompanying migraines are what truly ruin it for me.
Between the fatigue, emotional upheaval, and headaches, it feels like we’re on the brink of collapse. Yet, as moms, we still have to juggle a million responsibilities regardless.
Oh, the cramps! They begin when we’re teenagers and often persist until we reach our 40s.
In my 40s, and I still loathe my period. You’d think I’d be accustomed to it by now.
- I’m almost 49 and still suffering from intense monthly periods. When will menopause finally kick in? This is unbearable!
- Every month when my period arrives, I find myself curled up with a heating pad after a double dose of pain relievers, contemplating a hysterectomy. I’m 41 years old—no more babies for me; I just want to be rid of this misery.
And then there are the unexpected surprises—many of us find ourselves feeling incredibly frisky just before Aunt Flo makes her entrance. Isn’t having ovaries a wild ride?
I didn’t share every little detail of this journey with my daughter—she’ll discover some of the realities on her own. However, I think it’s crucial to prepare her for cramps, the advantages of tampons versus pads, and the comfort of a hot water bottle. And if she ever experiences a random chin hair during her period, I hope I’m there to help her navigate that surprise as well. Because, yes, menstruation can really suck—no matter if you’re 13 or 43.
For more insights and experiences, check out this other blog post and learn about the challenges of home insemination from Make A Mom. For valuable information on pregnancy, the NICHD is an excellent resource.
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- menstruation symptoms
- how to manage period cramps
- home remedies for period pain
- understanding menstrual cycles
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In summary, periods are a significant aspect of life that can bring about a range of uncomfortable experiences. Preparing the next generation with knowledge and support is vital, even as we navigate our own struggles with menstruation.