4 Big Reasons We Should All Talk Openly About Our Periods

Do you cringe at the mere mention of periods?

If the answer is yes, then you're certainly not alone—but we firmly believe it's a prejudice you should reconsider. In fact, we think people should talk about their periods openly, and without shame.

If that sounds weird, we promise we have a good explanation. In fact, we have four. Keep reading for all of the reasons we think we should openly discuss our periods.

1. It's Helpful for First-Timers

A first period can be a confusing and maybe scary time, but the more educated young people are about what's happening with their bodies, the better. While students can learn about menstruation in health class, it's even better when they can have discussions about it with people who've had the experience themselves, whether that's from parents or even peers. No one should be afraid of asking questions that'll help them understand their bodies better, and fostering open discussion can help people be more confident about those changes when they happen.

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2. It Normalizes Periods (Which Are Normal!)

If you've ever felt ashamed of your period, or been pressured into hiding a pad or tampon in your palm when you sneak off to the bathroom, then you understand that there's a stigma around that time of the month—but why? Many of us get periods, so pretending that they're abnormal or improper just forces nearly half of us to go around keeping secrets when they occur. The more open we are about discussing periods, the less shame and awkwardness we'll all feel about them. And believe us—asking a friend for a sanitary product when you don't have any on hand is a lot easier when you're comfortable talking about the fact that you get periods.

Talking about periods also helps to spread clarity around broad generalizations like "we all get our period," which aren't necessarily true. If you're a person with a uterus and of menstruating age, anything from stress, to low body weight, to being overweight and more can cause skipped periods, or no periods at all. Trans girls don't get their period, while some trans boys do—and all of that is okay!

 

3. It Creates Discussion Around Discomfort and Symptoms

Having your period isn't fun, and it's okay to acknowledge that. When you're really not feeling yourself because of changing moods—and the fact you're doubling over in pain from cramps, you shouldn't feel like you have to hide that. You might not be up for things you'd normally enjoy, and you have a legitimate excuse not to.

It may feel uncomfortable to talk about at first, but even people who don't experience period discomfort themselves can benefit to learn more about it. If everyone understood just how debilitating cramps can really be, the topic could be something that generates empathy, rather than fear or teasing. Understanding that pain can make people more tolerant, and less dismissive—and that's something we can all gain from.

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4. It'll Make You Healthier

The more open you are about what's going on with your body, the more likely you are to have discussions that can lead you to understand when something is wrong. If your periods are so bad that you can't get out of bed, for example, you should talk to a doctor to see if there are any underlying conditions that might make this the case, or if they have any recommendations to relieve these symptoms that are making things more difficult for you.

Just because some people think periods are "taboo" doesn't mean you have to keep it to yourself and continue suffering. But if you're afraid to even bring up your period, you're probably not going to talk to your doctor about symptoms that are making your life worse. A little confidence can put you on the right track to feeling better every month! But if you simply can't bring yourself to say the words, try writing or typing it out and handing it to your doctor. It'll be the first step to a happier, healthier you.

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If you're ready to talk about periods, click HERE to read about The Girls Co., a company dedicated to making periods more bearable.