Name: Keli
Age: 21
Work: Nanny, Student.
Period Type: Heavy
Preference: Tampons
Do you remember when you first got your period? Yes! I was in 7th grade and I had gone into the bathroom with a couple of my close friends who for some reason thought it would be a funny “prank” to leave me in there without telling me. So when I found out that I had started my period I called out for them with no response and it made the whole experience much more traumatic for me hahaha. They felt so bad after but it made for a memorable first period.
The worst experience you had with your period, or a couple: The worst experience I had with my period was during my senior year of high school when I had a continuous period over the course of three months. There were only a couple days at the end of the month where it would subside and then it would come back full force immediately after. I had to continue to be a “normal” high school student while dealing with all the side effects that came with essentially a three month long period. There were days that I was bleeding so heavy that I couldn’t even leave the house. It was a really hard time emotionally and physically and it affected everything I did; extracurricular activities, school, even my mental health. I had to visit multiple doctors and even though I was put on birth control as well as given progesterone shots it only seemed to be getting worse. One doctor even suggested that I consider endometrial ablation which surgically destroys the lining of your uterus. While this procedure would successfully stop my heavy blood flow, it would also prevent me from ever having kids. As a 17 year old girl you can imagine how overwhelming this all was. I just wanted to be able to go sit through a day of classes without having to change my pants during lunch everyday because I could only get through a couple hours before bleeding through. After a lot of trial and error my period eventually started to regulate and I haven’t had something quite as dramatic as that since, but it was a really scary time in my life. Periods can be a serious and complicated health issue don’t be afraid to seek out help from medical professionals.
How you currently try to combat problems regarding your period: The best thing that I have found for myself personally has been working out or doing some sort of physical activity. Working out has always seemed to help with making my periods somewhat lighter and combat some of the crappy feelings that come along with my time of the month (bloating, fatigue, etc.) Even if all I have the energy for is walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes, I make sure to do it.
What’s your period “hack”? I’m not sure I really have any period hacks! I just try to be really patient with my body. I have to remind myself that it’s okay to take a rest if I need it. It’s also okay to eat another row of chocolate. Being “on your period” IS a valid excuse to slow down or excuse yourself from doing something that you don’t feel up to doing. Take care of yourself!
What do you wish other people understood about having a period? That it can be a really hard time for women. Everybody’s period looks different and for some it takes years to even figure out how to properly deal with it. Be patient and understanding with your female friends! It can be a very vulnerable time physically and emotionally.
What do you wish you understood when you were younger about having a period?
That periods can take a really long time to regulate. They don’t always come for only 3-7 days, consist of some light bleeding, and make you “a little emotional” like you learn in 5th grade maturation. Be patient with yourself and figure out the best ways to deal with your own symptoms. Talk to your mom, sisters, friends, and your doctors. Get informed on all things period! Especially if you feel like there’s something abnormal going on with yours.
Someone talked to me recently about how women get so comfortable living in pain that we just accept it as something that has to be a part of our lives, especially when it comes to our health. This does NOT have to be true! You deserve to be informed, you deserve to be comfortable, and you absolutely need to know that there are other women out there who know exactly what you’re going through. #uterUS
Wow, thank you so much Keli for sharing. We love you.