I was in the seventh grade when it happened. I was so embarrassed to say anything to anyone. I tried to work up the courage to talk to my mom and my older sister. I listened to see if my peers were talking about it or not. Finally I began talking about it with my best friends. But we barely did! It was a weird, strange topic. Boys laughed and girls turned red (literally). Oh yes, I'm talking about the lovely gift girls get every month, your menstrual cycle.
I'm really not sure why I used to be so afraid to talk about it but let me tell you that changed real quick. I was in eighth or ninth grade when I started getting it really, really bad. It prevented me from going places and even walking. I have a high pain tolerance but once I begged my mom over the phone, bawling my eyes out, to take me to the hospital because my cramps were so painful. I would throw up for hours straight and it was miserable. I now am on birth control to help it but it's still pretty painful. Also I never know how long it will last. Getting my period very badly helped me open up about it. I really had no choice. When I started talking about it and opening up, I saw that others were too.
Your menstrual cycle is actually a beautiful body function. First off, it lets you know you're not pregnant - which is always exciting news to many people. It also helps you learn about your body. I know much more about my body after I got it than before. A regular period helps you know that your hormones are in balance - even if you do feel like you're becoming crazy, (trust me I know the mood swings are real). You learn about your bones, thyroids and uterus. The uterus's lining literally breaks itself down during your period. We go through this every month and accomplishing it is a great thing to brag about! So I don't know why people keep it hush hush.
If your boyfriend or boys in your class think your period is "gross" or they laugh about it, then they are immature. Two of my coaches used to carry around tampons and pads for us. My boyfriend doesn't fight with me back or take things personally when I'm acting a little crazy. He rubs my back and acts calm. My father goes in the store to buy tampons and my sister's friend once bought me chocolate and cleaned up my throw up! (I know I'm super lucky). But my point is these are examples for guys. You're going to have to deal with it for the rest of your life - just like us. Even though it's not physically happening to you, it's happening all around you. Learn to accept it and actually appreciate it, because of this cycle we can reproduce. This cycle let YOU be born. My number one tip though to guys, don't EVER say a girl must be on her period because we're in a bad mood. DON'T DO IT.
To the girls, don't be afraid to talk about it. Be open and speak up. Ask all your questions to anyone. Your mother, friends, friend's mother, doctor, teachers, coaches, sisters, anyone. There is nothing at all to be embarrassed about and the more you talk about it the less strange it seems. Research it as well. If you're having problems or just want to learn what the heck is happening, look it up. People have the same problems, trust me. Oh and if you're someone who relates with me and gets it very badly, hang in there. I know how awful it is but just think how strong we are for dealing with it!!
We really need to start talking about our bodies and not just the bones. The more we understand the less scarier it is! Our bodies are incredible, don't be ashamed to what goes on in it.
