What is a Period?

The period is the part of the menstrual cycle when the blood and the lining from the uterus (womb) flow out through the vagina, which causes the bleeding for a few days.
Menstruation can be experienced by non-binary persons, transgender men, inter-sex persons and women. The period (bleeding) usually lasts between 2-7 days. The menstrual cycle can last anywhere between 21 and 35 days.
Remember to be understanding, supportive and mindful of people’s experiences on their period, some of the symptoms are:

• abdominal cramps,
• pre-period breakouts of acne,
• tiredness,
• bloating (feeling heavy, not a permanent ‘weight gain’),
• mood changes (depression, irritability, anxiety),
• bowel issues (diarrhoea, nausea, gassiness constipation)
• headache,
• trouble sleeping,
• lower back pain.

Hygiene

One of the reasons why people still feel embarrassed about their periods are problematic narratives and assumption about periods that they are dirty and unhygienic.

Often companies will try to sell you so called feminine hygiene products, like intimate washes, wipes, etc., products that often are unnecessary. Yes, it is important to wash your body, including your vulva and pubic hair. However, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and washing it too thoughtfully with soaps and gels could cause imbalances in the pH levels, which then leaves you more vulnerable to infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Scented pads, tampons, toilet paper or even vaginal deodorants are another group of products created to solve a problem that does not exist. While they might smell nice, they also could cause various allergic reactions. Your vagina will not and is not supposed to smell like ‘flowers’!

Period issues and mental health

It is important to remember that often period issues can have a significant impact on your mental health. Period related issues are the most common cause of gynaecologist’s appointments- you are not the only one and you do not need to suffer- call your GP.

1. Dysmenorrhoea- painful period that can significantly affect every-day lives of people experiencing it. It is very common, affecting 50-90% of those menstruating.
   1. Primary- not caused by any particular health condition. Comes and goes with your period. Symptoms: feeling tired, bloated, mood changes, headaches, diarrhoea
   2. Secondary- caused by a health condition, women who have been having ‘normal’ periods can suddenly start experiencing it.
   3. Symptoms: heavy and/or irregular periods, bleeding in-between your periods, bleeding after sex, painful sex
2. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMT (premenstrual tension)- most women experience it at some point in their lives
   Symptoms: mood changes, feeling bloated, irritable, spotty skin, greasy hair, loss of interest in sex
   1. PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)- very similar to PMS but is much more intense and has a stronger effect on every-day life
      Symptoms: cramps, headaches and joint and muscle pain, binge eating and problems sleeping, feeling very anxious, angry, depressed or, in some cases, even suicidal
3. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)- one of the most common reasons for gynaecological consultation, significantly affects life and comfort of persons experiencing it