6 things every young woman needs to know about periods

Is it just me or does women’s health have a lot of myths and misconceptions? 🤷🏼‍♀️ As I’ve dealt with- and overcome- my own feminine health issues (PMDD, horrific periods, depression, and acne) I’ve learned there are a few things I’d want my younger self to know once I got my first period and things I plan on sharing with my daughter early on.

Here’s a look at what exactly I’d say to my younger self- and every young woman entering into her fertility journey!

ONE- they’re not supposed to be extremely painful

A small ache/tingling is ok, but you should be able to function normally without being distracted by pain or having to cover up how much it hurts with being “mentally tough” or using medication. You are bleeding, so there’s a chance there will be a little ache BUT our culture is rampant with women who need to use their sick days, rely on extra strength medications, and/or are down for the count because their period came. This is NOT how our bodies should be handling our periods. 

TWO - mood swings are a warning sign something’s off

We, as women, shouldn’t be “hormonal” with massive mood swings. I personally noticed when I balanced my cycle, I would feel more bubbly and social right after my period then a shift towards introversion and quietness right before and during my period. This is OK! Unfortunately we have normalized being rude/hurtful/biting the head off of a loved one because of our mood swings and this is just so terrible! I get that it happens and we use laughter as a society to cope with these things but this is a massive red flag your body is asking for help. Don’t ignore it-address it and start getting to the root of the issue. 

THREE- Birth Control isn’t a “fix all” for your symptoms + might make things worse later

Going on a form of birth control or medication to “help” isn’t doing anything except covering up your symptoms for you to deal with later. There are many women who claim their period symptoms returned like a roaring lion because the symptom warning signs were silenced (and not supported/figured out) for so long! Unfortunately this isn’t the only thing to know about BC- there are many studies and women speaking out about how going on BC altered things like their brain function, the type of men they were attracted to, sense of smell, and personalities. I personally encourage every woman to look at the deeper issues and do some testing, before jumping in with a form of BC.

FOUR - Hormonal/Cyclical Acne is a clue something needs attention

Hormonal/cyclical acne is another red flag your body is desperately waving to get your attention for help. A small breakout here and there is one thing but to have it heavily every few weeks is something to get to the bottom of. 

FIVE - Some period products can make symptoms worse due to chemicals or how they’re used

There are toxins in many period products that may be making things worse. Consider switching to period panties, menstrual cup, or organic pads. Many women have said allowing their period blood to flow out of them naturally, into a pad or the specialty period panties rather than using a tampon or cup, improved their period pain.

If you think about it, the blood is meant to flow out of us, so having it stored in a tampon or menstrual cup may be potentially impacting your uterus-consider using the panties or a pad for a cycle as a few trial rounds as an experiment to lessen your period pain. 

SIX - They are a gift we can choose to embrace and honor

Periods honestly used to gross the heck out of me and I often felt embarrassed or ashamed for having one. I have my share of embarrassing stories revolving around period mishaps so I’m sure that didn’t help! 🙈 However, learning HOW our cycle actually works and realizing the incredible gift God has given us by being women, to potentially carry a child, is such an incredible honor!

Even if a woman decides not to have a baby, her cycle is a beautiful part of her that makes her unique and set apart from men.

Leaning into my feminine side has been a delightful journey, especially in this day and age where women feel like they have to “prove” themselves to be equal to men in different ways. Why not embrace our incredible differences and appreciate them, not because we are “weak” but because we are special and should be honored and valued for who we are.

If you or a woman you know have period or hormonal complications GET HELP! Don’t wait! I suffered with agonizing periods for far too long and wish I would have found someone that lined up with my values much earlier.

If you are looking to balance your hormones naturally contact me for 1:1 coaching or purchase my EBook outlining the many ways I healed my own period issues.

If there is a young woman in your life (or this applies to you) that is just getting started in her new chapter of feminine wellness, take a peek at my EBook- a perfect guide to navigating feminine wellness. I included everything I wish I knew DAY ONE so I can help others avoid getting sucked into trends or wellness myths.

A huge goal of mine is to help young women navigate their cycles and incredible feminine wellness journeys much easier than me. I believe ANY young woman would benefit from my extensive info included in it! It would save potentially thousands of dollars with doctors, food, and supplements that would potentially backfire on you.

Take a peek at the EBook

I hope you enjoyed this article- Share with your friends you think would find this encouraging and helpful!

Madison • Full Life Wellness