Aunt Flo. Shark week. That time of the month. A feminine emergency. Everyone who menstruates has used these terms to avoid calling their monthly cycle what it is. Why? Because it’s embarrassing. This natural, uncontrollable bodily function is embarrassing. I would say shame is often rooted in reason. But what’s the reason?
My take? We don’t talk about it enough. An awkward discussion with your parents and a brief lesson in health class is all most people get before they’re thrown to the blood-soaked wolves of womanhood and never speak of it again. This creates the idea that menstruation is shameful and must be kept under wraps, even though it can be incredibly taxing; physically, mentally and financially.
I am lucky enough to have friends and family that I feel comfortable being open with regarding my period, and two doctor parents who fully understand menstruation, but lots of people don’t have this luxury. Many adults expect periods to be hidden from younger children, and when those children become adults themselves, they will continue to hide them because of what society has been taught. The dreaded puberty video we were all forced to watch in late elementary school was humiliating for everyone, which indoctrinated us all with the idea that periods were something to be ashamed of, even though we didn’t really understand why. If you started menstruating early, you likely wouldn’t even know what was happening, making the situation even scarier.
Even on the rare occasion that menstruation is brought to light, it is often portrayed unrealistically. Have you ever seen a tampon commercial? They are constantly glamorizing periods, acting as if using the right feminine hygiene product will be some magical, life-changing experience that will turn your cycle into a breeze. But honestly, periods suck, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. Blood, cramps, back pain and mood swings are the reality that many people face, and a good tampon won’t change that.
This expectation that people with periods should always be able to smile through the pain and go about life as normal is not only irrational, but harmful. Sometimes cramps are debilitating, even acting as signs of serious conditions like endometriosis, and no one should be scoffed at or told to “suck it up.” Sometimes hormones cause uncontrollable mood swings, and no one should be faulted for this. It’s okay to need a break every once in a while, because period struggles are valid.
Next time you’re surfing the crimson wave, hold your tampon in your hand on the way to the bathroom instead of hiding it up your sleeve. Rip open your pad freely instead of trying to minimize the sound it makes. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are experiencing pain. Menstruation should not be kept hidden, and acknowledging it is the only way that we can truly end period stigma. Because it’s not embarrassing. Period.
