Okay, let’s have a real girl talk, shall we? If you’ve ever Googled “Why does my uterus hate me?” or found yourself crying over a toothpaste ad during your period, girl, I see you. I’ve been there, sweatpants on, with a hot water bottle in place, wondering if my hormones were throwing a party without me. Seriously, who invited all those emotions?
Let’s break it down: Did you know that your cycle isn’t just about that time of the month? Nope, it’s a whole 28-day (give or take) rhythm where your body’s going through some serious changes. From hormone fluctuations to mood swings to that feeling of wanting to crawl into bed and never leave. In fact, studies show that nearly 90% of women experience physical or emotional symptoms during their period (so, if it’s stressing you out, you’re definitely not alone).
During this time, your body is basically on a hormone rollercoaster. Estrogen is on the rise, making you feel all kinds of ways, and progesterone is like that friend who shows up uninvited, making everything a bit more emotional, sometimes leading to bloating, irritability, and those “I hate the world” days.
If you’re wondering, it’s me, your girl pal Lizzy B, giving you the lowdown on what’s actually happening in your body during your cycle, and how to navigate it without losing your mind (or your snacks).
So, what’s even going on down there?
Here’s the simple version: every month, your body gets all hopeful, thinking a baby might be on the way, so it sets up a nice cozy lining in your uterus. When no baby RSVP’s? Your body’s like, “Cool, let’s clean house,” and that lining breaks down and flows out as your period. That’s it. Nothing dirty. Nothing weird. Just your body doing what it was designed to do.
Cramps? Been there. Mood swings? I invented them.
The cramps are your uterus flexing, literally. It’s trying to push that lining out, and sometimes, it’s not gentle about it. Some days, I just curl up and whisper sweet nothings to my hot water bottle. But I’ve also learned that walking helps, and so does eating bananas (hello potassium!), sipping chamomile tea, or treating myself to chocolate. And if it gets too painful, I talk to my doctor. You should too, babe, because surviving isn’t the same as thriving.
Pads, tampons, cups, and period undies — pick your player
Quick confession: I used to be terrified of tampons but now, I’m a total pro. But what really changed my life was period underwear. I mean, where has Savvi Wear been all my life? Comfortable, leak-proof, and cute enough to make me feel like I’ve got my life together even when I’m bloated and emotional. Whatever you choose, pads, tampons, menstrual cups, just know it’s about what makes you feel safe, clean, and confident. No pressure to follow the crowd.
The hormones are hormon-ing — and that’s okay
Just so you know, I once cried because my plant looked sad. Another time, I got so irritable I almost fought a stapler (It’s funny). Blame it on estrogen and progesterone doing their monthly drama routine. I’ve learned to ride the emotional wave instead of fighting it. Some months I journal, sometimes I just need sleep and a rom-com. If it ever feels like your feelings are way too much, way too often, that could be something called PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder), and it’s worth talking to a doctor about. Your emotions matter.
Some of the things we were told? Lies, babe. Lies.
- Don’t shower during your period: What?! Sis, please shower. Showering during your period is a must for personal hygiene. It helps keep you fresh, clean, and feeling your best.
- You can’t get pregnant during your period: Oh yes, you absolutely can.
- If you talk about your period in public, you have no shame: The question is, why is talking about periods treated like we’re confessing something scandalous? It’s a natural process that half the world experiences, and there’s no shame in that.
- If your period is late, you must be pregnant: Breathe sis, periods can be late for tons of reasons: stress, diet, travel, or even the weather. It doesn’t always mean pregnancy. So no more panicking or stressing, okay?
My period isn’t always regular, and I’ve made peace with that
That’s okay girl, sometimes it’s early. Sometimes it ghosts me like a bad date. Stress, diet, travel, hormones, life be life-ing. But if your cycle’s doing the most too often, it might be your body trying to tell you something. Conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), thyroid imbalances, or fibroids can sneak in and stir things up.
That’s why I track mine (apps are lifesavers), stay curious, and most importantly, listen. If your period disappears for more than three months (and you’re not pregnant), comes super heavy or painfully often, or just feels way off, it’s time to check in with your doctor. Peace of mind is better than guessing games.
No shame in getting answers, sis. Early care saves future stress. There’s no medal for suffering in silence and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.
Your period doesn’t define you, but it is a part of you.
From one period warrior to another,
Lizzy B.
