Thought I’d make a big thread for this, so we can all feel a little more comfortable asking questions about our cycles and don’t have to always use the TTC thread! Perhaps a dedicated space might make it a little bit less taboo.
There used to be a period thread back when we had an “Everything But [name_m]The[/name_m] Names” category, and I think it is always great to build a community where questions about menstruation, ovulation, and the menstrual cycle in general can be asked. I think this thread fits the best here, but, of course, it is wide open to non-parentberries!
I hope there will be some who feel comfortable joining in here when they have questions about their cycles. No matter who you are, I think lived experience is always comforting and enlightening to share, and I thought this would make a good place to do so!
I’ll take this moment to recommend the book Bloody [name_m]Powerful[/name_m] by Dr. [name_f]Brooke[/name_f] Vandermolen, as a resource for every stage of a woman’s life!
As well as Taking Charge of Your Fertility by [name_f]Toni[/name_f] Weschler, for just a better understanding of your reproductive cycle and body even if you aren’t trying to get pregnant!
Womens health is criminally under funded and only the very surface is grazed in public school sexual education, even if you feel like you’ve got a “dumb” question, if it’s on your mind it’s worth asking! [name_m]You[/name_m] don’t know what you don’t know
I’ll have to look into the books you recommend! I’ve heard Taking Charge of Your Fertility mentioned a lot on the forums, but Bloody [name_m]Powerful[/name_m] is new to me. As silly as it sounds, the fact that it is illustrated makes it sound more appealing. I think verbal explanations can often be a bit overwhelming, especially for younger people who are menstruating, so it sounds like a really good and reachable resource.
Absolutely 100% agree! If something is bugging you (a physical symptom, something on your mind emotionally, etc), don’t chalk it up to being “nothing.” If it’s making you feel a certain way, it is worth bringing up. [name_m]You[/name_m] are worth bringing it up!!
I myself have asked a few questions in the TTC chat, and know a couple of others have as well, and conversations like these are so important. As women, as anyone with a menstrual cycle, I think it is important that we understand our bodies and feel comfortable talking about and asking questions about them, even before we are trying for children. So many people I know seem to only start their research on cycles in general and/or start tracking and paying attention to their own cycle once they start trying for a child, and while it’s never too late, we should all be mindful and aware of our health and bodies, whether we are planning on bringing a child into the world or not. We’re worth understanding, we’re worth knowing, and we’re worth a conversation!
There are a lot of things that can impact menstruation and regularity of cycles. Stress is a major one in my experience. Back before I used hormonal birth control I had a fairly consistent cycle that was on the longer end, but at one point it went so long that I bought a pregnancy test just in case despite very very very low risk of pregnancy (and I got my period the day after testing haha). I had moved multiple times recently, started a stressful new job about a month before, and then found out that my boyfriend at the time was going to be moving hundreds of miles away for medical school. Another time was recently post birth control and I didn’t know my cycle super well yet, but I had just moved out of state into an apartment that stressed me out and while I did get my period at a fairly normal time, it was an anovulatory cycle. There can be other medical reasons, but my first thought would be to think about whether you have had any unusual stress lately.
It’s very new!!! Only released in the past few weeks, I’ve followed her for quite awhile on Instagram @theobgynmum and it’s constantly full of great info and dispelling questionable TikTok videos/advice!
And yes!!! It’s the kind of book I’d freely leave out for my daughter to read at her comfort, I definitely believe knowledge is power for any woman but especially our young girls!
oh, i am SO happy you this, i was thinking of making this thread myself but i was thinking “ah no! i am sure this thread exists somewhere.” anyways my question:
Where do you guys get your period underwear/swimsuits? (if you use period undies/swimsuits)
i have a few of the knix period undies that were from costco and honestly, they aren’t my favourite. they look different then the ones on there website so i think they are a little different.
This is such a lovely idea. I definitely have questions that I’ll ask when they come back up. I think it should be normal for women to discuss this together as it happens to nearly all of us, and we don’t really get taught about it when we’re young! (at least not in the school system/culture where I live)
@danicaaa I’ve also not been super happy with my Knix undies. LOVE their bras and lounge wear but next time I need new period underwear I’m going to try Revolcares I think it’s called!
Also I’ve been using a Nixit on and off the last while and while I’m still getting the hang of the placement it’s been a pretty great upgrade to tampons!
thanks for the reply! i think mine might be a faulty one/a bit different so i will be trying again! (i also just made a cart in knix that i will be probably buying!)
I love seeing all of the replies on here. [name_m]You[/name_m] guys are making me so happy!
@danicaaa I want to say the ones I have are from Thinx (I purchased them at Walmart, and from a quick search, that seems to be the brand sold there). Honestly, I don’t use them, they mostly sit in the back of my underwear drawer. I was super excited to try them when I saw them becoming more widely available, but wasn’t impressed. I initially was drawn in by the fact that they’re a more eco-friendly option, as well as the fact that I used to have very heavy periods and was constantly worried about leaking (even with large pads), but I found that they didn’t actually quell my worries. Maybe worth looking into still if you have light periods, but I wouldn’t personally suggest them if you have a heavy flow and/or often worry about leakage. I found not being able to tell how full they were a bit of an issue, so I generally don’t use period underwear anymore.
I use Nalwort underwear and tbh I just wear those with my bathing suit.They work pretty well so far (no leakage or anything although I don’t have a super heavy flow) so I’d definitely recommend them!
@Maria_Bennett I’ve never missed a period completely, but I have had long or out of whack cycles. My regular cycle is 32 days, so a bit longer than “average”. When I first came off birth control my cycles were all over the place… everything from 22ish days to 50+ days. It took over 12 months of supplements and dietary modifications to find my new normal and have a regular cycle. Then I had two miscarriages and it went out the window again for a bit. My period came back at 4.5 months PP after my daughter and was super regular, which I have heard can be the case (pregnancy seems to act as a bit of a reset for some people).
[name_m]The[/name_m] most common causes for an upset cycle are stress, illness, big changes in diet or exercise intensity, or hormonal imbalance. These things can delay ovulation, which in turn delays your period. I’ve definitely experienced longer cycles when sick, dieting, or making big changes to an exercise routine.
Curious to hear what everyone’s most common PMS symptoms are!
I’ve been paying more attention to my cycle for the past year, and noticed I get so weepy and cry so much easier when my period is due within a week. I’m already a very sensitive person, but the tiniest things can make me cry, especially when they have to do with babies and children, and especially when they’re happy moments!
I don’t particularly notice extra irritability, but the crying always clues me in that my period will be arriving soon
I’m not very sensitive to begin with, but I have noticed that I feel more emotional\close to tears than usual particularly during and right before and after ovulation. Specifically any video about a success story, whether that be pregnancy or adoption after years of infertility, changing one’s life around after being in a dark or unhealthy place for a long time, or beating a serious illness like cancer, will always make me feel weepy (especially with a powerful song in the background lol).
@_thelittlefairywren Ugh, this sounds terrible! I already cramp a lot on my period, so I can’t imagine PMS cramping too. Occasionally I’ll have some, and will also feel cramping when ovulating, but it’s never to curl up in a ball level! [name_f]Glad[/name_f] to hear PMS symptoms have eased up, though. I think I probably do get more irritable, but just don’t tend to notice as I’m not on the receiving end
@Maria_Bennett This exactly! I’m sensitive on the regular, but it’s those damned success story videos that get me when I’m close to my period! I cried a couple of months ago to a video of a little girl getting a good takedown in a martial arts fight, because the video started with her dad teaching her the move. He was so proud and I was so teary!
Then again, maybe it’s not just the success story videos, because I also remember crying a few months back after seeing a lottery ad because I felt like it was such thinly veiled propaganda to get people to gamble with the hopes of all of their dreams coming true!
So great to have this thread!!! I know there was one a couple years back- and I was sad to see it decline in use. It’s wonderdul to have a safe space to discuss and ask questions!
So interesting to hear everyone’s responses! I myself don’t notice much- my clue that my period is coming is when I feel tenderness/soreness around the sides of by breasts, normally a couple days before. [name_m]Other[/name_m] then that, sometimes I’m a little extra emotional, but not consistently enough for it to be overly noticeable to me. I don’t get cramps even on my period so I can’t imagine also having them for PMS! Sounds horrible!
