It’s time to talk. PERIOD.
It’s time to talk about periods, because quite frankly… we don’t talk about them enough.
What is a period?
A period (“time of the month”) is how most people refer to the vaginal bleeding that happens once a month for most women between the ages of 13 to 45, unless interrupted.
Why don’t we talk about menstruation?
Well, we here at theblood do… do you?
The thing is menstruation has always been a taboo topic. Culture, generation, religion, and social status are all factors that come into play regarding the ‘shame’ associated with menstruation. And this is what it comes down to, shame. Menstruation has been one of those topics that we have been conditioned to feel ‘ashamed’ about. So much so that the health and well-being of women worldwide are at risk because of this shame. This shame has even meant that research on menstruation has been hindered with still so little known about the actual mechanisms of what’s happening, even to this day!
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this blog post, including but not limited to the text, graphics, images, are for educational and informational purposes only. None of the material within this blog post is intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional such as your doctor when you have concerns or questions.
The word ‘period’ is actually a euphemism itself.
The scientifically accurate word is, in fact – menstruation, which refers to the actual bleeding that we all know and love... or maybe not love, right?!
The truth is that the word ‘period’ and other slang words exist because the whole topic of menstruation is considered “taboo.” Something that we shouldn’t talk about openly, something that we (menstruators) have been led to believe that we should be ashamed of.
Luckily, this mindset surrounding menstruation is slowly changing, and it turns out that menstruation is actually something that is pretty empowering for menstruators. And this empowerment begins with knowing what it is that is actually happening during this whole thing.
Why is menstruation important?
Menstruation and menstrual health are very important, so it’s good that you’re reading this now because it’s something that we all (not just women) should be more clued up about (oh, and actually talk about).
For one, if you’re a woman, then menstruation will probably affect you for a large part of your life, in one way or another. But menstrual health is actually a massive part of our overall health and well-being.
Menstruation alone can considerably impact your physical, mental, and social well-being. Abnormal menstruation and menstrual symptoms affect so many women in many different ways. And this is why you must know what is ‘normal’ for you. Awareness of what is normal for you (not the textbook version), helps you find out when things are not looking too right so that you can then go and seek professional medical help and support. There are so many reasons why you may be experiencing abnormal menstruation or menstrual symptoms that affect your reproductive health and other aspects of your life, and you shouldn’t just “put up with them”, because we find it too shameful and embarrassing to talk about.
Menstrual health is just as important as your physical and mental health because it essentially affects them. In fact, your menstrual cycle and menstruation can tell you A LOT about your physical and emotional well-being, and in the future, it may be able to tell you a lot more…
So how do we stop menstruation from being a taboo topic and make it ‘normal’?
Yep, we talk about it!
Let’s start talking and change menstruation for future generations because the future of menstruation is here!
The number one thing to remember is that menstruation is empowering! Periods are not and should not be a negative experience for anyone.
In fact, theblood are on a mission to prove the complete opposite. theblood are adamant about ending the negative stigma associated with menstruation, whilst also being at the forefront of showing how menstruation is actually something worth talking a hell of a lot more about…
Be sure to follow theblood on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with what we are up to and how you can get involved.
Check out our blog post on Menstrual Blood: the key to better diagnostics, to find out why theblood believes that everyone should be talking about periods and menstrual blood…
