The Bloody Truth

Let’s Make Period Talk Normal!

Brooke Krumbeck - Freelance Writing - Normalise Periods

Change the narrative; periods are NOT taboo

They are not gross, weird or something to hide. How many times have you been in the bathroom about to change your pad or tampon and try to be quiet whilst unwrapping the packaging? We have all been there at some point. It is beyond ridiculous in a bathroom we share with others, who all face similar bloody problems, we are embarrassed by the thought of our period being “heard”.

We should be able to talk openly about our periods and not sit in the shadows whispering or remaining silent, confused and embarrassed. But, why don’t we? There is a massive push for change and to normalise periods, but from my own personal experience I find many are still awkward about the whole topic. For me, like the 1 in 10 other women out there, we struggle with Endometriosis and I really would like to be able to just vent about how crappy my periods are, but it’s not easy as many other women shrink when you say the word out loud or simply change the topic.

Not all women have painless, easy breezy periods and I can tell you as someone who was in silent pain for two decades, it sucks to feel so alone wondering what the hell is happening to your body. Here’s a list of some of the conditions that can cause heavy, painful periods that go undiagnosed on average for ten years:

Endometriosis
Adenomyosis
Fibroids
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Cervical Stenosis

Remember for some the keyword is ‘undiagnosed’

It is pretty upsetting to see women’s health being disregarded in this manner and we are just on the topic of periods. Start branching out from this and it gets even more depressing, but for this article let’s stay on track. As you may be starting to see, the pain points hinge back to women being conditioned by societal stigmas to shut up, be quiet and just get on with life. So, how can we even get to the medical professionals to be diagnosed if that is already one of the many barriers because we simply won’t talk about it.

Combine this with the lack of medical education amongst general practitioners and specialists and you are not left with a great deal of hope. It can be years of misdiagnosis and being told the classic one liners by all sorts of people,

“Painful periods are normal.”
“Stop being so dramatic.”
“It’s in your head.”
“Do we really need to hear about your period?”
“We all get them and deal with it, why can’t you?”
“Drink more water”
“Take more Panadol”
“Aren’t you better yet?”
“You’re always sick.”
“Rightttttt,” *eye roll and walks away*

Let’s start talking! And not just among adults, but educate our children in schools about periods, without the sniggering and awkward jokes. Children need to know what a period really is like and not to have others laughing if blood is on their clothes. We should be supporting one another and know it's normal for blood to flow once a month. By doing so, those of us who experience periods every month can openly discuss what is happening to our bodies and ask others if they have the same experiences, difficulties or even pain. This allows us to learn early on, rather than decades later, that the problems or concerns we were facing had solutions or even allowed us to realise we aren’t alone. Rather than sitting in endless pain, confusion and disillusionment causing our mental health to deteriorate into disrepair.

Periods are NORMAL!

PAINFUL periods are not!

In all their bloody beauty we as a society need to stop shying away from what is the most natural occurrence. It will certainly help those suffering from painful periods to know early in life what is happening to their bodies and seek help to ensure we can lead happy and fulfilling lives. Scrambling around in the shadows for pain meds and heat packs, whilst losing careers, money, friendships and family is no way to live.

Let’s start listening when someone wants to talk about their period. Even if you don’t experience periods make sure to be open and understanding of those that do because your support means the world to those having really painful days.

Art Talk

This week I was inspired to draw another of my Femnarlia illustrations that may be deemed as inappropriate and to “in your face” by some, but I don’t care. This is how I see my big beautiful ladies parts in all their bloody glory. They have their scars, but now I know the source of the pain they are healing amongst nature with the Queen of the Femnarlia watching closely. She is a source of protection, guidance, understanding, beauty and wisdom in this magical womb-like world.