Menstrual Mystery : Time to start talking

Pre-warning this blog post may be messy, heavy and hard to take in all at once, so I ask you be gentle on yourself and take your time to re-read, digest and question all that I’m about to share.

Before I delve in, I would like to share with you my awareness of my privileges being a White British middle-class working womxn, whom was able to go to school and had a somewhat stable upbringing. I am extremely fortunate to be in the position I am in now, where I have access to the internet, a computer, books, materials and sources instantly available at my finger tips. I’m writing this in the hopes that the reader can take a moment to reflect on their own privileges and equally their oppressions…
As we then hold one another’s hands and take a step outside of ourselves to reflect on all the other humans in the world whom may or may not have the luxury of being able to read and share this post.
I pray that one day this will no longer be the case.

Twenty Nine.

29 is the age in which I learnt the anatomy of my “lady parts”.
29 is the age in which I realised I could use my menstrual cycle as a tool for self help, healing, guidance, power and so much more.
29 is the age in which I questioned - “Why are they not teaching this in schools?”

So, why aren’t they?
I couldn’t come up with a definitive answer either.

If you’re a womxn whom bleeds or whom previously has, take a moment now to reflect on your first ever period.
- Did you feel prepared?
- How was the experience?
- Did your mum/dad/carer/friends inform you on what a period was, why and when it happens?

There is so much mystery around a womxn’s menstrual cycle, it’s like a secret taboo that all womxn who bleed go through, yet we never really talk about it. Why?

- Are you ashamed of your period?
- Do you find it hard to connect with your body?
- Do you find each monthly bleed an “inconvenience”?

Don’t be hard on yourself if you answered ‘yes’ to all the questions above.
Your cycle awareness journey may just be unfolding…

There are so many good reads out there, along with podcasts shows, Netflix films, feminist documentaries and womxn sharing their “period power” on social media. (If your a fellow feminist, then you’ll definitely be able to feel the shift happening from our fellow matriarchy and it’s such a beautiful exciting time to be alive!)

I’m not going to overwhelm you with the full breakdown of what a menstrual cycle is, how your body works, your hormones etc, but I’d like to ask that you delve a little deeper into your research (‘Period Power’ by Maisie Hill is a great place to start) and then see for yourself whether or not you feel it should be part of the key stage 2 curriculum in UK schools (if you’re based here that is). Because I certainly believe it has it’s place!

Young boys and girls have the right to know and understand their bodies and the opposite sex’s inner mechanics. I feel this could lead to better understanding with gender sensitivity, safer practices of sex as they begin to “mature”, tearing down the stigmas in school around girls who bleed - did you know that 90% of young girls are afraid to go to school when their bleeding? It could also lead to better understanding and empathy for the impacts that periods have on girls physically and emotionally. Increased health and well-being, help out our real ‘mama’ (Gaia) with more sustainable period product choices, the list goes on…

If you’re a mum or dad I ask that you please educate yourself and share this awareness with your children. If you’re a teacher and this has strung a chord with you - then please, talk to your head teacher about inviting in period educators/specialists to hold workshops/classes around this subject. Talk to your friend. Share with your loved one…It’s time for us to all start talking!

Interested in delving deeper into this blood wisdom? I am extremely excited to share with you that very soon I will be holding in person and online movement based classes to support, educate and empower all womxn. We will share an open safe space in which I wish to invite and welcome all womxn, womxn of the BAME community and those who identify as trans and nonbinary folk. Keep a look out on our social media pages for updates and accouncements! (Instagram @riseto.health)

If you wish to reach out to me for more information please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.

As always, thank you for reading.

Sending you so much love,
Amy