Girl Talk.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek. The dreaded discussion! 

Or is it?

A lot of magazines have articles about this topic and provide generic details for girls. However, I find these articles unhelpful and vague, missing out the real stories and help from  real girls.

So today, I’m going to be talking about Periods. (I’m not afraid to say it) 

I’m pretty sure that every girl has had The Talk in school or by parents or by a doctor, but have you heard it from a REAL GIRL.

Today I want to share with you real experiences from me,  a real girl just like you.

At the end of the day, we all share this same experience, some may be different from others but it is completely natural. We should be able to embrace our bodies and not be scared to talk about it together. I know it’s a sensitive topic but I feel as though if I can provide my advice and tips for other girls, then maybe it won’t be such a difficult topic to discuss.

Where to begin? My experience…

• All periods are different, some are heavier, some are lighter than others because every girl is different. 

Unfortunately, I have very heavy periods which can be quite annoying.  And yes, I’m going to say it. Leak.

Yes I have had this horrible experience before. Pads or tampons, I’ve had it. It’s embarrassing and awkward but here are my tips if this happens to you!

1. Remain calm, don’t attract attention to yourself (it’s the worst thing)
2. If you have a coat or jumper handy, tie it around your waist until you can reach a suitable place like the bathroom. 
3. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend to help you. (They probably have had the same experience before, and don’t want it to happen to you!)
4. Try and carry some wet wipes in your handbag, they will help keep you feeling clean and fresh.
5. A tip from me, carry a spare pair of pants in your makeup bag. Trust me on this one. You will not regret it.

• Stomach cramps are the worst, they make you bloated and feel sick, although they are part of the natural process, they are a pain (literally).

With heavy periods, comes painful stomach cramps. I have suffered for years with this. Some days I could barely get up from the pain. Here is how I managed.

1. Take a pain relief. My favourite is Feminax. It’s specifically designed for periods and gets to work straight away. By twenty minutes, my cramps are completely gone, no joke. It has helped me so much.
2. Hot water bottles. They are amazing. Any form of heat relaxes the muscles, so by applying g a hot water bottle, the cramps ease up a lot! Take a bath if you don’t have one handy – it is perfect.
3. Exercise. Gentle exercise helps relax the muscles and take your mind off your period. I love gentle walks – they calm my body and my mind.

Eating junk food is the worst for cramps. It promotes bloating and makes you feel sluggish!

• Periods last varying amounts of time, so don’t worry if yours is longer or shorter than others.

My periods usually last between 5 and 7 days. Sometimes it starts of light, sometimes it starts off heavy which can be a quick surprise!  

1. Always be prepared. When you know your period is due, always carry some sanitary supplies in your bag. You never know when you might need them!
2. Try and spend your period doing things you enjoy. Don’t feel like you can’t do anything! Because you can!

• Pads or tampons are the most commonly used. They both have their pros and cons and there are so many varieties.

I prefer tampons. They have honestly changed my life. As you know I suffer heavy periods and to have it all under control within the body is a lot more reassuring to me. Here are my pros and cons of both.

1. Pad pros – There available in so many varieties to suit your body and they are great if you have just started your period. They can be changed quickly and also keep you warm in winter ….
2. Pad cons – They do feel slightly uncomfortable sometimes (bit nappy like) and can sometimes leak. They make that rustling sound in the bathroom just when it goes quiet!
3. Tampon pros –  They also come in a lot of sizes and absorbencies. They feel a lot more secure so I’m not afraid of leaks and it doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing anything.
4. Tampon cons- They can be a bit tricky to use at first and occasionally feel a bit uncomfortable. There is a risk of TSS if used for over 8 hours but this illness is extremely extremely rare so please don’t worry.

• The pill. It helps protect you from pregnancy as well as reducing symptoms of PMS.

I use the pill mainly to protect me from getting pregnant ( I don’t want a baby just yet)! I was a bit scared at first about going to see my doctor as I heard so many things about it. But Honestly it is fine. Here are some questions and answers you all probably want to know but are too afraid to ask.

1. I use the combined pill which is a 21 day pill ( I take it everyday for 21 days then have the next 7 days off it! I then start the process again. Easy.
2. I usually take my pill when I wake up in the morning so I don’t forget, although I do have a reminder set just in case.
3. When will you get your period? When I come off the pill for my 7 day break, I get my period about 2-3 days after I stop taking it.
4. Does it make you gain weight? For me no. However it has made my boobs bigger by two cup sizes so far!
5. Can you still have sexy time on your 7 day break? Yes you can.
6. What if you miss a pill? It tells you everything you need to know in the leaflet provided don’t worry.
7. It massively changed my periods for the better. Mine are a lot lighter and less painful and easier to manage! Speak with your doctor if you suffer heavy and painful periods, they may prescribe you the pill to help you.
8. What if it doesn’t suit you? There are a lot of different pills to help suit your body so don’t worry, you will find the right one!
9. The only issue I have had is that my boobs are swollen and a bit sore! But who can blame them when there growing!

I really hope this post has helped answer the questions that you have always wanted to ask. I know it’s an embarrassing topic but hey! We’re all in this together!

If you guys have any other questions that you would love to be answered then I would love to help. Feel free to contact me here or via my email beautyandshe7@gmail.com!

Don’t forget girlies, you are all beautiful and should be proud of your bodies, so share this help with your friends and get talking!

Love C 

X

http://www.beautyandshe.com