In my younger years, menstruation was never something I put a lot of thought into. I’ve been fortunate to have never really had any menstrual issues. I did not start at an extremely early age, I don’t experience debilitating cramps nor do I have an extremely “heavy” flow. My period or “flow” has always seemed “normal.”
In talking with many women about their first periods, I’ve begun to consider myself quite fortunate. I don’t have any memorable stories of starting at summer camp or being caught off guard at such an age I didn’t understand what was happening. It was actually quite the opposite, a very lackluster story.
The only thing truly memorable for me was turning 15 and feeling that I may never start my period. Many feelings I felt then, are the opposite of what a large number of girls feel today. With most of my friends having already started their periods, I was left feeling embarrassed that I had not started. As I heard my friends talk about their periods, I thought to myself, “What is wrong with me, am I ever going to start?” I was not comfortable sharing with my friends that I had not yet, joined “the club.”
Beyond those feelings, the rest of the story is quite boring, because like every girl, my day finally came. It started one summer day, shortly after my 15th birthday. Again, not a big moment, just a routine trip to the bathroom when I noticed some pink on the toilet paper after wiping. It was followed by some mild cramps and thoughts that seemed to shout, “FINALLY! I got my period!” and feeling like I had finally entered womanhood!
As a grown woman, I can now appreciate that I was a “late bloomer.” Not getting my period at a young age allowed me to be mentally ready for this stage of life. Having only received the 5th grade “Sex Ed” class and a brief chat and trip to the store with my mom for supplies I fear I would not have been ready, should I have reached menarche much earlier.
Thinking back to my first couple years of menstruation I don’t really recall any particularly interesting stories or concerning issues. Like many other girls, I first started with pads. And as a girl trying to adjust to an unpredictable period I did experience a small leak or two.
My biggest complaints learning about my cycle would have been dealing with big bulky pads and the smell that would often accompany their use. But that problem did not last long. Having a mom who solely used tampons, it did not take me long to make the switch. After the switch, I can honestly say my period was nothing really to complain about, it just became a normal part of life.
For the next several years, I continued to have complaint-free periods. My cycle did not change much during this time. It was not until after I had my second child did I really notice a difference in my cycle. But even so, it was not a big change. Prior to having kids, my periods would last 3-4 days with the first two days being heavier. Now, after having children my periods last 5-7 days with my flow being more consistent (not extremely heavy) the first several days and getting lighter the last couple days.
The biggest change for me has been more mental. Preparing my own tween daughter for this time has really changed the way I think about menstruation. As mentioned previously, I never really thought too much about it. But the more women and parents I speak with, the more I learn, and this makes me think more about my own cycle. With that, I have found myself with a new perspective on periods and a curiosity to try different kinds of menstrual products. But that is another story… 😉
By Sarah B.