After I read this blog post all about ten ways to cope with menstrual cramps, it got me thinking about finally writing this blog post. This is something that’s been on my mind for some time and a topic I wanted to chat about (because I can’t imagine I’m alone in how I feel) but never really felt comfortable doing so, until now. I want this blog to be an informative space for my readers but also somewhere they can see they’re not alone in how they feel on certain matters.
Photo by Uby Yanes on Unsplash
But before I get into this post, I just want to say that this is ENTIRELY my own opinion and isn’t influenced or swayed in any way. Nor is it a dig at anyone with differing views. Periods can be a funny topic sometimes. For some reason there’s still a taboo around it and some people can be pretty defensive when faced with an opinion that isn’t the same as theirs.
I’m not here to offend anyone. And I completely respect every person’s decision regarding their own periods. Whether you have them or not. Whether you like having them or not. What you use, what contraception you’re on, how you cope. It’s not up to me to comment. I’m just here to share my experience.
So what is my experience?
Well I’m not going to take you back too far but for the last 4 years or so, I’ve been on the mini pill. The progesterone only pill is a safer alternative to the combined pill as it’s suitable for smokers and those who are over-weight. It’s a pill you take every single day, without a break. Therefore, a lot of people don’t experience periods on this pill. Like me.
I actually went on this pill because I was SICK of having periods, I was sick of panicking every time I was 1 or 2 days late and I was bored of having rubbish PMS side effects that affected my plans. So the idea of not having periods any more was like a dream come true! And admittedly, it does make things quite a bit easier for me.
But over the last couple of years, I’ve actually found myself missing not having periods. I’ve mentioned this to my boyfriend and he just can’t understand it (fair enough) and it’s been a difficult thing for me to try and understand for myself. Because when I think about it… why do I miss having periods?
We’re not trying for a baby. Under normal circumstances (pre-covid), we’re often busy, attending races, going out for the day, taking staycations and visiting his parents in Lincolnshire. We’re pretty busy people and having no periods is definitely a positive in that case.
So what was it that made me miss bleeding and cramping and being miserable for a week every month? I had a proper think and I’ve come to some conclusions as to why I miss having periods. Some of them are going to seem totally ridiculous but here’s why I miss having periods:
Photo by Uby Yanes on Unsplash
The routine
I love routines and being organised. To me, having a period was a part of my routine. I mean, obviously? Mine was usually like clockwork every month and I liked that monthly period routine and everything it encompassed. I knew where I was throughout the month based on my hormones and emotions. I even knew when I was ovulating – I was that in tune with my routine.
The excuse to get cozy
Okay I know this sounds totally stupid because you don’t need to be having a period in order to get cozy. But I dunno, it was just comforting. Especially when you’re cramping and feeling a bit gross, getting cozy with a takeaway, a hot water bottle and a girlie movie was always nice.
Knowing my body was doing what it was supposed to
I’m pretty health conscious, especially after having a bad time with health anxiety in August of 2019. Although that was nothing period related, I did used to like knowing that my body was doing what it was supposed to be doing throughout the month. Having a period is a great indicator of what’s going on. If you’re stressed, pregnant or perhaps have something going on down there that needs checking out.
Related: My First Smear Test Experience
Knowing I wasn’t pregnant
And speaking of pregnancy. I know this one is kinda silly because if I’m on the pill then OBVIOUSLY I’m not worrying I’m pregnant but of course there’s other issues that come with being on the pill. After having a pregnancy scare at the start of 2020 when I accidentally forgot to take a pill which caused a lot of stress and being ON the pill made it really difficult for me to know if I was pregnant. I dunno, I just like that little reassurance from your body.
Not having fake hormones in my body
Again with the health conscious thing. I dunno, I’m just over having fake hormones pumping around my body every day. I want my body to be doing what it needs to do naturally – what it was designed to do. I’m just on a bit of a journey of being more in tune with my body and I don’t think fake hormones are helping that.
Of course this is a very personal journey I’m on and one I need to figure out for myself. I’ve looked into other forms of contraception as being as sexually active person who doesn’t want to get pregnant, it’s an absolute must for me to be safe and not run that risk. I just wanted to share this with you in case anyone else felt the same.
Are you on the pill or any other type of contraception? Do you miss having periods at all? Do you struggle with anything I’ve listed above? Let me know and let’s chat!