PMS punchlines are often overplayed. Women have long been told that their periods make them more ‘emotional’ or ‘weak.’ The topic of menstruation has been a concept of secrecy and shame, but the truth is, it’s normal and healthy. Periods are a topic that should be unabashedly spoken about.
Periods can be a painful experience for some and it’s natural to want to talk about it. Periods generally come every 21-35 days and many suffer from intense cramps, bloating, mood swings, fatigue and so much more. These symptoms are demanding, so having someone to talk to can be a way to ease the discomfort and feel a little less alone.
The discomfort can stem from shame, upbringing or a general lack of knowledge. There are many resources at UT that will give you a support system to discuss the emotional and mental trials of this time of the month. If you feel uncomfortable talking to those around you, take a moment to visit the Women’s Community Center or utilize CMHC resources.
“Go to friends, family members or peers who might have shared experiences that you trust to talk about these things with,” said English senior Maggie DiSanza. “I would also suggest going to advocacy groups on campus – there are plenty of reflective justice organizers on campus who are working to destigmatize menstruation, abortion and all of these things, and they want to engage people who may not have historically been having these conversations.”
Unfortunately, many Texas elementary and high schools avoid teaching general health knowledge to students. Periods are something that everyone should be educated on, and education could help people support others better. Resources like Planned Parenthood or the U.S Department of Health and Human Services can help you approach the conversation effectively and make informed decisions. Whether you have periods or not, learning more about the processes can equip you to facilitate conversation surrounding women’s health.
“I’ve heard from a lot of students that they don’t feel adequately knowledgeable about their own bodily experiences because they didn’t really learn about that in high school or middle school,” said Liz Elsen, director of the Women’s Community Center at UT. “They didn’t feel like they had access to those resources. So that’s something that we definitely want to provide for them.”
The shame towards periods is fueled by a lack of knowledge on the subject, which is potentially dangerous. Feelings of shame can lead to negative emotions surrounding one’s body. Shame and misinformation undermines efforts to achieve equality for those with periods as well as the fight for reproductive health rights.
The stigma surrounding menstruation has evolved overtime, recalling that it has been much more stringent in the past, when my great grandmother would have to sleep outside when she was on her period. Albeit, different cultures have differing viewpoints on periods, either a celebration of womanhood or something to be ashamed of, but generally the stigma has subsided with each generation. We are so fortunate, especially at UT, to have access to a variety of period products in order to take care of menstruation needs. You can find these products available at the WCC and in many bathrooms around campus.
Talking about women’s health is important to help meet their needs. It is essential to continue making menstruation an important topic of conversation.
Period is not a dirty word – Period.
Shenoy is an economics sophomore from Houston, Texas.
