10 Things the Men in Your Life Should Know About Menstruation

It has always been difficult to talk about periods both amongst women and men. In the past few years, people have been more aware and comfortable talking about menstruation, however, we are not quite there yet. What do men know about periods? They surely know of the bleeding every month, cramps, mood swings, etc. What do they really know though? Do they know all the facts about menstruation?

This article is meant to educate you – WOMAN -, but also the lovely MEN in your life about periods. This shouldn’t be a disgusting subject, this should be a subject where your partner, father, brother, colleague understands what you go through each month. It’s a subject where they don’t make fun of you if you are moody. Where they are fine if you need to drink an extra glass of wine. Or if you prefer to sleep through the whole day. Or you just need a hug. It doesn’t have to be a taboo topic. Let’s see the 10 facts about menstruation that you should share with the men in your life.

1. The Truth About Menstruation

We all know what menstruation is all about at this point. I’m not here to educate you on how it physically happens each month and why. What you do need to know about are the 4 seasons each month. I read this book written by Maisie Hill “Period Power”. It taught me to understand what a woman goes through each month before and after she gets her period. It really teaches you all about menstruation and it raises awareness about menstruation. Pretty good start to the 10 facts about menstruation. This is going to get more interesting.

Winter is when you are on your period. Spring is when you are pre-ovulating. Summer is when you ovulate. Autumn is about pre-menstruation. Each season has its own story and purpose. Winter is when you feel at your worst, you are bloated, moody, in pain, not feeling like doing anything. Spring is when you are starting to feel like yourself again, but not quite there yet. Summer kicks in and you are ready to conquer the world. Only for a week though, before autumn tells you to calm down and prepare for winter again. This sounds interesting, right? Then why is it still a taboo topic?

2. Why is Talking About Menstruation is Still a Taboo Topic?

Even though we know about menstruation and have known for centuries, I feel like some people still feel uncomfortable when the subject is brought up. I mean, do you feel uneasy when you talk about pooping? You shouldn’t because it’s something that everyone does and it’s a basic human need. Same as a woman being on her period (excluding those with medical conditions or on certain contraceptives). Let’s not keep it as a taboo topic. We are all grown up now.

The way to normalize this subject is to talk about it and be informed. Women don’t use it as an excuse to not do things. All we want is to be understood when this happens. Not to be laughed at if we might be slightly on the edge. Let’s see other facts about menstruation.

3. You Don’t Get Used to Periods, Ever

Whether you have been having periods for 10 years or 20 years, you still don’t get used to it. Why is that? I don’t really know. You’re thinking if you should be using pads or tampons. Thinking of what to wear when you are close to that day. Being terrified of having accidental patches on your clothes for others to see. You know it’s going to happen, but it still doesn’t prepare you for everything.

Some months might be lighter, you are not in pain, you feel okay. Other months are horrible, you don’t have the energy to do anything but to lay in bed. It’s quite difficult to get used to this no? Never knowing what to expect, trying to figure out how to best handle it. This brings me to further facts about menstruation.

4. Mood Swings, Chocolate, Wine

“Chocolate is the answer to everything fellas” (unless you are sensitive to chocolate, please be careful)! We all have to figure out what is our vice these days and communicate it with our loved ones. It could be chocolate, wine, teddy bears or a good movie on Netflix. It might be difficult to think about it, however, it is crucial as this will help the men in your life make your life easier by knowing what to do when you’re on one of those days. If anything, this is definitely one of the facts about menstruation men should be aware of.

Maybe you haven’t figured it out either. What calms you down when you feel overwhelmed during those days? Think about it for a second. You don’t have to feel ashamed, it is perfectly normal to feel however way you feel when you’re on your period. Now, I am not saying that you should be using it as an excuse to act a certain way. All I’m trying to say is that it’s okay not to be okay. Own it, eat your chocolate, cuddle up and watch Netflix. It’s just a few days, so you should be alright in the end.

5. How to React to Women Menstruating

This is a tricky one. Due to our lovely hormones, we can be like a ticking bomb. One bad word, one bad facial expression and BOOM. Sure, I might be exaggerating a bit. I’m sure the person you live with knows when you are on one of those days. So ask them to be aware of their words. Just be kind, not try to argue or stress you too much. It might seem like a lot of work, but communication is key. When two people don’t express their feelings, misunderstandings can happen. This isn’t just about men and periods, it can be about other things too in your life. This period is just an important part where communication is more important than ever.

6. Should You Hug Her or Leave Her Alone?

Don’t be afraid to ask for hugs. Hugs are always helpful, no matter what you are going through. This is going to sound crazy, but if you live alone, give yourself a hug. You could also buy a weighted pillow! Just add this to the 10 facts about menstruation, that pillows or hugs are essential in this period.

On the other hand, if you are one of those people who prefer to be alone, then make sure you communicate this with your loved ones. When people see that you are hurting, the natural reaction is to try and hug you. When you’re on your period and already sensitive, this might be the last thing you want. I already emphasised this before, but communication is everything. Raise awareness about menstruation, about how it feels for you. It will help in the long run!

7. Period and Work

You’re at work and your period just appeared out of nowhere? Did it show through your pants and a male colleague has seen it? Please don’t feel ashamed. If someone ever laughed at this, it means they never had anyone to teach them about menstruation. Maybe you’ll be the first one. We should also know how men feel about menstruation, so this is your time to find out. Ask them how they feel, so you could also share facts about menstruation and raise awareness about menstruation.

Make sure you are bringing yourself extra snacks and even a cozy blanket on those days. It can be hard to sit at work when you’re in pain and have to use the restroom every 5 minutes, but you can always make it a little easier for yourself.

8. Myths About Menstruation

How do men feel about periods? What do they think they know but it’s not true? I think one of the biggest myths about menstruation is that the pain is not serious. Have you ever been in real pain because of periods, but someone told you off? Yeah, many of us have been in that situation. You read about studies where men were put under simulation to see how they would react to period pain? Not many of them resisted for a long time. This isn’t to show hate or disrespect towards men. This is just to prove how painful it can be.

Everyone needs to understand that period pain is a real thing. Some women get it, others don’t. It really depends from person to person. When it happens, you can be feeling it for several minutes or hours. You are crawled up in your bed, can’t get up. You’re trying to get rid of the stomach stabbing pain. In the end, you end up watching Netflix and eating chocolate to make you feel better. That is also fine!

9. Getting Comfortable With the Idea

I’m hoping by now, any male that has read this is getting used to talking about periods. Men and periods should be a thing as well. Men should feel comfortable talking about it with the women in their lives. At the end of the day, if it wasn’t for periods, none of the men or women would exist. It is something natural and extraordinary. It is unpleasant, we can complain to a higher power, but that won’t get us far.

Feel free to talk about, express yourself, make it easier to get over these days each month. Sooner or later the men in your life are going to be happy to talk about it with you. They will help you feel like yourself and make it easier.

10. Being an Expert When it’s That Time of the Month

It really isn’t rocket science. Periods are perfectly normal. Feeling the best you can during your period, however, is absolutely crucial. Think of Maslow’s pyramid. Your physiological needs are the most important to satisfy in order to move up the ladder. Knowing your body first and what it needs will help you get over it sooner so you could work on yourself instead of being physically uncomfortable. Learn more facts about menstruation in case these ones haven’t convinced you.

It has taken many women years to get here. To be able to speak up about periods. To mention periods and men in the same sentence. Normalize it, study it, understand your body and mind during those days and you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

Conclusion

10 facts about menstruation later we have reached the conclusion. We’re hoping that you have learned something new today. Maybe even needed a reminder of some of the things you already knew.

Just remember to be kind to yourself while on your period. It’s a delicate time and the important people in your life will understand you and help you the best as they can. If you think the men you know could benefit from learning about these facts, please share these facts about menstruation with them. Let’s raise awareness about menstruation. Who are you sharing this article with today?

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