Being on the rag. Surfing the crimson wave. Aunt Flo's monthly visit. Shark week.
We like to avoid saying its name, or even talking about it. That's reasonable; it's painful and more than a little bit gross. But although it may be a painful part of life, your period is natural, and talking about it doesn't have to be taboo.
So let's talk about it. Here's a list of some things you've probably never heard about periods.
Your period costs $18,171
Huffington Post added up the cost of tampons, Midol, new underwear, etc. to come up with nearly 20 grand over a lifetime of being a woman.
Period synching may be a myth
Many women claim that living with other women causes their periods to follow the same schedule. While a study in the 1970s proved this to be true, scientists since have found fault with the methodology. It seems like science has yet to get on board with the theory of period syncing.
Your period makes you a shopaholic
According to a study at Hertfordshire University, the later you are in your menstrual cycle, the more likely you are to overspend. Impulsive and excessive spending is a way of coping with stress or depression for many women at this stage of their cycle.
You will use 9,210 tampons over a lifetime
70% of women chose tampons over other options such as maxi pads and the average woman uses nearly 10,000 tampons over a lifetime. That's kind of a lot.
Cramps are not always normal
If your cramps worsen, disturb your daily activities regularly, or if you're older than 25, they could be causing endometriosis or uterine fibroids. If this could be you, see a doctor. Treating these issues can relieve your pain.
You lose only a few tablespoons of blood
Sometimes you may feel like you need a blood transfusion around that time of the month but most people lose only 2-3 tablespoons of blood during their period.
Periods were blue until 2011
Until recently, advertisements for maxi pads and tampons only used blue to symbolize the period. This was meant to sterilize the idea of periods. However, in 2011, Always released a campaign with a small red dot. Although this was only 4 years ago, it was the first time red was shown in an advertisement for menstruation products.
The average age of first period is 12
Girls get their period at younger and younger ages. Today, the average age for American girls to start their period is 12.
TSS can affect men, children, and post-menopausal women
While Toxic Shock Syndrome is commonly associated with tampons, it can also be caused by skin wounds and surgery. Either way, there's no need to worry TSS is not very common anymore.
Menstruating women are shunned
In some countries, like Nepal, women are shunned while menstruating because they are considered unclean. They can't eat anything other than boiled rice, are prohibited from touching other people, and are forced to sleep outdoors or in sheds which offer little protection from mosquitos, snakes and rapists.
