No Shame: I Love Bloody Sheets!

Studies show that more than half of US Women shared that they have experienced period shaming at one point in their life.

In fact, there is a stigma that surrounds the concept of a young woman and her menstrual, which makes it a very uncomfortable topic to address. Women are frequently made to feel ashamed or embarrassed simply because they bleed, and many times this shame comes from those closest to us.

Period Shaming is a big deal; to sum it up, it is a consequence of the social construction of menstruation as an undesirable bodily event. Stigmas like these result in cultural attitudes that make young girls feel like they have to maintain a level of secrecy and silence regarding menstruation, resulting in a lack of awareness of proper period health.

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

According to the National Institutes of Health, “the menstrual cycle—a complex process orchestrated by interactions between many of the body’s tissues, cells, and hormones—reflects a person’s overall health status and can be thought of as a “fifth vital sign,” along with blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate.” So, it’s an understatement to say period health matters. It shouldn’t be silenced. It shouldn’t be put on the back burner. It should be celebrated and welcomed.

RELATED: “Free Bleeding” Is Becoming More Common: Here’s What You Should Know

BLEEDING

Now, let’s talk facts: Bleeding monthly is a natural and beautiful thing.

The blood during your period comes from the shedding of the uterine lining, which thickens in the weeks preceding it to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Bleeding every month may not be pleasant, but it’s completely natural and a sign that your body’s reproductive system is working as it should. You should be proud of your body for maintaining a healthy reproductive health.

PERIOD HEALTH

Period stigma has plagued our nation for too long. Young girls everywhere have been brainwashed to talk about menstrual health like it’s a ‘bad thing’ that you shouldn’t speak about. Enough is enough.

As the world evolves and more strides are made to normalize period health; our hope and commitment is to help empower you to maintain a healthy reproductive system.

In fact, in February of 2023, Spain passed Europe’s first paid ‘menstrual leave’ law. The law allows those with especially painful periods to take paid “menstrual leave” from work.

The policy is one example of a growing push to eliminate the taboo around periods and recognize the physical discomforts menstruation can cause.

Since this new law was put in place nearly 60% of employees have taken advantage of this opportunity with their employers.

This is a step in the right direction. Menstruation has been associated with shame for far too long. The more we open a dialogue for people who are suffering in silence, the more we open the door for an opportunity for someone who needs special support to get the medical or holistic treatment they need.

HOW CAN I HELP MY PERIOD HEALTH?

We are no longer being shameful about something our bodies were made to do. The shame and stigma of periods are causing young women to ignore early signs of issues like fibroids because they’re ashamed to even talk about their cycle and this delay causes them early intervention.