Reading #1: Periods 101

hey, lets chat all about periods.

A period is a release of blood from a girl’s uterus. Which comes out of the vagina. A period is caused by a change in hormones. The ovaries in your body release the femal hormones called estrogen and progesterone. which cause lining in the uterus. The lining then breaks down and bleeds causing a period. This process starts over every single month every 4-5 weeks for the majority of a women’s life!

Periods typically last 5 days. It is different for all girls. Some girls can have a period that lasts less than 5 days or longer than 5 days.

When a girl starts her period it may look like your losing a lot of blood. But in reality a girl only loses about 2-3 tablespoons for a 4-5 day period!

Before your periods starts you may experience moodiness, sadness, anxiety, acne, bloating, bakc pain, etc. This is called PMS. These symptoms will go away a few days into your period.

During your period you may also experience negative symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, sore breasts, headache, fatigue, nausea, etc. These symptoms can be painful and disruptive for some girls but not everyone.

Reading #3: Irregular Vs. Regular Periods.

Hey, lets chat about a not so talked about topic. Irregular and regular periods. Something that as girls we have to figure out on our own when our periods start.

Understanding the difference between irregular and regular periods is crucial for young girls embarking on their menstrual journey. Regular periods typically occur every 21 to 35 days and last for about 2 to 7 days, depending on the girl’s cycle. These predictable patterns indicate a well-functioning period.

On the other hand, irregular periods are different from regular periods, with different variations in cycle length, duration, or flow. Factors contributing to irregular periods may include stress, hormonal imbalances, excessive exercise, or underlying health conditions. It is essential for girls to track their menstrual cycles to identify any irregularities and seek guidance from healthcare providers if necessary. For example, if you notice that your period length is shorter one month and, then longer the next. This is a sign of a possibly irregular period. For the first few months of your period be sure to keep tracking your period. Because a period can start irregular and then move onwards with a regular cycle.

Encouraging young girls to track their periods can help them distinguish between irregular and regular patterns. Irregular periods may manifest as frequent changes in cycle length, skipped periods, unusually heavy or light flow, or severe cramps. By contrast, regular periods demonstrate consistency and predictability, aligning with the typical menstrual cycle parameters.

Educating girls on the significance of menstrual cycle variations can teach them to prioritize their well-being and seek medical advice if irregularities persist. With knowledge and awareness, young girls can navigate their menstrual cycles with confidence and make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health. If a girl knows when her period is coming it will make it easier to prevent cramps and plan ahead.

Reading #5: How excercise, diet, and stress affect your menstrual cycle.

Hey there! Let's chat about how exercise, diet, and stress can play a role in your menstrual cycle.

Exercise: Staying active is fantastic for your overall health, but intense or excessive exercise can sometimes throw off your cycle. It can lead to irregular periods or even stop them altogether. So, finding a balance that works for you is key!

Diet: Eating a balanced diet is super important for keeping your hormones in check. Make sure you're getting enough nutrients, especially iron, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy cycle. Plus, staying hydrated can help ease those pesky period symptoms.

Stress: Ah, stress – we all deal with it from time to time. But high stress levels can mess with your menstrual cycle. It can cause irregular periods, make your cramps worse, or even bring on missed periods. Find ways to manage stress such as resting, sleeping, walking, etc.

Reading #2: Preventing and helping period symptoms.

hey, lets talk about how we can prevent and help your period symptoms.

• To prevent period symptoms you can try to take vitamins such as iron, magnesium, and pain medicine at least 2-3 days before your period. By taking vitamins and medicines prior to the arrival of your period prepares the body for your period. Which will hopefully prevent period symptoms.

• Making lifestyle changes can also decrease the severity of period pains. Such as the common cramps. For example, excercising, stretching, drinking more water, and reducing stress.

• Utilize heat through heating pads and hot liquids such as teas. Drink teas such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and green teas. Which can greatly reduce period cramps and back pain. Heat promotes blood flow, increasing circulation which brings oxygen to abdominal muscles.

• Avoid Alcohol and tobacco. Drugs like alcohol, cigarettes, vapes, and tobacco can impact the balance of prostaglandins which can worsten cramps.

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods which will naturally ease period pains and, these foods taste amazing! Foods such as berries, tomatoes, pineapple, green vegetables, almonds, fatty fish like salmon, etc.

Reading #4: Different types of Period Products.

hey, lets discuss different period products you can use during your period.

There are different types of period products to wear during your period. Such as pads, tampons, cups, and period underwear.

Pads are an absorbent material that is attached to the inside of a girl’s underwear which absorbs period blood. The back of a pad is sticky which sticks to inside of a girl’s underwear. Pads also have folds called “wings” that fold over the edges of your underwear to help hold the pad in place and prevent leaking. Pads should be changed every 3-4 hours to prevent bacteria and odor. Pads vary by size and absorbency. Depending on the flow of blood during your period. If you bleed heavily go with a maxi pad or overnight pads to wear throughout your period. If you have a light flow wear pads for teens or pads that say regular. When looking for pads that may best meet your period’s need look for scales on pads that indicate size. (refer to image below.)

Tampons are inserted into the vagina by hand or by using an applicator. Tampons are attached to a string that stays outside a girl's body. To remove the tampon gently pull the string until the tampon comes off. Tampons can be scary since most girls may be afraid to insert the tampon into the vagina. You should check with your parents or guardian before using tampons. To decide if tampons will work best for you. tampons NEED to be changed every 4-6 hours. A tampon that is left in for too long will NOT get lost but instead may cause odor, infection, or put a girl at risk for toxic shock syndrome.

Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups usually made of medical-grade silicone or latex that are inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. Designed as a reusable and eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons, menstrual cups are gaining popularity among individuals seeking a sustainable menstrual product. Menstrual cups collect blood instead of absorbing like pads and tampons. so you cant see when the cup is full. So you have to empty the cup several times a day.

Period underwear is a type of underwear specifically designed to be worn during menstruation. They are made with layers of absorbent and leak-proof materials to provide protection against menstrual flow. Period underwear can be used on its own or as a backup to traditional menstrual products like pads or tampons. They offer a more sustainable and eco-friendly option as they can be washed and reused, reducing the amount of single-use products that end up in landfills. Period underwear comes in various styles, colors, and absorbency levels to suit different preferences and flow volumes. It can make girls feel more comfortable than wearing menstrual products that can be bulky at times.

Reading #7: How to feel comfortable on your period.

Feeling Comfortable During Your Period

Hey there! So, we know that dealing with your period can sometimes be hard. Here are some easy tips to help you feel super comfy and confident during that time of the month:

1. Rock Those Comfy Clothes: Opt for loose, cozy outfits that make you feel relaxed. Leggings, oversized tops, or your favorite sweatpants are perfect choices. Avoid wearing tight clothing which can make bloating worse.

2. Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated. Trust us, it can make a big difference in how you feel. Dehydration is not the best choice.

3. Snack Smart: Munch on healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt to keep your energy levels up and your mood stable.

4. Banish Period Pain: If cramps are bothering you, try using a heating pad or taking a warm bath to ease the discomfort. You can also try to drink teas such as chamomile and lemon and ginger tea.

5. Stay Active: Gentle exercises like walking or stretching can help alleviate cramps and boost your mood.

6. Embrace Self-Care: Pamper yourself with a relaxing bath, do some journaling, or watch your favorite show – whatever helps you feel good.

7. Talk About It: Don't be shy to talk to a trusted adult or friend about how you're feeling. Sharing your experiences can make you feel less alone. BlessBloom and Flow is also featuring some experiences from young girls to help make you feel more comfortable. Which you can go watch on the videos tab.

Remember, periods are a totally natural part of life, and it's essential to listen to your body and give yourself the care you deserve. You've got this, girl! Stay blessed.

Reading #8: Understanding women’s rights and laws related to menstrual cycles.

Hey there! Let's talk about some important rights and laws that protect women when it comes to their menstrual cycles.

1. Menstrual Leave: In some countries, there are laws that allow women to take time off from work during their menstrual cycle if they are in pain or discomfort. This is super important to ensure women can take care of their health without any issues at work.

2. Access to Menstrual Products: Many places have laws in place to make sure that menstrual products like pads and tampons are affordable and easily accessible. It's vital for women to have what they need to manage their periods comfortably.

3. Anti-Discrimination Laws: Women cannot be discriminated against in the workplace or in education because of their menstrual cycles. It's crucial that women are treated fairly and respectfully, no matter what time of the month it is. If you are being discriminated against or bullied over your period let an adult or trusted guardian know so the situation can be de-escalated.

4. Education and Awareness: There's a push for schools to educate both girls and boys about menstruation. It's about breaking the stigma and ensuring everyone understands and respects what women go through during their cycles. Being educated on the menstrual cycle as a girl is highly important. So making sure you know how to take care of yourself and maintain your period will be important skills presently and in the future.

Remember, these rights and laws are in place to support and protect women. So when you're not feeling good during school or your workplace. you don’t always have to try and get through the day. If its really bothering you see your nurse or boss so you can go home and try to get some rest.