What to Wear on Your Period
Today I will discuss everyone's favorite topic, menstrual periods (lol). Since 49.6% of our planet experiences this, I think it's time to have an honest conversation. I know there can be a lot of discomfort around the subject, and in an effort to normalize this human function, I am going to talk about it.
Whether you are new to it or have had to experience it for many years, let's breakdown a little bit of what is going on. It's graphic and it's real.
What’s Happening Biologically
The first day of the cycle starts with the menstrual period. The blood and tissue of your womb break down and leave your body. Typical bleeding can last between 4-8 days. Low levels of hormones can cause feelings of depression and irritability.
So emotionally there is vulnerability here. Not to mention that with water retention and the expanding of the uterus by 15%, weight gain also occurs during this cycle (and will fluctuate, period weight gain is not permanent).
We're dealing with bleeding, a range of somatic symptoms, weight gain, and emotional & hormonal shifts.
So now let's talk about how we can get through our period with more self-love.
Download the Flo app to track your period and symptoms.
Buy underwear specifically for your period (darker colors are recommended). THINX is one of my favorite brands of all time.
Plan time to chill. If you track your cycle then you can think ahead and put some time aside on the calendar to do something to take care of yourself.
Use organic menstrual products. Check the ingredients of whatever you put down there, remember how sensitive and precious that area is!
Your body typically wants magnesium, iron, and fat during this time so here's a flow supporting brownie recipe from the amazing Going Zero Waste:
2 tbsp cocao powder
1 1/2 cups black beans
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch of Salt
1/2 cup of chocolate chips + more for decoration
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Grease an 8x8 pan (I like to use a round one!)
Combine all of the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a food processor, and process until they are completely smooth. Once you think it's smooth, process for another minute!
Stir in the chocolate chips
Pour the batter into the greased 8×8 pan, it will be really thick.
Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top
Bake the brownies for 16 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean (I use a reusable chopstick to keep things zero waste)
Let the brownies cool for 30 minutes
Slice, dice, and dig-in! I also love to pair it with a non-dairy coconut milk ice cream
Feel good about your skin with some of my favorite face masks
Anti-inflammatory Remedy: Put turmeric in your water or milk alternative with honey.
DO NOT weigh yourself during your period. During this time your weight may fluctuate, it is normal. It will change again.
See TeenVogue's collection what to wear on your period. Generally, I recommend something that you feel confident in.
Know you are not alone. If you ever are concerned or have questions about your health, call your doctor or the Women's Health Hotline 1-800-994-9662. (You don't have to have the gender identity of a woman to get help from them.)