Kendra T.

I think I was in the fifth grade when I had my first period. I remember hiding behind the couch in the fetal position, thinking I was dying. 

My mom and I had already had "the talk." The school nurse had already come to our class to explain the ins and outs of our changing bodies. And I had already read and reread all the period pamphlets I could get my hands on from my pediatrician’s office. But somehow, I still didn’t know what was going on when it finally happened to me.

For years after that, I dreaded my period.

Not only were my periods incredibly painful, but I also had all sorts of GI issues during the first couple of days of my bleed. The cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting interfered with my life, causing me to miss days of school and work.

Not surprisingly, I HATED my period. 

Then one day, after a particularly horrendous period, I decided enough was enough. I vowed that day to make peace with my period and my body. I was determined to learn everything I could about the menstrual cycle, all four phases, not just menstruation. I read all the books, listened to all the podcasts, and took a few courses.

I started cycle tracking (not just the days of my bleed, we're talking cervical mucus, mood, symptoms, and BBT). I made lifestyle changes. And, most importantly, I changed my mindset about my period. 

It didn’t happen overnight, but over time, I grew to have so much appreciation for my hormonal ebbs and flows. Eventually, the dread and shame morphed into awe. And in time, my symptoms improved.

My period is no longer an inconvenience or a pain (most of the time anyway). Now, my menstrual cycle is one of my most trusted guides. It gives me real-time insight I can use to better understand what my body needs from me to support my fertility and my overall health. As a woman in her late 30s, this insight is invaluable.