Women have reported that their periods have been pretty irregular during this time. If you’ve noticed any changes in yourself, you’re not alone.
Experts continue to say that the COVID-19 disruption could cause women to skip a period or their period may start later than expected. Also, the duration of their period may change. Some may experience longer or shorter periods than what they are used to. And as if the pandemic wasn’t enough there has been even more stress added. The recent killings of Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have left most of us discouraged and disheartened. There have been hashtags, petitions, riots, protests, police brutality, and tons more show in the media. Black women, in particular, have said how they have NEVER been late or skipped a period, until now.
But wait there’s more….the pandemic may bring with it more pain. Painful menstruation known medically as dysmenorrhea has been linked to feelings of low support or feeling like you have little to no control over a situation. And if you are anything like me Sunshine, you have been in your feelings. It’s tough navigating the “new normal” and still feeling the oppression and systemic injustices that exist because of the color of my skin. Let me remind you that although feelings are valid they are not facts, please, Please, PLEASE do not forget this.
Some haven’t noticed a change at all in their cycles. If that’s the case, I’m happy for you. However, know this, the changes may not manifest right away. Dysmenorrhea may not occur until the following month as a result of stress from the previous month. Apparently, according to my naturopathic physician Dr. Tara Nayak, this is normal. It’s a physiologic response to our bodies been subjected to extended periods of stress or “fight or flight” mode. Hormones secreted from the adrenal glands in response to stress (cortisol, adrenaline, etc) directly signal to the center of the brain responsible for hormonal release the hypothalamus, and inhibit the release of hormones FSH and LH. These control the ovarian production of estrogen and progesterone respectively. Changes in these hormones lead to changes in your menstrual cycle including ovulation and fertility. All this matters because the body’s primitive function is to survive. It is not ideal to be fertile in times of high stress as this wouldn’t be an optimal time to reproduce. However, it is not birth control. Still do what you have to do and take your preferred contraceptive.
Also take the time to change your mindset about your cycle. It matters and makes a difference. Possibly because I typically have such a negative reaction to the beginning of my cycle. You know it ladies. It’s the thought that gives such negative vibes to something you have to endure every month regardless if your symptoms have started or not. It’s that “ugh” thought. I had to keep it real with myself and said, I am healthy and the thoughts and feelings around my period have to change and be more positive.
Enough was ENOUGH. I was determined to have a positive period experience. I woke up saw she was here and proceeded to go to the store and get Honey Pot Co pads and wipes. Now due to COVID-19, it was slim pickings at Target, Walmart had none, but then I went to Wegman’s and lucked up. I guess it is true what they say, “Third time’s the charm”!
Now let me tell you Sunshine, these pads and wipes are everything. They smell and feel amazing. The first time you wear them you feel a slight cooling sensation that can almost be compared to a faint but noticeable menthol-like impression down there. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it initially. You are either going to love it or hate it. Personally, I love it and now I can’t imagine using anything else. The wipes and pads not only smell amazing, but they feel amazing as well. I had little to no cramping. Also, the headaches I used to get diminished drastically. I barely experienced any symptoms. Now it didn’t do much for my fatigue, but I didn’t think it would. Here is what you need to now, it’s important to think differently when using these pads. They are natural and chemical-free. They aren’t as absorbent as what you or I am used to. The first few days I had some leaks. Adjustments were needed. Be mindful of your flow. Use the super at the beginning of your flow if it’s heavy and proceed accordingly. I’ve gone through two cycles with Honey Pot Co pads and wipes. I’m sure by the third cycle, I will have it all figured out.
Let Your Positive Period Light Shine!
Raise Your Light 