Thanks Mother Nature

Desirae D •  California  •  20

I was in 6th grade and it was Thanksgiving Day. I have a huge family and no secrets can survive. I remember sitting at the dinner table with all the ladies of the family, and they start talking about when I’m going to get my period. I’m embarrassed and shy that they want to know my business, AT THE DINNER TABLE TOO! I shrug it off and my mom continues and suddenly, as if they spoke it into existence; I felt old warm and wet “down there,” so I discretely went to the bathroom and sure enough, my period had come.

Embarrassed after everyone was just openly talking about my menstrual health, I shyly covered my underwear with toilet paper and went about the rest of my day, wallowing in my new period all alone. I didn’t tell anyone because I knew it would be the talk around the house, especially on Thanksgiving with the amount of people that were there. I thought I would be able to get through this period alone and wait till we got back home, in a few days, to tell my mom.

---

---

However, when I woke up the next morning my period was even crazier than the first day. I had no choice but to tell my mom. I quietly, on the edge of tears, tell my mom. Sure enough she took this information like a prize and yelled over the balcony for my dad, despite my objections. Before even reaching the stairs she yells about my new found woman-hood. All the boys downstairs can be heard giggling and they almost gasp. This was their new comedic relief for the day.

My dad and I both didn’t understand my mom's desire to share my information with the house. He even responded with, “okay? Why are you telling me?” And due to the lack of excitement my mom regressed and continued to help me in this new found situation. Every time I went to the bathroom all my uncles would comment on how I’m attending the “sanitation station”. I was mortified.

I guess if people didn’t act so taboo about periods, I might’ve handled this situation differently and maybe would feel more pride about it. Like HA, suck it men, I am a woman and I can bear children, what can you do?

Doctor's Diagnosis

Joanna L •  Illinois  •  28

My first period was preceded by a round of nightmare cramps (the first of many). We were covering long division in my 4th grade class and gradually, my cramps became more and more painful as class went on until the numbers all blurred together on the chalkboard and I was afraid I was going to throw up and/or pass out.

I went to the nurse and based on the location and severity of the pain, she was sure it had to be appendicitis.

My very worried grandparents picked me up and met my even more worried mom at a nearby hospital, where I underwent a CT scan.

---

---

When the doctor came back to the room with the results, he happily announced that it was not appendicitis, but rather I was about to start my first period! He then helpfully pointed out the blood clots in my uterus and explained that I was suffering severe pre-menstrual cramps that would go away soon, but may come back every month.

Oh, how right he was. Thank god for birth control, to which I owe 15 years of relatively cramp-free periods!

When You Know, You Know

Nicola H •  Ireland  •  32

I was 13 and I remember I was getting ready to go to the cinema to see the second Austin Powers movie. I was in my bedroom and my mum walked in and asked me something. I felt really weird and I said, "mum, I think I’ve just got my first period."

---

---

She said, "why do you think that?" So I pulled down my pants and sure enough there it was. She got some pads and showed me what to do and then proceeded to go tell my dad. I was mortified but I am forever grateful for how cool they were about it.