ACTION Magazine (October 1954) — remember that no woman is AVERAGE … (Photo credit: marsmet462)
I once got fired from a job because of my period. True story. I happened to be running on time, when I had to be running early for work because I had to go to two different pharmacies. Why? To find the right cocktail of Ibuprofen and Methocarbamol (Robax) and make sure to get the right combination of tampon with the longest thinnest overnight maxi pad there is. I was 2 mins and 43 secs late. When I explained my harrowing ordeal, I looked up expecting to see a woman with understanding in her eye but all I saw was the cold look of harsh judgement. In my naïvety I actually thought that another woman would understand because surely if she hadn’t gone through it, then someone she knew had. Wrong.
Another woman had once told me that my pain wasn’t so bad, that it was just “a dull pain”. Thanks for your opinion but next time you open your mouth to tell me how I Feel… Just Shut The Fuck Up!
I’ve also had a nurse tell me that I don’t bleed more than normal that “every woman bleeds the same amount- about 2 tablespoons.” Which I can say for a fact is not true; I’ve known girls who use as little as lite’s during their periods, some who have changed professions just so that they could be at home and close to a bathroom and then there are those that are ‘normal’ and get by with those cute little regular/ lite combo boxes of tampons. Oh to be one of those lucky vixens.
But me and my friends though- It’s nothing but super plus and maxi’s the whole way through. (Which in itself isn’t good, have you ever taken the time to read the pamphlet that’s in the box- scary stuff when that’s what you’re relying upon.)
I have never had a happy period but thanks anyway.
I have also never had a doctor seemed concerned, asked follow-up questions or refer me to a Gyno when I mention how heavy my flow is or how unbearable my cramps are. Terrible doctors? Yes. But I’ve come to learn some truths over my short time:
The doctor is not always right.
Always try to get a referral if you don’t feel satisfied.
It’s ok to want a better doctor and, in fact you, should demand it.
Some women have much heavier and I’ll just say it, hellish periods than others.
That some women are going to be made their uterus’ bitch, at least once a month, and that most men and too many women aren’t going to believe them and in fact look down on them because of it.
Why I’m really seeing red on this topic, is that through my debacle with doctors, I’ve noticed a real aire of lawlessness from the medical profession with regards to women’s health. There are things we should be looking out for but they are taking so long to come to light, and that by the time we find out about them it’s usually because we’ve gone through it or we know someone who has gone through it.
Going through a 36 box of Super Plus tampons in one month. Not Normal.
Having to take a potentially harmful cocktail of prescriptions or OTC drugs. Not Normal. (Can also cause liver and kidney damage)
Being overly fatigued. Not Normal.
Having bowel issues- whether you poop too much or too little. Not Normal.
We ladies have to stick together and when it comes to female health looks like we’ll have to stick to old fashion word of mouth because you can’t always rely on your doctor. Only you know what’s normal for you.
Things that you should be on the lookout for if your period is NOT NORMAL other than a great Gyno…
Endometriosis defined by Mayo Clinic as an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. I had a friend that went through this and it was actually a cardiologist that diagnosed it.
Thyroid (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) defined by Mayo Clinic as a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain important hormones. Which I think is overly simplified but if you consider the role that your thyroid plays in your body… pretty important and you can definitely get it before you’re 50- so if this feels like you- get it checked out.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) defined by Mayo Clinic as a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Word to the wise: just because you’re skinny doesn’t mean you are healthy.
Graves’ Disease defined by Mayo Clinic as an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Fun Fact: Treatment of Hypothyroidism can lead to Greaves’ Disease. Awesome.
All I’m saying Ladies’ *Oprah moment* is listen to your body. Do some research and go into your appointment already somewhat knowledged. Don’t be deterred ask for different tests or for your blood work to be done at a university linked teaching hospital. It could make all the difference.
Lady Epiphaniste 