Your comments, below. Read older ones dating
to 2000 at the link at the bottom of this page. Add
yours! (I count 1033 on these pages dating to 2000.)
The New York Times quoted from your
e-mail below for an article on menstrual suppression
in the 14 October 2003 edition, Science Times section (online
here).
"Right now I'd say HELL YEAH NO MORE PERIODS, because I'm menstruating
at the moment and it sucks. . . . I still wish I was a guy sometimes."
I like reading all the different answers to this question. I suppose
I'm in the middle as to how much this monthly business affects me physically
and emotionally. Right now I'd say HELL YEAH NO MORE PERIODS, because I'm
menstruating at the moment and it sucks. I began when I was 11, and had
some pretty painful periods right from the start. Throughout high school
they weren't so bad, because I was very physically active: I had to walk
everywhere and was forced to go to gym class five days a week. Now that
is more of a challenge for me because I work at home and I could sit in
a chair all day if I wanted to. Over the last four or five years I was
moving to different houses and changing jobs like dirty laundry, and my
periods became more and more painful, to the point where I'd be writhing
around on the bathroom floor at 3 am, screaming for my mom. When I met
my boyfriend, who I'm living with now, my cycle became perfectly regular
for the first time in my
life. It's still painful, but for much less time than before. I guess
if I've learned anything from all of this it's how complicated your body
is, and how much it's affected by your environment, your daily routine,
the people around you, illness, even the weather (humidity=big bloating)
Two months ago I stopped drinking coffee and alcohol and decided to
make a lot of changes in my diet, so hopefully that will help even more.
These experiments are kind of interesting, to see how quickly or gradually
I respond to a change, but I never wanted to think about my period so much.
I still wish I was a guy sometimes.
---Age 27, USA
"I managed to find a Dr. who finally rid me of my uterus &
one ovary at my age of 32.....he said I had blood clots 'from nipples to
knees'! I praise God every day for that man!"
I started my period a few months shy of my 13th birthday. Every single
month, I would be felled by cramps, nausea, hot & cold flashes, and
constant diarrhea. At 15, my Dr. wanted to put me on birth control pills-
this was the early 1960s!
I married in 1965 & was on the pill for 4 yrs. until we started
our family.....stopped nursing at 6 weeks so I could get back on The Pill...($2.50/month
at the time!) Anyway....we had another child 30 months later; my husband
had a vasectomy, so I was back to my 'normal cycle'. Same old symptoms.....only
worse!
I had to Dr.-shop to find someone who would perform a hysterectomy....I
would bleed thru two tampons, two pads, and a beach towel between my legs
on the first two days of my period, post-childbirth. I managed to find
a Dr. who finally rid me of my uterus & one ovary at my age of 32.....he
said I had blood clots 'from nipples to knees'! I praise God every day
for that man!
Anyway.....about 50, with one active ovary, I went on Premarin for hot
flashes & insomnia....did that for about 10 yrs., then gave it up.
I am now symptom-free, travel light (no pads, tampons, or anything else!),
and am very happy grandmother of 4 lovely grandbabies! My sympathies with
those who've experienced what I have....and I have total respect for those
who are not going thru what I have.
All the best-
August 2010
Yes. "I have the best of both worlds - I still get the energy
and sexiness that comes with a woman's natural hormonal cycle, but with
none of the swelling and pain and shedding that is due to the build up and
release of the lining."
Heck yes I would stop and I finally found a way that wasn't unnatural!
Since getting a Mirena IUD for birth control, I have stopped menstruating
at
the age of 38, and I am thrilled. I used to have awful cramps, vomiting,
diarrhea, and mood swings. Now I feel good all the time - no pain, no
depression, no weird distractions of cramps and clots. It is wonderful,
and
with none of the emotional side effects of the Pill which were very
extreme.
The Mirena doesn't interfere with my natural cycle, or pump hormones
all
through my body, it just releases a tiny amount of hormone right into
the
uturus, and this thins the lining so it is almost gone. So I have the
best
of both worlds - I still get the energy and sexiness that comes with
a
woman's natural hormonal cycle, but with none of the swelling and pain
and
shedding that is due to the build up and release of the lining. I feel
so
powerful and LUCKY that I discovered this early enough to enjoy it!
I
recommend it to anyone. On the commercials they say that only women
who
have had a child should consider it, but I have never been pregnant
at all
and it fit just fine.
August 2010
Yes. "I will not be using my uterus again and see no reason to
keep it."
Yes, at this point most definitely. I am 37 and a mother of 4. I started
at 11.
Through out most of my life, it hasn't really been an issue. Just a
normal biological function that happened on a monthly basis. After an emergency
c-section with child # 4, my periods have become painful & heavier.
Also, in the past couple of years I've begun experiencing severe depression
lasting around 10 days that coincides with it. So - if given the option
I would love to have a hysterectomy and simply get it over with. I will
not be using my uterus again and see no reason to keep it. Not that uterus
removal would be likely to take care of the hormone issues that are causing
the depression, but hell, at least life would be less messy. Just to be
clear though, it's not about shame. I don't despise being female or having
a vagina. I'm not angry about it. It's served it purpose, acquired some
damage the last time around and should be properly put to rest.
****, Maine
July 2010
"Never Ever Ever!"
In answer to that question: Never Ever Ever!
I get one or two days during my period that completely disable me, but
I still love it. People think I'm crazy, but women in industrialized countries
are taught to hate our periods, to hide them, to feel ashamed, which is
why people respond so negatively to anyone who respects menstruation. Sexism
is part of the motivation for the negative views, as in, "men don't
have this 'nasty' 'horrible' 'smelly problem' every month".think about
it! What's so shameful about a body indicating fertility? There are so
many products that are aimed at hiding menstruation-but this is unnecessary-a
tool for feminine hygiene companies to make more money. Try reusable cloth
pads or cups or sponges-these aren't bad for you or the environment. I
get it-it's really really hard to see where I'm coming from if you answered
"no" to the question, and for you sisters who have periods that
are so painful they merit medical attention, I understand your situation
is different. For everybody else, all you have to do is try, try thinking
positive after all the pain about what it all means-it will change your
entire outlook!
I'm ****, I'm 20 and I'm from Wisconsin, and I love this site!
July 2010
"NO"
I haven't had menstrual problems like very, very strong pains or fainting,
but it hasn't been easy for me too. But, although I don't love the fact
that I have the bleeding, it doesn't only remind me of the fact that I'm
a female (and that's a fact that I DO like), but it's also very natural.
If God has created us like this, why should we try to stop it? I know how
it is to feel sick or how it is when you've been caught having menstruations
at SCHOOL. But I still wouldn't give this up. I must sound crazy, but I've
learned to live in peace with my body (and I understand that that's not
actually a very easy goal when you're in great pain). The fact that you
have menstruations can mean (most of the cases, anyway) that you're only
healthy and everythings alright with you.
So, my answer, in one word - NO.
And thank you for this website.
July 2010
"I already have. . . . I think I would rather die a thousand
agonizing deaths than to have to have those periods again."
Your site is so interesting! Here's a story for your "Would you
stop menstruation if you could?" page. :) Sorry if it's too long.
Feel free to summarize or take out excerpts if you still want it.
I already have.
I started my period when I was 12 and, from the beginning, I had very
heavy periods. They were so bad that I refused to go to school on my heaviest
days; I would stay home in bed and cry. After I got a little older, my
mom got me an appointment with a gynecologist to see if I could get some
help. The first visit he just prescribed me some Naproxen for cramps. I
went back later and tried to more fully explain what the deal was: it was
the cramps, it was the bleeding. So this time, he put me on Seasonique
birth control.
The idea of only having a period every three months made so happy I
almost cried. I was delighted. Unfortunately, after being on Seasonique
for a while, I started having very heavy breakthrough. I was afraid it
would be something I would have to deal with forever. It interfered with
my life so much that I became depressed for a while and was prescribed
Prozac. I remember coming home from school one day, having dealt with the
heavy bleeding all day, and sitting in the bathroom and just screaming
my head off. At that point I was beyond crying.
It had gotten to the point where it was like I was having a period,
every day. After a few weeks of that I went back to the doctor and he put
me on a different birth control, and told me to skip the placebos and take
the active pills continually to supress my period. I liked that idea, but
after a while it stopped working, and so the doctor schedule a laparoscopy
to see what was wrong with me.
I was terrified at first, but the experience wasn't too unpleasant.
The doctor did the laparoscopy as well as a DNC, and he burned off the
excess endometrial tissue he found. He also removed a few small polyps.
My appendix had endometriosis on it, so he just removed the whole thing.
I woke up from the surgery feeling pretty good. I had almost no pain
post-surgery. The worst part was, when I went to the bathroom at the hospital,
finding out the doctor had put a tampon in me. Having never worn tampons
I didn't realize what the cord hanging out of me was until the nurse looked
at it. I nearly had a panic attack; I think I thought my intestines were
falling out or something. I've always hated tampons.
Anyway, after the surgery I did very well for a while. My doctor never
fully explained that I had a condition called endometriosis. He just told
me that he burned off the tissue; I didn't know it was a disease. My mom
explained to me what it was. Eventually the heavy breakthrough came back,
and I got put on a different birth control, and another. I had to try a
few before I found one that worked for me.
Now I'm on Ovcon 50. It's a very high dosage, very few pharmacies carry
it, and there's no generic for the 50mg dosage, so it's very expensive.
However, it works, and that makes me extremely happy. I skip the placebos,
so I no longer have a period. My friends tell me how I lucky I am that
I don't have to have a period. I don't think they fully understand what
I went through, but I know that I am lucky for endometriosis to be the
only health problem I have. It could have been a lot worse.
At the time I wished I could have just had a hysterectomy, but I was
too young and it was too extreme a solution for my problem. Right now I'm
glad to just have birth control and no more period. I think I would rather
die a thousand agonizing deaths than to have to have those periods again.
July 2010
"I believe the close affinity with the moon it is not a mere
coincidence."
No, I would not stop menstruation artificially. To me, menstruation
means an opportunity to remember periodically that I am a fertile woman
and that my body is available and gives me the opportunity to receive a
new life.
The inconveniences of menstruation (discomfort, unpleasant feelings,
uterus pain) are an invitation to slow my pace of activity and work, to
pay attention to the changes in my body, to take some extra time for myself.
Bleeding periodically can be a natural gentle regeneration at biological
and energetic level. I think menstruation is also surrounded by magic.
I believe the close affinity with the moon it is not a mere coincidence.
I usually have my period in crescent moon and I found out that I was born
and that my children were born or conceived with a crescent moon. The physiology
of ovulation is part of the mystery. Girls are born with hundreds of thousands
of ovules. Many of them will disappear, about four hundred will wake up
15, 30, even 50 years later to produce ovulation and just a few of them
will generate a new life. It is also amazing that the signal to ovulate
comes from the hypothalamus, which is also the central unit of emotions.
When a woman has anomalous periods, she may have emotional or psychological
aspects which require attention.
In addition, for some cultures, like the indigenous people from Australia,
menstrual blood is used in medecine.
My name is ***, I am 40, and I am from Spain.
She later added:
There is a recent documentary dealing with menstruation that probably
you already know: "The moon inside you,"
from Diana Favianova. It can be viewed on line here. www.cultureunplugged.com/play/2369
June 2010
"The blood loss is so great that I have to have blood transfusions
continuously. So, HELL YEAH. I would stop it without a doubt."
I am 16 years old and begun my periods on my 12th birthday. The most
painful day in my life without a doubt. I have the worst period pains known
to mankind (well maybe not the MAN-kind) as well as the fact that I have
anaemia and faint at least 4 times in the 5 days that I have my period.
The blood loss is so great that I have to have blood transfusions continuously.
So, HELL YEAH. I would stop it without a doubt. No second thoughts, nothing.
I don't care about the fact that I can't have children, although I am young
to be saying this, I already have knows for years that I would rather adopt
in the future.
June 2010
"No" from Chile
Would you stop menstruating if you could? (¿Dejarías de
menstruar si pudieras? No, aunque muchas mujeres piensen lo contrario.
Me agrada el misterio que hay en la menstruación, porque es la esencia
de la femeneidad, representa totalmente el hecho de ser mujer, porque no
le ocurre de ninguna manera al hombre.
Además es una indicadora del funcionamiento de mi cuerpo. Tengo
resistencia a la insulina, una enfermedad crónica similar a la diabetes
tipo 2 aunque menos grave, y uno de sus síntomas es precisamente
tener ciclos irregulares.
Mis ciclos nunca han sido regulares. Esperé los dos años
después de mi primera menstruación (que fue a los 12 años
y 7 meses), sin embargo seguía tan irregular como en los primeros
ciclos. A los 17 años fui por primera vez a un ginecólogo
debido a mi irregularidad. Mis ovarios no poseen quistes, según
reveló la ecografía. Lo que me hace irregular es el alto
nivel de azúcar en la sangre que tenía antes de comenzar
mi tratamiento.
Felizmente ahora me he vuelto más regular. Es un proceso lento.
Antes mis ciclos variaban en su duración de 25 a 48 días;
ahora duran entre 31 y 38, lo cual es un gran avance, en los tres años
que llevo como insulinoresistente diagnosticada.
Sí, tengo algunas molestias cuando menstrúo, pero se solucionan
con paracetamol para mujeres. Nada grave. Sólo es desagradable la
sensación de estar manchada, aunque nunca he visto la temida mancha
roja en mi ropa. Por cierto, gracias al sitio Mum.org que me atreví
a probar los tampones.
Son cómodos y bastante seguros, aunque al principio es difícil
acostumbrarse, ya que al ser virgen como yo el tamaño de la vagina
es diferente.
Una vez mi mamá los probó y según ella fue un desastre,
se manchó entera y nunca más quiso usarlos. Incluso guardó
un tampón (era Tampax), sin embargo, lamentablemente lo botó
a la basura hace algunos años. Si hubiera sabido de la existencia
de este sitio lo habría conservado y enviado.
Aquí en Chile no todas las mujeres usan tampones. Le expliqué
de esto a una amiga, y me dijo que ella jamás los usaría.
Creo que es por la gran cantidad de católicos que hay aquí
(yo no soy católica), y son bastantes conservadores en este aspecto.
La menstruación generalmente es un tema tabú, al igual que
el sexo.
Muchas gracias por el espacio de expresión,
*****, 20 años, Chile
June 2010
"I'd surprisingly have to say no!"
I'd surprisingly have to say no! I've only had my period for about two
and a half years, I'm currently 15 and I got it at 12. I used to HATE it
SO much, but now I feel better once I get it if you know what I mean. Like,
before my period I feel all bloaty and gross when I'm pmsing, but it feels
great to finally be done with that. I think the main reason's because I
used to get very heavy periods when I was 12 and 13, and some of the time
when I was 14, but now their not so bad, if anything on the lighter side.
Plus, my cramps have also gotten much better since my first. Womanhood's
not so horrible after all!
P.S. I love your website Harry, keep it up! I actually found it when
I was looking for first period stories, since I love reading them.
June 2010
"I know is a contradiction, but I am a contradiction, and that's
why I can not make up my mind regarding this."
By one hand it would be a relief as my period is not allowing me to
keep going with the normal course of my life. By the other hand I think
there is a kind of sacred thing in our blood. It is also well-known that
we, women, get a really good cleanse while we have our periods and that
I feel well when the period is over. So, if I don't have my period anymore
how I am going to enjoy that moment of being free of pain? I know is a
contradiction, but I am a contradiction, and that's why I can not make
up my mind regarding this.
****, 35, Belgium
April 1020
"Maybe, if I took the right attitude about it, my periods would
put me in touch more with my feminine side, but I'm one of those girls who
really should have been born a guy."
I'm 17 and have very irregular periods, sometimes bleeding for a month
straight, but sometimes going for three or four months without a drop of
blood showing. The unpredictability makes my life, uh, interesting, but
at least the flow is light and I don't have severe cramps or noticeable
mood swings. So, while periods are an inconvenience, they're nothing I
can't put up with.
Maybe, if I took the right attitude about it, my periods would put me
in touch more with my feminine side, but I'm one of those girls who really
should have been born a guy. Not to say I'm lesbian or anything, just missed
out on the Y chromosome.
April 2010
"I have a few family members and friends that have had hysterectomies
and oh how I envy them so."
Do we even need to ask this question????Ý I would stop it in
a minute, given that there are no ill effects as has been stated by others.Ý
I have fibroid tumors and the extreme pain and excessive bleeding wreak
havoc for me.Ý I usually plan my life around that "week".Ý
I started menstruatingÝ at age 13 and it was the worst experience
ever.Ý I remember thinking after the first two times it occurred,
"Whew, I survived and I'm glad it's over", then my mother reminded
me that this event will happen every 28 days for the next 30-40 years of
my life.Ý I was devastated!Ý It took me over a year to get
used to the changes, but it's still not my friend!Ý I have a few
family members and friends that have had hysterectomies and oh how I envy
them so.
Chicago
37 years old
April 2010
"hmm... not sure I'd stop it all together"
I know periods are definitely a pain, but I'm not sure I'd stop them
all together. I'd have to question what effect it would have on my overall
biological functioning. If there were no negative side effects associated
with it, I think I might consider it, but still, not sure I'd do it.
I'm almost 23 years old, and have been having periods since age 12.
On the one hand, periods are painful. When I was on birth control (which
I started using at 19 years old), it wasn't so bad, but now that I'm not
on birth control anymore they're so much more painful. My whole lower back
hurts pretty bad, and I'll randomly get dizzy or hot. I don't want kids
(literally, ever), so do I really have a need for a monthly period? On
the other hand though, I do like the monthly assurance that I'm not pregnant.
I know I could easily get a pregnancy test, but having a period is free.
I'm a student, money is tight sometimes.
I don't think having a period is beautiful and it definitely doesn't
make me feel more connected to other women or nature, but I don't hate
my uterus either (or my periods, for me they're just not that serious).
I wouldn't say having a period is symbolic of womanhood as post-menopausal
women are still women.
I'm on the fence about what I'd do in this situation. My biggest concern
is what effect removing a process from my body all together. I'd wonder
what effect it would have on my immune system (which works in sync with
the menstrual cycle) and other processes in my body. If it was safe to
do, I just don't know if I'd actually do it.
~ Undecided student
April 2010
"YES i want to stop my period!!!
"I'm 18 years old and i started my period at the age of 10. i was
diagnosed with endometriosis at 17 and was told that i need a hysterectomy.
after years of suffering and STILL suffering im ready for it to stop. i
hate being on hormones it only does my body more harm than good. i have
horrible cramps,heavy bleeding,lower back pain and swelling, painful urination
and diarrhea. my endo is and will only get worse with every period and
bleeding i have. im in college and i want to have fun. i cant have fun
when im literally being frozen(cant move one inch without being in pain)
while on my period. absoubly no pain killers,birth control pills,iud,shots,etc
work. im fed up with periods. why cant men have them? lol
April 2010
"Messy and inconvenient, but not so much as to take measures
such as medications or devices that may topple my decent hormonal balance."
Yes-----hesitantly.
My last child almost killed me (through the birth process), and I had
a necessary tubal ligation in my mid 30s to prevent further pregnancies.
At 43 years old, my periods have always been irregular, so it is always
a surprise when Aunt Fannie comes to visit again, usually after 25-45 days.
Messy and inconvenient, but not so much as to take measures such as
medications or devices that may topple my decent hormonal balance.
And I suppose when the big M begins, it will be the stigma of becoming
an old lady. So, I will put up with a bit of mess, and be thankful I have
modern hygiene products and facilities at hand.
"You can not do all the good the world needs, but the world needs
all the good you can do." -Anon.
-- registered nurse from Oregon, U.S.A.
April 2010
"I guess if there were no side effects and it wasn't from
something hormonal, cause that can fuck your body up if you're unlucky,
I would choose *not* to bleed every month."
Hi Harry
Very interesting comments here!
Not too sure where to start. I guess every woman's interaction and reflection
of her period and all that goes with it is a very personal account based
on her individual situation, heaviness, methods of handling the blood that
drips/flows/pours out of her vagina as often as it does.
So for me, I don't have painful periods, not too long, usually fairly
regular and I have always plugged them up (with non-applicator tampons),
I really hate pads for the dripping/leaking and plastic-y/nappy wearing
feeling - and have just used a diva cup that my sister gave me a while
back, but I put off using. It was ok as I was able to forget about it for
longer (it holds more than a tampon), and I didn't need to remember to
carry more tampons (as I often get my period first thing in the morning,
while still half asleep and I forget about it until later when it's time
to change it...) but - it isn't as easy to use - I'm really worried I'll
drop it in the toilet or drop blood all over the floor getting it out!
Interesting to see how much blood comes out, I've thought about next
time collecting it into a cup hahThe consistency of the fluid is interesting.
I don't really care about the mess any more. I have had a lot of really
healthy relationships - mostly with women, but also with men that don't
mind the bleeding blood.
Specially when dating lesbians, if you want to have sex and you're cycles
aren't synced you're going to end up painting the town red more than once.
Can be quite fun if you're arty! (and comfortable!)
Anyway....
I guess if there were no side effects and it wasn't from something hormonal,
cause that can fuck your body up if you're unlucky, I would choose *not*
to bleed every month.
Like the other contributor who made the comment about if we didn't get
periods, and then someone asked you if you wanted to bleed every month,
have some cramps, have hormonal changes, perhaps headaches, food cravings
and feel generally shitty - we'd probably turn down the offer, right?!
BUT I do *not* hate my period - it can be a good time to bond with other
vaginas, and all get a bit more TLC than normally.
I'm more worried about the "hot flushes" that my mum and grandma
have been talking about more recently. Eikk!
http://www.mum.org/pastgerm.htm#anchor1442058
The retired teacher that wrote about her family herstory is amazing!
Such an asset, I hope that she has been put in touch with other historians
to pick her collective memories for these stories of 150 plus years ago!
Wow.
Cheers,
***** - from Australia, living in China (late 20s)
April 2010
"I don't need to bleed once a month (or in my case, at this
point in my life, every two weeks) to prove or feel like a true woman."
I'm a 44 year old Canadian who has been peri-menopausal now for nine
years. My body has recently "kicked it up a notch" and, gathering
from what my mother and grandmother have told me, I'm now going through
the last stages and likely will stop altogether and reach menopause before
I hit 50.
All I can say is, thank God for that!
If I could have ended my period long ago I would have. I don't need
to bleed once a month (or in my case, at this point in my life, every two
weeks) to prove or feel like a true woman. I already know I am. I have
the womanly bits to prove it and there's no question about it genetically
either! (Let's just say that I have more than my share of womanly gifts
in other areas, because genetics is awesome that way, and leave it at that.)
I started getting my period when I was exactly twelve and a half years
old. When I got it, and I did before most of my friends, they were all
jealous and I got a lot of congratulations, which was fine. I was never
"taught" to hate my period or hate this aspect of my femininity,
but I have lived in a private hell when it came to my monthly cycle right
from the get-go. My mother didn't understand. Her periods were regular,
PMS-free, pain free and did its thing and ended. No problem. For me about
a week or so before my period would start, I would feel cranky and short
tempered, would get severe lower back aches, headaches and, while extremely
regular (I could tell you what day and what time of day I would start),
it came with 10 days of cramps so bad I saw stars, migraines, vomiting,
excessive flow and sometimes fainting. I'd miss at least three days of
school each month because of the pain and sickness, and eventually I would
be on painkillers so strong, I was too stoned to make any sense of anything.
After three days life became more tolerable, but I still had bad cramps,
still was pale as the walking undead and tired from the whole ordeal.
I have had tests upon tests done on my reproductive system since my
doctors, male and female, were concerned I had some sort of problem that
caused such a nasty experience and execessive flow, but even today, all
my tests have come up normal. I eventually had to accept the fact that
I'm one of those lucky women (and I mean that with every ounce of sarcasm
I can muster - and that's a considerable amount, trust me) who have what
I lovingly call "the periods from hell".
And to make it just that much more a stab in the heart (which I would
have much preferred), I found out in my mid-20's I was unable to carry
a child to full term and often would miscarry just before or around the
first trimester (one manged to make it to nearly four months - the first
one I lost). As I said it once, "The little guys take, but when they
get to the size of a pea, the little sailors jump ship and that's an experience
I would never wish on anyone!"
I long accepted that I was unable to have children and didn't feel it
necessary or desireable after a certain point to have any of my own. So,
I didn't consider fertility treatments. Anyway, my problem wasn't that
I couldn't concieve...that I could do easily enough. My problem was, I
was unable to carry a child to full term...and no one knew why or even
how they could effectively fix the problem without driving me insane. Or
causing me further trauma or pain.
Once I accepted that, I firmly wanted my periods to stop. Nothing at
the time was available to me that I could use to make them stop (that didn't
involve surgery or removing bits of my anatomy - which no doctor will do
even now when I emphatically tell them I want it done because the whole
aparatus is not ever going to be used for the purpose it was developed).
Because of other health problems unrelated to reproduction, most of those
methods are still unavailable to me (or don't work to stop my periods,
just make them a teensy bit lighter - but eventually these would even stop
working).
Then I started peri-menopause. That just made everything worse. Now
I never know when my period is going to start, how long it will be, or
even how heavy and bad it will be. It's gotten so disgusting to clean up
the nasty messes. I have to wear double or triple the amount of pads (three
pads at the same time have me now referring to the whole get up as my "lady
diaper") and right now have a cupboard stuffed with them to get me
through the next few months (hopefully) and always go nuts picking up boxes
of pads when they go on sale (tampons turned out to be unuseable for me
- they actually make my cramps worse and I'd still have to wear a pad anyway).
So yeah, I'd love to make it stop, right now. No more expense, no more
mess, no more pain, no more mood swings, no more any of it. The good news
is, by the time I finally stop, most of my friends my age will just be
getting started.
For those women who love getting their period and think it makes them
more feminine, connects them to other women, reminds them of their fertility
(which was totally ironic for me), etc. well, I'm glad they can feel that
way and pat them on the back for it, but those of us who hate having our
periods and would stop it in its tracks if we could shouldn't be considered
less of a woman, or be judged has hating our bodies and hating ourselves
or women in general. As other's have said, this is my body and I should
have the right to deal with this particular function of it as I wish. Since
the chamber is decidedly empty, will never have anyone move into it, why
should I keep it open for tenancy? Or have reminders that while it may
have a temporary resident, it won't make it to the end of the lease. For
a long time that was more heartbreaking than the hellish period itself.
Now, my period is just a nasty annoyance. I can't wait for menopause
to hit...and according to just about every woman I know who has gone through
it, that's worth celebrating more than starting getting a period it in
the first place.
It can't come soon erough!
April 2010
No. "I see my period as a reminder of my fertility,
which I haven't yet tested by trying to get pregnant, but I hope it will
possible for me and my husband."
I wanted to contribute because I seem to be one of the few who would
probably not stop my periods if I could. I want to have children someday
and therefore need to have periods for that purpose, and currently it is
helpful to know every month whether I'm pregnant or not. However, that's
unlikely because I've been on the pill for about 8-9 years. From what I
hear from friends, not everyone is as lucky with the pill as I have been
- I did not gain weight and my cramps and bleeding didn't get worse, but
reduced significantly.
I am now 27 and interestingly, for the last few years my period became
VERY light and only lasted about a day and a half. Recently, my period
stopped entirely for about four months. I was a little concerned and saw
a doctor about it, I chose to switch to a very low-dose pill to see if
it would return. I'm hoping it does. I may have this attitude because my
sister went through a rare premature menopause during her late teens and
I am happy to be reminded that I did not have to go through such difficulties.
I see my period as a reminder of my fertility, which I haven't yet tested
by trying to get pregnant, but I hope it will possible for me and my husband.
[Women in an English cotton mill menstruated without any absorbing material
to show eligible men they were fertile - scroll
about halfway down the page to "When studying the Suffragist movement
. . . ." for the interesting story.]
I can understand why some wouldn't want to have periods, and before
I started the pill, I may have agreed as I had terrible cramps that would
keep me out of school every month. The silver lining of this is that I
found out I could be comfortable talking to my dad about periods (he often
picked me up from school when I had cramps) and this added to my respect
for him.
Thanks for letting me contribute my opinions and experiences. Please
do not use my name - though I personally wouldn't mind, I'd like to respect
my family's anonymity since I mentioned them. You were interested in nationality
and region, I am in the U.S.A. and grew up in central Illinois.
March 2010
"OMG YES"
I started my period when between the ages of 11 and 13. My perioiods
are sometimes so bad that i cant even go to school. I get very dizzy and
even faint. i fell asleep in the shower once because of it. Almost every
single period i get i throw up and my cramps are sometimes so bad that
i would compare it to having contractions during childbirth. I am 18 years
old now and i still get horrible cramps. My thighs hurt, my lower back
hurts, itfeels like my insides are be wrung out. It feels like i have to
go poo reeaallly bad but i cant and i know its not that because i can pass
gas normalyy and the pain is still presisitant. More than once while at
school i have passes out in class due to my period. Ive thrown up at school
many a times thinks to Aunt Flow. The past year or so my periods are only
about 4 days long. they used to be about 7. the thing about histerectamys
and birth conrtol is that i hear they are bad for your body and your hormones.
February 2010
"Good Lord, Yes!"
At the age of 50, after 41 years of menstruating - 492 periods, to be
exact, I had the bright idea to ask my doctor, "Do I really have to
do this?"
He said no, put me on YAZ, and I lived happily ever after.
The bloating, the IBS symptoms, the weird food cravings, the weight
gain, the inability to fir into my clothes, the muscle ache, the migraine
headaches (complete with hallucinations and vomiting), the sudden flashbacks
to every unpleasant experience I ever had with anyone over anything - gone.
All gone. Best of all, the filth is gone. As Tennessee Williams said, "Nothing
human is foreign to me," and it is especially true for those of us
who have taken care of infants, and the elderly. But one day the whole
business seemed so repulsive to me. Why was it necessary? Why did I have
to put up with this every month? What was the point? I'd hated every period
I'd ever had, and enough was enough.
The best thing was this: Traveling without a menstrual period. When
I menstruated, no matter what the reason, business or pleasure, I always
ended up on an airplane or an isolated stretch of Southwest highway, damn
near bleeding to death.
Everyone I suggest YAZ to says, "Oh, no, I can't use a contraceptive
because..." It reminds me of when I was younger, and women said that
they couldn't use a contraceptive "because." They were always
"discovering" they were pregnant - as though it were completely
out of their control.
I say, have or have not the babies you want, and have or have not your
periods. Take control.
February 2010
No. "It's the only way I can be excused for being cranky."
Why would I want to stop my menstruation? It's the only way I can
be excused for being cranky. I feel close to the nature, the idea of the
cycle and the whole concept behind it makes me feel special. I am proud
to be a woman and menstruation is part of my life...
February 2010
"Yes."
Yes. I'm 17 and would do anything to stop periods.
It's the one thing that has ever made me want to die.
February 2010
"I cant think of anything more putrid than having to wash the
huge amount of menstrual blood I produce away by hand."
Im nearly 38 and I say.. yes..
I had 11 yrs of infertility. Month after Month of humiliation, disappointment
and mess. I had months of pain, months of having to throw my knickers out
every day.. Finally after having a 20cm tumor, ovary and tube removed and
9 months of fertility treatment I fell pregnant and those 9 months were
awesome period free months.
I then Bled none stop for 14wks just to teach me a lesson Im sure..
14mths later got pregnant again and had a second child and ever since my
periods have been so heavy and horrendous that even Maxi absorbing incontinence
pads leak! Not to mention mid cycle debilitating pain (Mittelschmerz doesnt
describe enough the pain)
I have had my kids.. why keep the factory open if its not going to
produce anything. If I could have an hysterectomy I would.. I only have
one functioning ovary and it would be kept to help my hormones regulated..
but why bleed?
As for moon cups and washables.. NO THANKS.. I cant think of anything
more putrid than having to wash the huge amount of menstrual blood I produce
away by hand.. YUCK.. some days I wish I could just stand in the shower
all day to save the embarrassment of leaks and failed protection..
Its no one else's place to comment on my personal choices for MY Body..
if you love it.. good on ya but i don't need periods to define my femininity
nor to have babies any more...
February 2010
"And to those spouting hateful comments about women who choose
suppression - Sorry, but living in horrific pain is not a requirement for
being a woman. My body is mine, and I'll do what I need to to live comfortably
in it."
Came across this page and thought I'd add a comment.
I don't know that I'd feel 100% comfortable with completely ending
my period, though the idea is very tempting. But I am currently regulating
it, and have been since I was 16. I'm now 23. It was one of the best things
I've ever done for myself. I use regular birth control pills to suppress
it for four months, then at the end of that fourth month I let myself have
a withdrawal bleeding. It's uncomfortable, but fairly light and tolerable.
A far cry from how it used to be.
For years my period caused me nothing but pain. It did not make me
feel connected to other women or my womanhood. It didn't make me feel sexy
or feminine. I didn't hate it because of societal brainwashing. I hated
it because the pain was excrutiating. I hated it because I was bedridden
for a week, because I was in too much pain to stand and take a shower for
days, because I had to schedule my life around it. I hated nights trapped
in the bathroom, crying and vomiting from the pain. Every diet and exercise
change I made to my life had little to no impact on it. And my PMS was
insane, causing me enough physical pain that I'd just wish my period would
show up already and get this over with. Not to mention the emotional turmoil.
Even after taking birth control pills in the traditional fashion, it made
only a small dent in the problem. I felt trapped and tortured by my own
body. I couldn't understand how this kind of pain was normal. I couldn't
even go to school, so how could I ever hold a job? How could this supposedly
normal female bodily function be so destructive to my life?
My mother just happened to catch a special on TV about period suppression,
and my life was changed from that moment. I talked to my doctor, started
a routine and never looked back. My quality of life has skyrocketed. When
I do have the withdrawal bleeding, it's light enough for me to still function
like a normal human being. And my body seems to have adjusted itself to
the schedule. When that fourth month comes up, I start feeling kind of
sore and a little PMSy, just a bit, like it's saying "Okay, it's almost
time." My body and I work together now. I feel more connected to it
than I ever did on my "natural" cycle.
And to those spouting hateful comments about women who choose suppression
- Sorry, but living in horrific pain is not a requirement for being a woman.
My body is mine, and I'll do what I need to to live comfortably in it.
February 2010
Yes. "Dr. *** was there in the surgical suite when I came in
with his Jimmy Buffet playing. He held my hand while they put me under,
all the while telling me what a great person I am, how well I was going
to do and that surgery would be fine. It was truly amazing!"
I'm a 46 year old female who had an endometrial ablation a few years
ago. As soon as the discharge from the procedure stopped, I have been without
a cycle. PRAISE THE LORD! I couldn't be happier! No more pain, no more
bleeding all over the sheets at night now matter what type of sanitary
product I used... none of it!
My gynecologist was wonderful about performing the ablation. A friend
of mine at work had it done and raved about it. She mentioned it to me
when she saw how I was suffering greatly from cramps, nausea, exhaustion
and anemia. (When my period came, it was no secret. All anyone had to do
was look at me. My skin tone changed from a nice medium-to-light tone to
stark white. Even the guys could tell just by looking at me!) Since I was
definitely done having children, when I approached Dr. *** about it he
listened carefully, gave me an extensive list of pros and cons and said
"Think about it." I went home, told my husband about it he said
"What are you waiting for? Call him back!" I guess he really
had noticed all the suffering I endured!
The surgery was done at the outpatient clinic at our local medical
center. Prep involved not having any food or liquids after midnight. That
was it. Dr. *** was there in the surgical suite when I came in with his
Jimmy Buffet playing. He held my hand while they put me under, all the
while telling me what a great person I am, how well I was going to do and
that surgery would be fine. It was truly amazing! I woke up feeling very
groggy, but after I drank some liquids and the staff was confident I wasn't
going to vomit, they sent me home with my husband to recover. For the next
few days I had some pretty significant cramping and some bloody discharge,
but all I needed to handle the pain was some mild pain meds Dr. *** prescribed.
I had the procedure on a Friday and had planned to go to work on Monday,
but gave myself an extra day to recover. Ever since then I've been happy
as a clam!
Almost one year to the day my neighbor across the street had her ablation
done by Dr. *** and raves about him and how she feels now also! (I was
the guinea pig, I guess.) Now, ironically, my sister-in-law in another
state had it done and had a terrible outcome. Her periods got worse as
did her cramping. She ultimately wound up with a hysterectomy. If I had
known she'd have that outcome, I would have insisted she come here to have
Dr. *** do it!
I do NOT miss my period and feel for my poor 17 year old daughter.
Since the age of 13 she's been suffering from severe cramping and bleeding
AND Dr. *** thinks she already may have endometriosis. She's on the Depo-Provera
shot for now which has stopped her cycle all together, but we worry about
the future and her ability to have children.
February 2010
"[Menstruation] doesn't put me in touch with the earth or
my femininity any more than my snot or shit does."
I am 38 year old New Zealander with two children. During pregnancy
and breastfeeding I had a marvelous four years off (apart from one light
period between weaning and falling pregnant again). I can't see the point
of menstruating any longer. It doesn't put me in touch with the earth or
my femininity any more than my snot or shit does.
I use a cup and washable pads because its cheaper and doesn't generate
rubbish, not because I enjoy handling bodily fluids - I used cloth nappies
for my sons but I don't have a particular affinity with baby shit either.
If worshipping the moon makes women accept their periods more, then
more power to them; but I think menstruation, like painful and life-threatening
childbirth, is an artifact of evolution that we can moderate, but are unfortunately
stuck with.
January 2010
"I love menstruating."
I am 24 years old. I love menstruating. My cycle is a beautiful reminder
to remember what it means to be Woman. I feel more empowered than ever
now that I am learning more about my cycle and fertility. I used to get
angry about being in a female body and thought periods were a pain. Even
if it still hurts a little, now I am giving my cycles attention and I'm
feeling even more in tune with my body, the Earth, the Moon, and really
the essence of being Human. As a Woman I am grateful for this gift, it
is so healing to give my body Love, and accepting this into my life is
one of the most wonderful things I've ever done for myself.
December 2009
"Please try to accept that some people really do have lighter,
shorter, painless menstruation and some people really do have terrible pain
and heavy bleeding."
I'm kind of surprised by the number of people who are viciously vocal
on this page in either direction. Personally, I think there are better
options for dealing with menstruation that make it far less annoying or
painful. When I was using an internal silicon cup I hardly even knew I
was having my period and I only had to clean it in the comfort of my home
twice a day. Lately I've been using reusable cloth pads, which I find way
more comfortable than commercial ones. I used to have terrible yeast infections
and really bad cramps and sensitivity. I still have nasty mid-cycle pains
from PCOS that blow menstrual cramps out of the water.
I know that some people have a worse (or better) time than I do,
but our voices are equally valid. You don't need to hate yourself or others
because your experiences differ. Please try to accept that some people
really do have lighter, shorter, painless menstruation and some people
really do have terrible pain and heavy bleeding. For goodness sake, don't
ridicule people because they're different. Everyone has different genes,
different reactions to different products, and different lifestyles.
I do think that people who are suffering might want to try making
changes to their lives to improve the conditions they're facing, but I
don't see any need to be self-righteous. Nothing works the same for everyone.
I hope people will research and try other options before chemically or
surgically stopping their menstruation, but it's their right to chose what
they want to do with their bodies. They're "real" women regardless
of their choice and regardless of their fertility. It's silly to suggest
that someone isn't a woman just because her view of womanhood differs from
yours.
I am saddened by how much people's body image and their image of
their femininity appears to be tied to negative views of menstruation and
their genitalia. No, you may not have been meant to menstruate as often
as modern women do, but it is still a natural process and not something
you need to be ashamed of. It doesn't make you filthy or unclean or disgusting
any more than sweating does. I'm not saying it's loads of joyous fun, I
don't love sweating either, but needing to clean yourself doesn't mean
that there is something wrong with _you_.
December 2009
"Hell yes!"
I was diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder in 2007, and ever since
then I have been burdened with horrendous periods. Not only is the flow
profuse, but the clots that come out are sickening, and the abdominal pain
that follows is disabling. I would not wish this monthly curse on my worst
enemy.
It's bad enough, I frequently miss work because of it.
I have recently met with my doctor, and am in the process of scheduling
endometrial ablation to help with this problem.
So, when you ask me if I would stop menstruation if I could, my answer
is
Hell Yes!
xxxx
November 2009
"I teach anthropology, and we talk a lot about the difference
between sex (which is biological) and gender (which is cultural). I think
it's perfectly possible to be female in both the sexual and gender senses
WITHOUT the pain and mess of having a period."
Yes. At present, its sole function is reassuring me that I am not
pregnant. I would happily trade the cost of buying pads and tampons (and,
unfortunately, I need both) every month for the cost of buying a pregnancy
test once a month. I would love to have the money back I've spent on diagnostic
work for the sometimes paralyzing pain I have every month (not to mention
the fainting!) only to be told "Well, this just happens to some women."
I teach anthropology, and we talk a lot about the difference between
sex (which is biological) and gender (which is cultural). I think it's
perfectly possible to be female in both the sexual and gender senses WITHOUT
the pain and mess of having a period.
On another note, my mother reached menopause at 51. She rates it
up there with getting her first job and marrying my dad as "the best
thing that ever happened to her."
cheers,
xxxx
November 2009
"To sum it all up I'm never stopping my period again."
I stopped my period for 2 years and let me tell you, it was the worst
thing i could have ever done to my body. I I was so depressed, crying all
the time, irritable. The effects on my body were awful as well. I had headaches,
My libido was gone, I had vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, acne and
weight gain all month long. As least when I had my period all of my discomfort
was temporary.
So I finally got fed up and had the Mirena removed a few months ago
and I'm almost back to normal. Sure my periods are bad but I'm grateful
to have it back after what I went through when it was gone. To sum it all
up I'm never stopping my period again. It just did not agree with me. I
messed with nature and my body pushed back. I'm never stopping my period
again.
November 2009
"As a sewage treatment plant operator I know first hand the
consequence of all the female products that get flushed into the receiving
streams."
I have no time for those of you who write in with your "I hardly
notice it" and "eat organic" comments. If fertility could
remain intact there is no way any sane person would choose to go through
this ordeal once a month. It is a poor set up. End of story.
Let us assume for a moment there was no such thing as menstruation
and the body somehow dissolved the uterine lining or it would be absorbed
by the body. Then let us say that we were told that once a month for 3
(give me a break you don't fool me) to 10 days you will bleed uncontrollably
out of your vagina. We would be mortified. It would seem RIDICULOUS to
us!
Having a period is horrible. It is limiting, expensive, painful,
inconvenient and hard on the environment. As a sewage treatment plant operator
I know first hand the consequence of all the female products that get flushed
into the receiving streams. Our bar screens are littered with "shoots"
as the boys call the tampon applicators, not to mention pads and wrappers
that get flushed. These products break our equipment, clog pumps and dull
the teeth of the grinders. Maintenance costs would be reduced by 36% (yes
I figured it out) if these things were out of environment. As everyone
knows, the products also make their way into the oceans and waterways,
harming aquatic wildlife. I am 37 and have a uterus full of fibroids and
have opted for a hysterectomy. People say I am crazy that I forfeit my
right to have children. Well, I never thought I would grow up and be the
person who didn't have kids, but I am certainly not going to define my
life or my womanhood based on wether or not I brought a kid into this world.
There are many ways to express motherhood and I am not going to go through
my life regretting that I didn't push a child out of my vagina. It is so
ridiculous some of the ideas society throws at us.
So, I am firing my uterus and never having a period again. I am an
athlete and love to hike and camp-I can not wait. No more period for the
rest of my life. Oh yeah-diva cups, luna cups and instead all leak too.
Some people have better luck than others but to say they are fool proof
is wrong. And NO I DO NOT put it in wrong. If after 2 years you still get
leaks then there is something wrong with the product, not me.
October 2009
"I know I'm female and I don't need a monthly messy, painful
inconvenience to remind me of the fact"
I've already commented but I feel I had to again after reading the
entry from the woman who claimed women who wanted to stop their period
"sickened" her and advised them to go get a sex change because
they weren't "real women". If she likes getting her period then
good for her, but she shouldn't be so harsh on those who don't. I know
I'm female and I don't need a monthly messy, painful inconvenience to remind
me of the fact, I can see that for myself when ever I get changed or go
the bathroom!
September 2009
"I truly despise my uterus and would be more than happy to
have it removed sooner rather than later, so that I waste less of my life
having to deal with this inconvenience."
I would happily give up my period at the drop of a hat if I could
find a way to do it that didn't have other risks for my body. I think it's
ludicrious for me to deal with this mess when I'm not ever going to have
children. I am 23 years old, and I got my period a few months before I
turned 13. I have fairly easy periods (first day pain only, fairly light
bleeding after the first two days) but all in all I consider it a waste
of time and money, considering I have no use for it. I truly despise my
uterus and would be more than happy to have it removed sooner rather than
later, so that I waste less of my life having to deal with this inconvenience.
September 2009
"yes . . . but only naturally!"
yes i would like stop or lessen my period but only naturally!
I usually have 7 days. I am 31 and have been slowly changing my bad
lifestyle habits that have been making me sick. (food, sleep, stress).
I feel better when i am taking care of myself. I have learned to check
things out before taking advice and not let anyone tell meÝhow wrong
i am, that someone else knows me better.
I like the natural pad thing and would like to give that a try.
peace, love, starts from within.Ý
Texas
September 2009
"I would definitely stop my periods if I could."
And, look at this, turns out I actually can!
I'm 21 years old now and live in Belgium, I started menstruating when
I was around 13. To be honest I've never had really bad periods, but I
did suffer quite a bit from PMS. The week before my period started (usually
very regularly by the way, 28 days exactly unless I was stressed) I had
a lot of trouble with my lower back and especially my breasts! God, my
breasts. Constantly felt like they were going to explode, not very useful
in a country where virtually everything is done by bike... Sex was actually
really difficult because every time my breasts 'got in the way' I almost
had to cry because they were so tender.
Ok, these things weren't that much fun, but nothing really serious.
I've used the pill for years but was always rubbish at taking it at
the right times, besides that I forgot it every now and then. After that
I switched to a vaginal ring, which worked quite well but got a bit troublesome
after a while. Neither really affected my periods, with or without it,
they always came at the same time.
Last year however, I started using Implanon as a contraceptive. One
of the side affects is a change in your menstrual cycle, but in around
20% of women their periods stop completely. I'm so happy I'm included in
that 20%. I cannot believe how much EASIER my life is now! To be honest
the first few months were really strange, I still had PMS symptoms but
never started menstruating. I really felt like 'less of a woman', like
I was handicapped in some way. But after a while I got used to it, and
I dread the day that I'll have to deal with them monthly again... No more
waking up in blood-soaked sheets, no more having to wear mostly black skirts
in case you 'leak' when you're away, no more running to the bathroom every
hour to check if everything is still ok down there, no more spending money
on tampons and pads each month. And then I haven't even talked about the
occasional smell, the constant paranoia that you're leaking or that everyone
can somehow see it on you, having to cancel fun plans like an impromptu
trip, camping, swimming etc. because 'it's that time of the month again'.
What is there to miss? Of course, it's there for a reason, and giving birth
is no doubt a wonderful thing, but why keep it if it's not necessary? If
we can control it? Of course, I got lucky, but if the possibility existed
for everyone, I really can't fathom why somebody would look forward to
that grueling experience every month.
After my three-year Implanon cycle is over I'm definitely getting a
new one, besides the fact that it's super safe as you can't make any mistakes
using it, the side effect of ending my periods has honestly been heavenly.
Take care,
****
September 2009
"Would you stop menstruating if you could? Yes, immediately."
I absolutely ABHOR this feeling of 'incontinence.'
Not to mention the monthly pain and the costs.
YUCK
from Germany, 49 years old
September 2009
Yes. "I started at the age of 8."
I'm 36 years old and want to stop my menstruation. I don't know why
I need it. Women younger then me can by taking shots or pills and they
haven't had it as long as I have. I started at the age of 8. I've had my
two children and they are about to move out. I had my tubes cut and burned
over 16 years ago. I'm tired of bleeding for 14-21 days every month and
passing blood clots going threw a pad and tampon every 20 to 30 minutes.
So if I can find away to quit having my period I would.
****
September 2009
Yes. "Men don't have to have some horrible, painful routine
in order to feel like men."
Hello,
I'd like to add my comments to your survey. I would definitely stop
menstruation if I could. In fact, I found your website when I was doing
a search on what options there are to do that.
I began the horrible thing when I was barely 11 years old, after
starting to mature when I was barely 9. I feel as though I've missed out
on my childhood because of having had a woman's body at such an absurdly
young age. When I was a child, I used to pray to God every night to make
it go away. When I was around the other kids at school, I always felt very
awkward and out of place because of my over-developed body. One of the
major reasons why I decided not to have any children was because I was
afraid that a female child would inherit it. With the age of puberty getting
younger, the child might have started puberty at an even younger age. I'm
38 now.
In response to some of the other comments, I noticed that one respondent
eats only organic foods. That's really good, and I also eat organic as
much as I can afford to, as organic food is normally more expensive. I've
also noticed that a healthier diet reduces the severity of the thing.
Some of the respondents say they wouldn't get rid of it because it
gives them the sense of being connected to the other women around the world.
Why should suffering be part of being either sex? Men don't have to have
some horrible, painful routine in order to feel like men. If menstruation
is what makes one a woman, is being a woman really a gift, as some people
say that it is?
Although there are ways of stopping menstruation, they're often very
hard to access. Many doctors won't perform a hysterectomy on a woman who
doesn't have children under the presumption that the woman will later change
her mind and have a nervous breakdown because she can no longer get pregnant.
This reasoning strikes me as absurd. On the one hand, the doctors find
the woman too feeble-minded to make the long-term decision as to whether
or not to have children. At the same time, the doctors think that this
same feeble-minded woman would have the sanity to raise a child. It's interesting
that doctors don't question a woman's ability to decide whether to have
an abortion, and even teenage girls are trusted with the ability to decide
this, although there are women who've regretted that decision.
There are also a number of medications which can delay early puberty
by suppressing the hormones until the child becomes older. Despite the
rising rate of early puberty, few people know about the existence of this
treatment, and it's rarely used. Even when it is, it's generally only used
if the child starts puberty before the age of seven. Is seven a reasonable
age to start becoming an adult? If it is, should a seven-year-old get pregnant?
Some people use birth control pills to stop menstruation, but at
the same time, there are risks with it, such as an increased risk of cancer.
Also it's a prescription medication, and getting the prescription can be
expensive for the many people who don't have health insurance. Also, health
insurance doesn't cover hysterectomies that are performed solely to stop
menstruation. It would be good if there was some way of stopping this which
didn't involve a doctor's appointment, such as herbs, or if the existing
medications against it were available over-the-counter.
You can print my name if you publish this on the website. [The general
policy is I never print names in this section for many reasons.] I live
in Germany, am originally from England, and lived in the US for some years.
Thanks for letting me have my say.
Sincerely,
****
September 2009
"[T]he whole thing's nothing but a nuisance and an expense,
with no redeeming features whatsoever."
I would happily have gone my entire life without any periods. I started
when I was 16 and am now 48, and if my mother's history is anything to
go by I still have another five or more years to go before menopause.
I've never had any kind of problems, pain, pre-menstrual tension,
or anything like that. I don't have any kind of blood or period phobia.
But the whole thing's nothing but a nuisance and an expense, with no redeeming
features whatsoever. I have to buy pads (and they don't come cheap), carry
a supply if travelling, dispose of them (not always easy away from home),
and go without a bath for a week. How much money I've been obliged to spend
on pads over the years I hate to think, and it's basically cash poured
down the drain.
I can't understand anyone enjoying or welcoming anything about periods.
My long-standing fantasy was always to have a hysterectomy and be rid of
them once and for all.
You can show my name if you like.
****
(Grew up in USA, now living in UK)
September 2009
"I thank God that he gave women so many gifts"
I would never stop my menstrual. It sets us apart from men in a big
empowering way. I thank God that he gave women so many gifts like being
able to birth and hold children and then being able to feed them with milk
when they arrive in the world and menstrualing helps this all transpire.
(15-year-old from Montclair, New Jersey, who also contributed
Nosebleed pillow and The
comma to Words and expressions
about menstruation and who "wanted [her brothers] to die thinking
I never had a period, which was ridiculous.")
August 2009
"Absolutely NOT."
Absolutely NOT. I am 23 years old and with a 4 year old son. Every
since I had him my periods have been irregular. At first it was because
of the depo shot after I had him, but I stopped after the second dose.
I switched to the patch, then finally back to the pill. However, after
I left my exhusband I stopped taking the pill when I was 21. Condoms became
my main choice of birth control, oh and I barely even have had sex in the
last 2 years. My period comes whenever it pleases. Sometimes I only get
4 to 6 a year. I get pains in my back that are so unbarable, I get angry,
and I get bloated. However, I do not mind what comes with it. All because
it might mean I can bare children again one day. Endometriosis is very
common in the women in my family and one day when I decide to get remarried
and have a stable relationship with the right person, then maybe I can
have one more child.
People who say they would get rid of their periods sicken me. If
you want so bad to get rid of them, go have a sex change, because you're
NOT a real woman at all!
Regards,
****
Virginia [U.S.A.]
August 2009
"I HATED it!!!"
Oh yes.... I would have LOVED to have stopped it! It came when it
felt like it... from 27 to 56 days...... I bled heavily for 9 days each
time.... flooded through clothing, hot flushes... cramps so bad I wanted
to die.... faintness in the street and anywhere else. There were times
when I could hardly think straight due to pain and faintness. I HATED it!!!
Then... I had firbroids... and it got worse! I eventually had a total hysterctomy
.. which plunged me into a slightly early menopause so have to use hrt
patches.. successfully ... but I feel so much better! Without the 9 day
periods, and the two weeks prior to that swollen to the point of AGONY
breasts that went with it!
****, UK
July 2009
"My answer is YES!"
I'm 24 years old from United Kingdom. I got my first period when
I was 11 (I was at school at the time as well... urgh!). They've never
been particularly heavy but I've always had painful periods. When I was
younger every month on the first day I'd be so sore that I could barely
move and I would feel feverish so would have to stay off school, luckily
I grew out of that when I was 16, although I still get bad cramps. I've
never had any desire to have children, so it annoys me when I get it every
month as I'm going through all that discomfort for nothing. I can't take
the pill due to high blood pressure (I inquired about it a few years ago
for contraceptive purposes) so I can't even stop it that way. I can't wait
until menopause, my mum went through hers at 47 so hopefully only another
23 years to go!
July 2009
"It seems like societal brainwashing to me that women should
bleed."
Yes I have chosen to stop by continuously taking the pill and not
the placebo week. I did this before the new pills came out that allow you
to do it. I can't understand why anyone would choose to suffer if they
don't have to. It seems like societal brainwashing to me that women should
bleed. If you are on the pill anyway, the bleeding is not a real menstrual
cycle. It is hormone withdrawal bleeding. The developers of the original
pill built the placebo week into the pill packets so that it would mimic
women's natural cycles and it would be more easily accepted. It is an illusion
so doctors don't have to explain how it works. Some doctors today still
don't understand how the pill works.
June 2009
"The short answer to the question 'Would you stop menstruating
if you could?' would have to be a resounding 'no' for me."
My periods have always been irregular, the first occurring when I
was twelve, the next when I was fifteen. Even though my first period ruined
a ski trip with my father, and the second my hopes of joining the wrestling
team, I still wouldn't trade them. My family has a history of a large variety
of horrible problems with their reproductive systems, and even though I
have no desire for children of my own, it's a comfort to know that I might
one day be able to carry a child.
I'm not even one of those women who has easy breezy periods: I get
migraines, I bleed for at least a week, I get paranoid and snap at everyone.
Even so, I do feel a connection to women across the world, and it's one
of the rare times that I feel most like a woman. That in and of itself
is amusing, because I don't always identify as female - not having periods
at all would make it much easier to be fully androgynous, and yet I still
wouldn't trade them in.
May 2009
"But when I look down and see the strawberry stain in my panties
every month, a little of the euphoria from the first time still gets me."
At fourteen, I've only experienced 18 periods so far, but I can honestly
say I do appreciate them. It makes me so happy to think of the connection
I have with virtually every woman in the world. I will admit, they can
be such a pain; and the breakouts, moodiness, bloating, and cramps associated
with menstruation are very irritating at times. But when I look down and
see the strawberry stain in my panties every month, a little of the euphoria
from the first time still gets me. I can't help but marvel at my body and
the wonderful things it can do. I view my period as a beautiful thing,
it's a monthly reminder of my propulsion into womanhood and maturity.
May 2009
"From the bottom of my heart: I HATE MENSTRUATION!"
Since my traumatic first time until now, i have felt that menstruation
is the evilst curse in Earth. I can't wish anybody the pain, the nasty
odor and all the other "inconvenients" better called punishments
associated with this filthy thing. I wonder why? why? Why?
April 2009
"I HAVE WONDERFUL PERIODS NOW! No pain, 4 days: one moderate,
1 light, 2 drainage. My periods actually make me feel happier."
What do YOU think? Would you stop menstruating indefinitely - for years,
maybe?
Of course not! I love my period & I look forward to it every month.
I used to have horrible painful periods. I had my first menses when
I was 10 or 11 years old. I hated my breasts, cramps, and awkward teenage
appearance. I ate terrible fast food and RBGH milk at the time. I know
the chemicals and hormones in food and environment caused the majority
of my problems.
I have since changed my diet to all natural organic. I only buy milk
from cows NOT treated with RBGH and stopped eating cheap beef and genetically
engineered food.
Let me tell you what.. I HAVE WONDERFUL PERIODS NOW! No pain, 4 days:
one moderate, 1 light, 2 drainage. My periods actually make me feel happier.
I get increased blood flow to my nether regions (hehe) which at least put
me in a good mood when I'm just sitting there. I also get excited right
before it starts. I also get "spiritual" around my period. My
sense of smell doubles and I gain an incredible sense for what people around
me are feeling. Trust me, I had 10 years of period hatin' before I am now
proud of everything woman.
Stop buying those horrible dioxin laced disposables! I bought a bunch
of homemade cloth pads from women. They are thinner, discreet, block odor,
store & wash easily, PLUS they are super comfy. The fleece is warm
in the winter and cotton is breathable in the summer. The best thing is
that there is no smell like with the disposables because the cloth absorbs
it all. They seem to wick the blood right off. I have leaked through TONS
of disposables, but I have been using cloth pads for a year WITHOUT ONE
LEAK!!! Ebay has a bunch of these for a great price and you can ask the
sellers to custom make them for you. Most of them fold up into cute envelope
shapes and snap closed- for transportation (so you can easily stash them
in your purse before & after using without a mess).
Cloth pads are also really easy to clean. Just toss them in a small
hamper after using (don't soak/ don't prewash). They can sit like this
for a few days. The morning before you do laundry toss them in the washer
with water and oxo-brite (or any oxygen cleaner) and let them sit. After
work (or several hours later) throw the rest of your clothes in and do
laundry as usual. By this time, the oxygen cleaner will have eaten away
the blood and it will NOT get on your other clothing. Wash and dry as usual.
There is usually a tiny bit of staining on the pads, but they come out
completely clean and surprisingly bright, ready to use again.
I went from being a period hater to a period lover! It is hard to be
an all natural woman, but after the sacrifice my life is so much more fulfilling.
The difference in my mind and body is almost unbelievable since I stopped
eating foods made with pesticides, toxins, and hormones. My period has
also become much more enjoyable since switching to cloth.
April 2009
Yes! to the question. "God, the Creator, the Great Spirit,
who for me is revealed in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit,
does not want me to suffer and certainly is not the cause of my bodily imbalances,
any more than God desires anyone to suffer at all."
After 37 1/2 years of periods since the age of 12, three children, a
tubal ligation and longer periods after my 3d child at age 35 my answer
is "Yes!" I've had problems with flooding for the last several
years and passing large clots for the last year. Time off from work, ruined
sheets, can't go anywhere for more than an hour for two-three days unless
double padded with a tampon or two super tampons with one pad, fatigued
and anemic. I am finally doing something about it-endometrial ablation
scheduled three weeks from now. This is scheduled for 6 weeks before my
50th birthday. I have completed childbearing, with two teenagers and one
21 year old adult child and I do not need this. My God, I know I am a woman
for heaven's sake with or without it. I've been praying and meditating
at home during my periods contemplating my womanhood long enough to feel
at a deep spiritual level that God is perfectly fine with my decision if
I choose not to suffer with this any longer. Whether or not I suffer through
this any longer is my choice. God, the Creator, the Great Spirit, who for
me is revealed in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, does
not want me to suffer and certainly is not the cause of my bodily imbalances,
any more than God desires anyone to suffer at all.
It is natural for a woman's period to end and mine are certainly clinically
abnormal enough to end a few years early. So, that's my decision for me.
April 2009
"I wish I could fire it [her uterus]!!!"
Hell yes!!! I am 45 with 4 kids.....had my tubes tied and have absolutely
no use for the monthly mess any further.
I really don't understand how anyone call call it beautiful....every
month I spend six days feeling bloated, getting blood on my fingers, feeling
tied to the bathroom, can't go quadding in the bush etc....just because
it's a pain, and an interference in my otherwise great life.
My uterus has served it's purpose....it is now wasting it's time
getting prepared for a baby....I will never have another....I am done....I
wish I could fire it!!!
Can't wait for menopause.
March 2009
"Definitely Stop My Period"
The main reason for this is, I HAVE HAD ENOUGH.
I'm a lesbian, and there is no reason for me to keep having mensuration
just to maintain my fertility.
As a native Chinese, period/mensuration is something we
would not talk about openly, and my tragedy is that I had my first period
when I was 8, and ever since, I have been living with this monthly torture.
I used to be quite active, but ever since my first period, I can't go to
swim whenever I was like my brother, I can't do anything active in school.
I remember one time, when I was still around 8-9 years old, I was
home with my grandma, and I have to change my mensuration pads, I was to
young to maneuver the thing in my hands that I drop it into the toilet.
And end up having to ask my grandma to help........
My period bring me so much bad memories.......and recently, I found
out that I'm having disorder relating to my period. My period just became
heavier, and the cramps became more painful....
I just don't what it anymore, if I can stop it now, I would definitely
stop it with no regret.
March 2009
"tokophobia"
Hi Harry,
I have a message to the girl who added the latest comment [next page] to your opinion page.
Honey, you're not alone with this! Just google the word 'tokophobia'
and you'll see.
(I'm not sure if tokophobia is discussed on MUM but I think it's
an important new aspect of women's health).
Thanks and all the best,
February 2009
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