The Period and the Patriarchy: when chronic menstruation issues are constantly overlooked

The puberty chats at school told us that a period will come EVERY 28 days, and ONLY last 5-7 days… but can anyone actually say this is the case for the fickle nature of the vagina?

They also told us there is a pill we can take to prevent getting pregnant, to wear condoms to prevent getting preggo and STI’s, and to say 'no' if we didn't want to get raped.

What they didn't elaborate on were the facts that all contraception can have hormonal downsides to them, period pain isn't normal, nor is heavy bleeding, nor that there is a multitude of different issues that may be the cause of this, and that just saying 'no' usually doesn't stop a rapist.

I know teachers are only expected to teach so much, but when periods currently affect half the population, I think it's fair to say that all people should be educated on such an important topic.

Menstruation issues such as (but most definitely not limited to): endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual migraines and dysmenorrhea affect a LOT of people and can make study/work life a living hell.

So here I am to fuck societal conditioning in the vagina about menstruation, some menstruation issues, and to shed some awareness on what still feels like an extra-taboo topic to talk about.

"People assume that 'that time of the month' is the same for every woman and it definitely is not," said Lerissa Thomas, a student with menstrual migraines (symptoms of which are similar to that of a stroke).

Nurse Nikki Campbell had to wait 11 years until she finally got a diagnosis for endometriosis, mild adenomyosis, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.

"I went to the emergency department with pelvic pain 6 times in 8 months. Eventually they started suggesting I was a drug seeker,” she said.

"In a world where sanitary product ads aren't allowed to show blood, and which make out like periods are easy, there certainly isn't enough awareness on the severity of some people's symptoms.”

Our own Massive Editor Laura Macdonald was pressured into having a copper IUD by her doctor after some problems with ECP eligibility (emergency contraceptive pill).

The first period she had after having the IUD inserted was debilitating.

"I honestly thought that my appendix had burst, it was so painful. I literally couldn’t walk or talk," she said.

But when there are classes we have to attend, or when the majority of us only get five sick days a year, the only option is to get on with things despite the pain.

Account director Steph Davies said women are “good at hiding it [pain] as a result.”

Steph was diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS, and infertility as a consequence of these factors. For many years she lived with extremely heavy periods and irregular cycles before bringing it to medical attention.

"I probably waited so long as I just didn't realise that mine was not normal," she said.

Education masters student Lauren Fenton had a menstrual condition where her excessive prolactin levels were caused by a tumour.

"My previous workplace was very understanding, but I believe that's due to the fact I had a tumour and multiple surgeries. If it was just the periods alone, I don't think there would be much compassion," she said.

Two years ago I had a laparoscopy to determine if I had endometriosis, as a gynecologist had picked up on an adhesion between my bowel and ovary in a scan. During that surgery, they gave me a Mirena IUD to aid my heavy bleeding.

Once they had determined that there was no endometriosis, they couldn’t understand why I was in so much pain nor why I still couldn’t stop bleeding for so long.

They told me my last option was to have my whole reproductive system removed and be put into chemical menopause.

I understand that there is only so much a specialist can know and do to help you but, there is an alarming amount of similar instances where some medical professionals don’t take these conditions seriously or go the extra mile to find other solutions.

I mean, being advised to go through a chemical menopause at 18? What kind of fuckery is this?!

When I interviewed these strong women, they all agreed that there is a lack of education around periods in general. So how can we expect both women and men to know about these issues when there is a need for further education and research?

With better education, people will be able to better support their sisters, friends, partners, future partners, and know when they may need to seek help.

Fortunately, there are some wonderful companies out there trying to make a difference with menstruation normalisation, such as the Wā Collective.

The Wā Collective was founded by Olie Body and is a social enterprise that is trying to tackle period poverty because periods are surprisingly expensive.

They sell menstrual cups made from medical grade silicone that last up to 10 years.

You can donate to their website, buy a menstrual cup forward for someone in need, or get a student subsidised menstrual cup for $20 online at wacollective.org.nz.

So where to from here? More awareness, more kindness, more empathy, more fucking love and understanding to everyone.