Bloating, Hormones, Birth Control, Being A Girl, UGH...

Hi yah girlies! All the males out there, feel free to tune this one out. Feel free to stick around and read if yah feel the need to, but don't say I didn't warn yah!

Okie. Lets talk that time of the month. Bloating. Whacky hormones. Migraines. Sore boobs. Bigger boobs. Cramps. Cravings. Emotional roller coaster. Straight up discomfort. Periods SUCK. End of story. It's one of those, why can't you just come and go type of things. Unfortunately they aren't. They are here to stay, whether we like it or not. 

BUT MIK they suck, uggghhhh. Name one positive thing that comes from that time of the month??? Well friends, the period is a natural way of detoxing our body. Each month our period goes about its business and naturally rids our body of any toxins it may be storing. Do you really think something like that should be stopped or messed with? Our period allows us to understand our body better too. Our menstrual cycle gives us information and knowledge regarding our health and overall condition. Your period can let yah know if you are or aren't pregnant. It can help you understand if your body has underlying problems. It might even give insight on the function of your hormones and state of health. Hence why many people lose their period in certain cases. Such as, preparing for a bodybuilding competition, eating disorders, staying at a low body fat percentage for a long period of time, etc. 

My doctor insisted I go on birth control to regulate my period and make it less of a hassle. In fact, many doctors resort to this and push birth control. At first I was all for it. I was all about making my period regular, shorter, and overall less of a hassle like I stated above. Many doctors even push the idea of the IUD which stops your period all together!! Like, you don't get a period for as long as that thing is inside of you... uhhhhh I don't know if it's just me or if that seems unnatural and worry-some. Now listen. I am not knocking this. I am not saying it's a bad option. Just something I am a little skeptical about. I am skeptical about all birth control to be completely honest. I am on the pill and I question it. Sure it prevents unwanted pregnancy and allows us to be protected, but is it good for our overall health? The question remains unanswered. 

Heres why I'm skeptical. Ever since I started using the pill, I have felt different. I have more acne (not less). I haven't gained weight like so many people think you will, but I know people that have struggled with this. Ever since starting the pill, I have become a very anxious person. I have always been somewhat anxious, but it seems that this skyrocketed when I got on the pill and I'm more anxious about things I never used to worry about. My hormones are whack. My period symptoms have actually gotten worse and my periods aren't any shorter? I can go from being sad, to happy, to angry in a span of like an hour. Not normal!!! If I am being completely honest, my stomach issues definitely worsened while on the pill. I don't always feel like myself. I don't really know how to describe it. I have a hard time controlling my emotions. I just feel different. 

I'm saying all of this because I think it's a very closed off topic. It is considered taboo. People don't like discussing personal stuff. They don't know what other people will think. They don't wanna seem weird or odd. Nothing good comes from that though friends. If we shelter these types of topics, no one knows how to deal with them. No one is able to fully understand them.

I want to get something going. I want some discussion. I want some insight. Not just for me. Not just for my curiosity or skepticism. There are many other girls out there who share these thoughts. A ton of other people want these questions answered too, but are afraid to speak up. I know this because I receive messages surrounding this topic, A LOT.  It starts with opening up. It starts with open and honest discussion. No need to be afraid. No need to be ashamed or embarrassed.

Our periods are natural. Birth control is used by so many. What does everyone else think? How does it make others feel? I don't know, do you? I want to. I want to learn and explore it more deeply. I want alternative options if there are any. I want to hear about others experiences. Lets get a little uncomfortable. Lets discuss these things. They are important. 

This is our health. This is relative to our bodies and its natural functions. This is personal. Shoot me a DM. Shoot me an email. Anonymously, if that makes you feel more at ease. I don't care. I want to read what you have to say. I want to put something together for other girls and women that may be struggling. Some sort of question & answer, a results report, I don't know quite yet. Something though. It starts with you and me. It starts with speaking up. I need your help. 

Your health matters. My health matters. Her health matters. Don't be silent. Lets talk. 

-Mik