Ok. I’m doing it. I’m closing my eyes and pressing “post”. That’s what you do with blogs, right?
If you’re wondering why I went with the name “Too much information”, now you’ll start to understand. Men, you aren’t “not allowed” to read this. Just know it’s a lot of girl talk. With that being said, I think guys who have sisters have better understanding than guys who don’t. These men who grew up with women are better prepared for dealing with girlfriends and wives when situations come up. I think topics like this should be discussed more, not necessarily openly, but we need to increase awareness and education about a freaking normal bodily function. I had the Christian school version of “sex ed” freshman year of high school, when I was definitely immature and too embarrassed to pay serious attention. Now that I want to know more, it’s kinda awkward to learn. I don’t want to google because who knows what I’ll find, and I don’t just want to talk to every female I know for their experience.
In 2017, I was taking my usual commute to work. It was a hot August so I chose a cute pencil skirt and comfy flats. I got ready and walked all the way to the metro station without any problem. It was crowded with the 7am morning commute so I was forced to stand for the ride. It probably was a combination of locking my knees, being dehydrated, and being on my period. Yep, I said the p-word. Anyway, it didn’t take long for me to over heat, get light headed, and start blacking out. I never actually passed out, but I got close enough to take a seat on the floor. I managed to stumble off the train at my stop for work, but sat on a bench for a few minutes before finally calling in sick and making the whole trip back (unpaid sick day btw).
That wasn’t the only time something like this has happened. My periods are the worst.
There has been times during worship at church I’ve had to take a seat because I was lightheaded. Once I had to leave the service and drive home because I was so nauseous. I had to take an unexcused absence from class because my female professor said I needed a doctors note to skip class even after I explained what was happening. (Will a doctor give a note for cramps? Because they should)
Being sick once a month was becoming pretty regular. Naturally, I did the adult thing and scheduled my first appointment with a OB-GYN. Not gonna lie. It was uncomfortable. I will say if you’re nervous about having a male doctor, it doesn’t matter. It’s gonna be awkward either way. Anyway the doctor prescribed me some birth control pills for my symptoms and I took them for a whole year. WORST DECISION EVER.
Quick side tangent: I told one of my close guy friends that I was on BCP and he freaked. It came to my attention that a lot of guys don’t know the multiple purposes of BCP. It’s more than just stopping conception. It helps with cramps, PMS, and anemia (like my case). It regulates periods and even helps control acne. So I’d appreciate it if people would stop assuming I’m sleeping around just because I tell them I’m on BCP.
Back to my story. My year on the pill was full of the same symptoms I was trying to prevent plus crazy moodiness. I know now, if a pill isn’t working for you after 3-4 months, try a new prescription. I ended up breaking down crying for no reason while catching up with a guy friend. Poor soul. I’m sure I really worried him. I had a good laugh about it later.
Another thing about birth control, you have to take it at the exact same time every. single. day. For my case, I had to take it within the hour or I would have miserable consequences. I know a lot of people who take it in the morning. Personally, I’m not going to wake up early on weekends to take a pill and I’m not bringing it to take at work. I take mine at 10pm every night, because that’s my bedtime. There have been lots of cases where I stay out late and forget. Can’t forget about time change either. I traveled from DC to Iceland to California in one month and had to plan for the times. That one was tricky: 7pm in DC, 11 pm in Iceland (often asleep before then), and 4pm in California (which was just awkward).
I finished the year prescription and needed another appointment to get more. I found a new doctor who was super helpful and explained that what I was going through was not normal like I assumed. She kinda scolded my for being so ignorant. It was great.
As I type this, I am halfway through pack 4 of the new pill and have yet to have a period. That’s 3 months late. After teasing myself about being the virgin mother to the Antichrist, I did some research and found out my reaction is normal and my period should regulate soon. If not, I have a scheduled check in with my lady doctor and I will bring it up then. And while I’m still worried about not having my period, it’s been amazing not having to deal with it.
In closing, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Do your own research! Learn about you body. High school health class doesn’t cover it all. Also, my mom was very involved in this process with me. Even though she didn’t understand it all either, she was super supportive. Find a female role model or mentor that you’re comfortable talking about this stuff with. Also, I’m obviously not an expert, but I’m here to talk.
