Hi,

I am just wondering if anyone else is similar to me. I feel very shy about all things period related. If I am taking pain killer for stomach cramps I end up say I have a headache. I also get worried that other will notice me taking my bag to the loo at work and realise why (silly I know!!). I would never admit in a million years that I had PMT even if i suspect in my own mind that the reason I am so stropy/over sensitive is indeed PMT.

Am I completely nuts or does anyone feel like this? I hate being this embarrassed over silly things. Any adivce on how to relax a little?

(Just so you know this is not a family thing they are fairly open about things)

Thanks for any replies.

Mmoi

Hello Mmoi,

firstly I would like to say congratulations on being brave enough to post this on a public forum, I know we have the wonderful anonymity of the internet as a shield here, but it still must have taken courage for you to post as you feel so shy.

Your not nuts at all, you don't say how old you are, but many women right into their late 20's feel quite a lot of reserve over their menstrual cycle and women of all ages would rather not announce to the world that they are having a period, so your not strange at all.

It really isn't anyone else's business why your taking pain relief, if they are rude enough/concerned enough to ask then there is no shame in you just saying you have a headache and not admitting to menstrual cramps, and I am almost certain that no one at work notices if you take your bag with you to the ladies, firstly they should be too busy with their own work to notice what your doing and secondly I bet most of the ladies take their bags, after all, even in an office where you know everyone, it's not a good idea to leave your handbag unattended.

When I was much younger I used to be so embarrassed about going and buying my sanitary protection, (don't have to do that anymore as I use a mooncup) I used to only shop in chemists and wait until there was no one else at the till before getting them. However one day I was shopping with my mother and she just dropped them in the shopping trolley (I'm sure my face was flaming) as we got to the check out she remembered something else she had to get and I had to take them through all on my own, with a male cashier, he didn't bat an eyelid, just scanned them through. It was then that I realised no one else notices these things and my embarrassment started to ease.

I hope that helps a little.

Pern xx