Period Health

Regardless of why people use substances, and how much they use, any substance use comes with its risks. Harm reduction strategies can be used to reduce those risks and keep people safer. Harm reduction is a broad term that refers to policies, practices or approaches that are used to reduce the risks of substance use without requiring the person to stop using substances; like having a designated driver when drinking alcohol, using cannabis products lower in THC or with a higher CBD to THC ratio, not using substances alone and carrying a naloxone kit.

 

What is a period?

A period, also called menstruation, is part of the menstrual cycle. A period is when the body sheds a lining of cells, tissue and blood that has been built up in the uterus over the last two to three weeks because the body doesn’t need it anymore. This lining builds up in preparation for a possible pregnancy, and if that pregnancy doesn’t happen, the body sheds it so it can start fresh the next cycle. This lining comes out through the vagina and it can take anywhere between 2 and 7 days for the lining to be fully shed (though this can vary from person to person, or from cycle to cycle). 

 

What is normal?

Periods can vary greatly from person to person. It’s best to track your period over at least three months to better understand what’s “normal” for you You can track things like how frequently it happens (how many days are between the first day of one period and the first day of your next period), how many days your period lasts, how heavy the flow typically is, on which days it’s heavier or lighter, and any symptoms or changes you notice during your period. Apps, calendars and notes work great for tracking your period. 

A typical period might look like this (though it can vary from person to person):

• Frequency: every 21 to 35 days
• Length: 2 to 7 days
• Flow: Light, moderate or heavy - and this can change day to day
• Symptoms: Cramps, changes in mood, bloating, feeling tired. 

 

When to get help with your period?

Periods can change over the years. They are strongly influenced by hormones and hormone levels can change during different stages of life. However, some changes in your period are worth talking to a healthcare provider about, such as:

• Very heavy bleeding (for example, needing to change your pad, tampon or period underwear every hour for several hours in a row or needing to empty your menstrual cup or disc more frequently than the packaging suggests)
• Periods that last more than seven days
• Cramps that don’t get better with over-the-counter meds
• Clots that are larger than a quarter and occur frequently
• Bleeding between periods
• Missing your period for three months or more (and you're not using hormonal birth control)
• Your period is impacting your quality of life or your ability to participate in daily activities
• You just feel like something is not right - trust your intuition

 

Period Products

There are many period product options out there, try different ones out to see what works for you!

Pads  |  Pads are made of an absorbent material and are worn inside the underwear. They can be found in different absorbencies and are available in both disposable and reusable options.

Interested in trying reusable pads? Wellness Services, in partnership with the Maker Studio, offers workshops where you can learn to make cloth pads to use yourself or donate for other students to use. Find upcoming workshops here.

Tampons  |  Tampons are made of an absorbent material, usually cotton, and are inserted into the vagina. They come in different absorbencies to suit different flow levels. 

Period underwear  |  Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear, but has extra layers of fabric in the crotch to absorb menstrual flow. It’s a sustainable option that can be washed and reused.  

Menstrual cups and discs  |  Menstrual cups and discs are flexible products made of silicone or latex rubber that sit in the vagina and catch menstrual flow. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time and are a sustainable option that can be cleaned and reused. 

Interested in trying a menstrual cup or disc? Wellness Services hands out free menstrual cups and discs. Fill out our Reusable Period Product Request Form and we will be in touch with pick up information.