Menstruation 101

My introduction to menstruation began years before I had my first period. I am the youngest of six daughters, so with my mom, that made for seven different versions of the female hormone syndrome. I actually feel sorry for my dad.

Anyhow, being the youngest of that many females in the house, I already knew about the monthly visitor long before I became a woman. We were brought up in a house where menstruation was openly talked about and it was something that you were not to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Menstrual protection was not hidden away behind some closed door like it was evil.

What I remember the most, which although at the time seemed embarrassing, when my sisters and I would each turn 10, my mom would take us and give us the talk. Not only would she tell us what to expect, she would do this during her time of the month and show us a soiled pad and explain about the blood clots. She would show us the removal and inserting of tampons as well.

After this, we would have a practice period, where we would wear and change pads for a few days.

All of this sure made it a lot easier when the big day came.