Comments on: I Want My Period, At Least Until Menopause http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/ Feminist, anti-racist, pro-fat, plus whatever else we feel like talking about. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:58:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Sarah http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-292891 Sarah Sun, 13 May 2007 14:15:27 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-292891 I just want to say that my periods are absolutely ridiculous, but normal at the same time. Almost exactly 28 days every month I have my regular cycle, its very heavy bleeding in only three days. I have absolutely no problem with periods, I have a problem with the pms associated with it. Almost two weeks before my period I am a absolute bitch and have no control over my emotions and the attitude that I give people. If they could come up with a pill that just changes the irratability and mood swings, then I'd be all for it. But to change our body dynamics so radically? No. There's obviously no telling what could happen in the long term if these pills are utilized so often. Its like anti-persperant/deodorant. When we use this, we are basically stopping our body from naturally functioning. Sweating is the healthiest form of our bodies secreting toxins from the body. So why do we stop this? Because its convienent? Is natural ovulation unconvienent? Your absolutely right though, womens bodies are constantly being misportrayed, and its quite sad. I just want to say that my periods are absolutely ridiculous, but normal at the same time. Almost exactly 28 days every month I have my regular cycle, its very heavy bleeding in only three days. I have absolutely no problem with periods, I have a problem with the pms associated with it. Almost two weeks before my period I am a absolute bitch and have no control over my emotions and the attitude that I give people. If they could come up with a pill that just changes the irratability and mood swings, then I’d be all for it. But to change our body dynamics so radically? No. There’s obviously no telling what could happen in the long term if these pills are utilized so often.

Its like anti-persperant/deodorant. When we use this, we are basically stopping our body from naturally functioning. Sweating is the healthiest form of our bodies secreting toxins from the body. So why do we stop this? Because its convienent? Is natural ovulation unconvienent? Your absolutely right though, womens bodies are constantly being misportrayed, and its quite sad.

]]> By: Hisui_hana http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-224436 Hisui_hana Sun, 07 Jan 2007 02:15:27 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-224436 I have found reading this forum absolutely delightful! It's nice to know you're not alone on one side or the other. As for me...I'm all about stopping my period. I don't feel that is says my body is broken or needs to be fixed. I would just like a completly sane month like I used to have before my period started. It is true that periods in the teens can start off long and hard with extreme cramping. Mine did. As I got older the pain stopped and the time shortened, but it was replaced with extreme tiredeness, irritability, and one week of every month down with a very very bad cold. Not to mention I have type 1 diabetes. My sugars run anywhere from 250 to 450 during the last phase. And the flip-flopping beggining of the month to the end of the month makes it hard to plan anything around it. Honestly, I really don't think, at least on most occasions, that a women's decision to stop her period has any thing to do with convience, but with things like this. I have found reading this forum absolutely delightful! It’s nice to know you’re not alone on one side or the other. As for me…I’m all about stopping my period. I don’t feel that is says my body is broken or needs to be fixed. I would just like a completly sane month like I used to have before my period started. It is true that periods in the teens can start off long and hard with extreme cramping. Mine did. As I got older the pain stopped and the time shortened, but it was replaced with extreme tiredeness, irritability, and one week of every month down with a very very bad cold. Not to mention I have type 1 diabetes. My sugars run anywhere from 250 to 450 during the last phase. And the flip-flopping beggining of the month to the end of the month makes it hard to plan anything around it. Honestly, I really don’t think, at least on most occasions, that a women’s decision to stop her period has any thing to do with convience, but with things like this.

]]> By: Leisa http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-193761 Leisa Tue, 17 Oct 2006 01:01:25 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-193761 I just have one thing to say, I think that doctors and parents should be careful about prescribing hormones to still growing adoelscents. Taking the contraceptive pill constantly for a long period of time (years in many cases) when your body has not had a chance to actually get used to having periods and ovulating sounds to me like a very dangerous thing to play with. I wonder everyday if my going on the pill for 4 years straight less than a year after having my first period has effected my lack of fertility now at only 22. I just have one thing to say, I think that doctors and parents should be careful about prescribing hormones to still growing adoelscents. Taking the contraceptive pill constantly for a long period of time (years in many cases) when your body has not had a chance to actually get used to having periods and ovulating sounds to me like a very dangerous thing to play with.
I wonder everyday if my going on the pill for 4 years straight less than a year after having my first period has effected my lack of fertility now at only 22.

]]> By: valley_grrl http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-188716 valley_grrl Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:32:45 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-188716 Personally I have had my period (which is heavy flow with serious cramping the first few days) and haven't had my period due to BC. I think that it is really up to the individual to chose. For me, I am happy without. I don't necessarily think it is bad, icky, yucky or gross. For the record, I don't think semen is gross either. After you change a few diapers, gross becomes harder to find...usually. However, I enjoy the freedom to just not worry. I agree the hormonal concerns is important and should be researched. However, I have to say it is personal and no choice is the "right" or "wrong" choice. Personally I have had my period (which is heavy flow with serious cramping the first few days) and haven’t had my period due to BC. I think that it is really up to the individual to chose. For me, I am happy without. I don’t necessarily think it is bad, icky, yucky or gross. For the record, I don’t think semen is gross either. After you change a few diapers, gross becomes harder to find…usually. However, I enjoy the freedom to just not worry. I agree the hormonal concerns is important and should be researched. However, I have to say it is personal and no choice is the “right” or “wrong” choice.

]]> By: Feminism Friday - Medicine and Women’s Bodies « Thinking Girl http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-188151 Feminism Friday - Medicine and Women’s Bodies « Thinking Girl Sat, 23 Sep 2006 03:16:09 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-188151 [...] Women have been taught by the medical system to find their own bodies repulsive and their bodily processes as both natural and disgusting (or at the least inconvenient). Witness menstruation. Women are taught from day one to hate their period: the curse, it’s called. Periods are a pain in the ass; they are messy and inconvenient and gross, we are taught. We must never touch menstrual fluid, we must never mention menstruation - we should pretend that everything is “normal”. We should use tampons for maximum discretion, and those tampons should be tiny so nobody sees. Tiny tampons, of course, must be changed more frequently, so this keeps women tied to the bathroom. Tampons absorb menstrual fluid right int he vagina, before it ever leaves the body. This is the best thing, we are told, because they we can pretend that our periods don’t really exist. Never mind that tampons leave behind traces of whatever fibre they are made of inside the vagina when they are removed, traces that the body must work harder to cleanse. The vagina is self-cleansing, but cleansing tampon fibres requires more production of vaginal mucous, so this means more vaginal discharge. Tampons are generally bleached to appear white and clean, just to remind you how dirty and red menstrual fluid is. That means traces of bleach is right up against the mucous membrane, which absorbs everything at a quicker rate. Do these chemicals play a part in increasing menstrual flow? It’s hard to tell. For many many women, these chemicals mean increased cramping and head and body aching during use. There is also the risk of toxic shock, a potentially fatal condition. When I was younger, women were encouraged to change tampons frequently to avoid this syndrome. Now, women are encouraged to leave tampons in overnight and up to 8 hours. All of this, and tampons contribute greatly to environmental damage. Tampons are pushed because pads are bulky and messy; you have to look at your menstrual fluid; they aren’t as clean. There are wonderful alternatives available to pads and tampons. The Diva Cup and the Keeper are menstrual caps that sit just inside the vaginal opening and collect menstrual fluid. They can stay in for 12 hours. Once you get used to them, they don’t leak. They are made from either latex or silicone, so no weird chemicals are leaching into the blood stream and causing aches and pains. These are great options that are resusable so better for the environment, and are convenient and easy to use. Many women find these methods gross because they actually have to insert their fingers into their vaginas to insert and remove the caps, which means touching both the vagina and menstrual fluid itself. Both are deemed dirty and icky and gross by our society, and so this psychological barrier keeps many women from using these alternatives, despite the fact that they are so much better. This period-aversion has also led to the use of birth control hormones to prevent menstruation, as I mentioned earlier. Rachel at Alas did a couple posts about this earlier this year. If you’re interested, go read the debates there. [...] [...] Women have been taught by the medical system to find their own bodies repulsive and their bodily processes as both natural and disgusting (or at the least inconvenient). Witness menstruation. Women are taught from day one to hate their period: the curse, it’s called. Periods are a pain in the ass; they are messy and inconvenient and gross, we are taught. We must never touch menstrual fluid, we must never mention menstruation - we should pretend that everything is “normal”. We should use tampons for maximum discretion, and those tampons should be tiny so nobody sees. Tiny tampons, of course, must be changed more frequently, so this keeps women tied to the bathroom. Tampons absorb menstrual fluid right int he vagina, before it ever leaves the body. This is the best thing, we are told, because they we can pretend that our periods don’t really exist. Never mind that tampons leave behind traces of whatever fibre they are made of inside the vagina when they are removed, traces that the body must work harder to cleanse. The vagina is self-cleansing, but cleansing tampon fibres requires more production of vaginal mucous, so this means more vaginal discharge. Tampons are generally bleached to appear white and clean, just to remind you how dirty and red menstrual fluid is. That means traces of bleach is right up against the mucous membrane, which absorbs everything at a quicker rate. Do these chemicals play a part in increasing menstrual flow? It’s hard to tell. For many many women, these chemicals mean increased cramping and head and body aching during use. There is also the risk of toxic shock, a potentially fatal condition. When I was younger, women were encouraged to change tampons frequently to avoid this syndrome. Now, women are encouraged to leave tampons in overnight and up to 8 hours. All of this, and tampons contribute greatly to environmental damage. Tampons are pushed because pads are bulky and messy; you have to look at your menstrual fluid; they aren’t as clean. There are wonderful alternatives available to pads and tampons. The Diva Cup and the Keeper are menstrual caps that sit just inside the vaginal opening and collect menstrual fluid. They can stay in for 12 hours. Once you get used to them, they don’t leak. They are made from either latex or silicone, so no weird chemicals are leaching into the blood stream and causing aches and pains. These are great options that are resusable so better for the environment, and are convenient and easy to use. Many women find these methods gross because they actually have to insert their fingers into their vaginas to insert and remove the caps, which means touching both the vagina and menstrual fluid itself. Both are deemed dirty and icky and gross by our society, and so this psychological barrier keeps many women from using these alternatives, despite the fact that they are so much better. This period-aversion has also led to the use of birth control hormones to prevent menstruation, as I mentioned earlier. Rachel at Alas did a couple posts about this earlier this year. If you’re interested, go read the debates there. [...]

]]> By: Spanky83_3 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-162946 Spanky83_3 Tue, 25 Jul 2006 21:28:10 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-162946 OK.. i haven't read everyone's responses, but I do have to put my 2 cents in. I am 23, never EVER had a period on my own. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18, and had my left tube and ovary removed at 19 due to cysts. I never complained that I didn't get a period, yet I know that I need to have one. I tried the pill for a few months and couldn't handle it. The cramps, the bleeding, etc.. For the last 3 years I have been trying to get pregnant, with no sucess because I haven't used any man made drugs to help me on my way. Yes the pill doesn't give you a "real" period, but its the shedding of the uterine lining that needs to go each month.. this will prevent (hopefully) uterine cancer.. for someone who needs the man made drugs to help them on their way, i think its a great thing.. nothing is full proof to keep you from getting pregnant other than abstinance, and by protecting yourself with the birth control and condoms.. the chances of getting pregnant is far less. Most people are lucky and dont mind how their body is treating them, nothing is full proof i will say that, maybe they need more research on what exactly the pill does to do your body, but for me, its helping me hopefully kick start what never started, and I pray that one day I will be able to natually conceive a child. You are all lucky.. but then again, luck is how you take it. Thanks, Amber OK.. i haven’t read everyone’s responses, but I do have to put my 2 cents in. I am 23, never EVER had a period on my own. I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18, and had my left tube and ovary removed at 19 due to cysts. I never complained that I didn’t get a period, yet I know that I need to have one. I tried the pill for a few months and couldn’t handle it. The cramps, the bleeding, etc.. For the last 3 years I have been trying to get pregnant, with no sucess because I haven’t used any man made drugs to help me on my way. Yes the pill doesn’t give you a “real” period, but its the shedding of the uterine lining that needs to go each month.. this will prevent (hopefully) uterine cancer.. for someone who needs the man made drugs to help them on their way, i think its a great thing.. nothing is full proof to keep you from getting pregnant other than abstinance, and by protecting yourself with the birth control and condoms.. the chances of getting pregnant is far less. Most people are lucky and dont mind how their body is treating them, nothing is full proof i will say that, maybe they need more research on what exactly the pill does to do your body, but for me, its helping me hopefully kick start what never started, and I pray that one day I will be able to natually conceive a child. You are all lucky.. but then again, luck is how you take it.
Thanks,
Amber

]]> By: Sophie Walker http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-156848 Sophie Walker Tue, 18 Jul 2006 13:15:31 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-156848 it is going to happen. I put mine off for years with HRT before I decided that HRT was more problematical than the menopause was likely to be. One thing i did find was that the herbal extract MACA helped me with hot flashes. For your information, there's a wealth of advice and resources to help you manage your menopause at: <a href=...http://www.yourpregnacy.com/menopause.htm”" rel="nofollow">Your Menopause</a> <a href=...http://www.yourpregnacy.com/targeted/groups/index.php”" rel="nofollow">Sophie Walker</a> it is going to happen. I put mine off for years with HRT before I decided that HRT was more problematical than the menopause was likely to be.

One thing i did find was that the herbal extract MACA helped me with hot flashes.

For your information, there’s a wealth of advice and resources to help you manage your menopause at:

Your Menopause

Sophie Walker

]]> By: Judi http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-154171 Judi Sun, 16 Jul 2006 02:36:11 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-154171 I, for one, was glad to get rid of my malfuntioning uterus! I hated having to put up with that mess each and every month for 30 years. I am 48 years old and had a hysterectomy about 4 years ago. It changed my life! No more pain, no more mess, no more babies! I'm sure that there are more women that feel the way I do than there are women who love their periods. Who in their right mind would look forward to that smelly mess every month? The only reason I was glad when I started was I knew I was not pregnant. Once I had the desired number of children, why did I need my uterus? I thank God my OG-GYN is forward-thinking enough to realize that I was in misery and did what was needed to end it. If there are ways for younger women to have less periods per year, GO FOR IT! Why suffer needlessly? I, for one, was glad to get rid of my malfuntioning uterus! I hated having to put up with that mess each and every month for 30 years. I am 48 years old and had a hysterectomy about 4 years ago. It changed my life! No more pain, no more mess, no more babies! I’m sure that there are more women that feel the way I do than there are women who love their periods. Who in their right mind would look forward to that smelly mess every month? The only reason I was glad when I started was I knew I was not pregnant. Once I had the desired number of children, why did I need my uterus? I thank God my OG-GYN is forward-thinking enough to realize that I was in misery and did what was needed to end it. If there are ways for younger women to have less periods per year, GO FOR IT! Why suffer needlessly?

]]> By: Alas, a blog » Blog Archive » I Still Want My Period http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-152765 Alas, a blog » Blog Archive » I Still Want My Period Fri, 14 Jul 2006 22:21:27 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-152765 [...] Well, It seems like menstruation has been the hot topic on feminist blogs for the past few months, and I wanted to follow-up on my previous post about using hormonal birth control to suppress menstruation. For those of you who missed the earlier post here it is at Alas and at Rachel’s Tavern. My concerns about menstrual suppression revolved around three issues 1)the lack of studies of the long term health effects of this 2)the possibility that women may get pregnant and not know about it in time to get adequate prenatal care or have access to abortion and 3)the marketing and framing of menstruation as abnormal bad or gross. If I were to prioritize those three things, the last one is the one that I am most concerned about, and that is the one I would like to emphasize in this post. Amanda over at Pandagon took exception to my view, and made this argument, The problem isn’t discussing one’s feelings about it or anything like that, but I have a big, fat problem with the kneejerk assumption that “natural” is more valuable that “unnatural”. Every time someone praises menstruation as something that makes them feel like a woman or whatever, I wonder if they’re working for Tampax or something. [...] [...] Well, It seems like menstruation has been the hot topic on feminist blogs for the past few months, and I wanted to follow-up on my previous post about using hormonal birth control to suppress menstruation. For those of you who missed the earlier post here it is at Alas and at Rachel’s Tavern. My concerns about menstrual suppression revolved around three issues 1)the lack of studies of the long term health effects of this 2)the possibility that women may get pregnant and not know about it in time to get adequate prenatal care or have access to abortion and 3)the marketing and framing of menstruation as abnormal bad or gross. If I were to prioritize those three things, the last one is the one that I am most concerned about, and that is the one I would like to emphasize in this post. Amanda over at Pandagon took exception to my view, and made this argument, The problem isn’t discussing one’s feelings about it or anything like that, but I have a big, fat problem with the kneejerk assumption that “natural” is more valuable that “unnatural”. Every time someone praises menstruation as something that makes them feel like a woman or whatever, I wonder if they’re working for Tampax or something. [...]

]]> By: Porsh http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-148078 Porsh Fri, 07 Jul 2006 17:25:52 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-148078 I think taking a break from 18 years of bleeding, no I'm sorry 19 years, is a wonderful idea. I just wonder why it took so long. I can't say I have ever seen the beauty of a period. It's just a notice that you're not pregnant. I didn't need that notice for 18 years. I wish I could have stopped it. I also wished I could have stopped the mid cycle cramps and breast soreness too. Does anyone know if these types of issues go away too? I'm just recently married and just recently on one of the ultra low birth control pills and it doesn't help me much. I mean I don't think I'm pregnant, but I had such high hopes of life without a cycle. My periods are just as heavy, almost as long and the midcycle issues seem to be getting worse. I plan to have kids someday, but not too soon. I just want to know if this is for me. Any ideas? I think taking a break from 18 years of bleeding, no I’m sorry 19 years, is a wonderful idea. I just wonder why it took so long. I can’t say I have ever seen the beauty of a period. It’s just a notice that you’re not pregnant. I didn’t need that notice for 18 years. I wish I could have stopped it. I also wished I could have stopped the mid cycle cramps and breast soreness too. Does anyone know if these types of issues go away too? I’m just recently married and just recently on one of the ultra low birth control pills and it doesn’t help me much. I mean I don’t think I’m pregnant, but I had such high hopes of life without a cycle. My periods are just as heavy, almost as long and the midcycle issues seem to be getting worse. I plan to have kids someday, but not too soon. I just want to know if this is for me. Any ideas?

]]> By: YUNNI http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-147294 YUNNI Wed, 05 Jul 2006 22:48:49 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-147294 I CAN SAY THAT I AM ONE OF THOSE FEMALES THAT HAVE VERY PAINFUL LONG PERIODS, EVEN WITH TAKING BCP. THE BLEEDING IS SO HEAVY I'M ONE OF THOSE THAT TRIES TO REMAIN IN THE HOUSE UNTIL IT'S OVER. THE NAUSEA, BACK PAIN, HEAVY BLEEDING, AND VERY BAD MOOD SWINGS ARE SO HARD TO DEAL WITH. I WAS HAPPY WHEN I SAW THE SPECIAL OF GOOD MORNING AMERICA THAT INTERVIEWED A LADY THAT USES THE NUVA RING TO STOP HER PERIODS...SHE'S NOT HAD A PERIOD IN I THINK 7 YEARS SHE SAID..AND THE DOCTORS THAT WERE INTERVIEWED SAID THIS WAS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR BODY. SO FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME THIS IS A BREAKTHROUGH AND I WILL BEGIN MY METHOD NEXT MONTH. I CAN SAY THAT I AM ONE OF THOSE FEMALES THAT HAVE VERY PAINFUL LONG PERIODS, EVEN WITH TAKING BCP. THE BLEEDING IS SO HEAVY I’M ONE OF THOSE THAT TRIES TO REMAIN IN THE HOUSE UNTIL IT’S OVER. THE NAUSEA, BACK PAIN, HEAVY BLEEDING, AND VERY BAD MOOD SWINGS ARE SO HARD TO DEAL WITH. I WAS HAPPY WHEN I SAW THE SPECIAL OF GOOD MORNING AMERICA THAT INTERVIEWED A LADY THAT USES THE NUVA RING TO STOP HER PERIODS…SHE’S NOT HAD A PERIOD IN I THINK 7 YEARS SHE SAID..AND THE DOCTORS THAT WERE INTERVIEWED SAID THIS WAS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR BODY. SO FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME THIS IS A BREAKTHROUGH AND I WILL BEGIN MY METHOD NEXT MONTH.

]]> By: roberta robinson http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-144079 roberta robinson Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:32:40 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-144079 having to endure periods every month, even if they are light and there are no pms symptoms to speak of, they are still messy and gross and interfere with a woman's life. But do I think they make me a dirty person? no. Just because one thinks of periods as icky doesnt mean they think of themselves as diseased. I think having mucus in my throat is gross, but I don't think it is disease it is a natural way for the body to keep itself clean. But if it gets extreme and starts to interfere with getting enough sleep or causing you too feel like you have a cold when you don't then I say where is the antihistamine. I think crap is gross, but I don't think it makes me a bad or evil person, I think all crap is gross, and of course I wouldn't want to stop that otherwise I would die!!! Periods on the other hand are really something no one should have to endure if they don't want to, and it doesnt mean the woman thinks of herself as diseased. It is just that freedom from such a worry every month or having to change plans because of it wonderful. I mean when you plan a vacation and plan on hiking camping or swimming and boating and that comes along? That really takes the joy out of it due to worries about smell, accidents and of course not wanting to swim if you can't use tampons or if you are swimming in the sea. I tried to stop my periods with seasonale, but even after 8 months on it, my body still wanted a period every 5 or 6 weeks regardless. So now I waited for my period and now will be starting a different pill that allows normal cycles. I took the seasonale because of flooding periods that literally flooding over while I slept even tho I changed only a few minutes before, and used extra overnighters pads. I had extended periods too, and I had incredible cramps that you wouldn't believe. If the seasonale would of worked I would of stayed on it until I got near menopause which isn't that far off or until I died which every came first. My quality of life increased 100 fold. I didn't have breast tenderness for two weeks a month, I didn't have cramps 2 weeks out of the month and when I did have a period is was 75 percent less bleeding than before taking it. I hope these bc pills do the same lighten the load and stop all that misery. RR having to endure periods every month, even if they are light and there are no pms symptoms to speak of, they are still messy and gross and interfere with a woman’s life. But do I think they make me a dirty person? no. Just because one thinks of periods as icky doesnt mean they think of themselves as diseased. I think having mucus in my throat is gross, but I don’t think it is disease it is a natural way for the body to keep itself clean.

But if it gets extreme and starts to interfere with getting enough sleep or causing you too feel like you have a cold when you don’t then I say where is the antihistamine. I think crap is gross, but I don’t think it makes me a bad or evil person, I think all crap is gross, and of course I wouldn’t want to stop that otherwise I would die!!!

Periods on the other hand are really something no one should have to endure if they don’t want to, and it doesnt mean the woman thinks of herself as diseased. It is just that freedom from such a worry every month or having to change plans because of it wonderful. I mean when you plan a vacation and plan on hiking camping or swimming and boating and that comes along? That really takes the joy out of it due to worries about smell, accidents and of course not wanting to swim if you can’t use tampons or if you are swimming in the sea.

I tried to stop my periods with seasonale, but even after 8 months on it, my body still wanted a period every 5 or 6 weeks regardless. So now I waited for my period and now will be starting a different pill that allows normal cycles. I took the seasonale because of flooding periods that literally flooding over while I slept even tho I changed only a few minutes before, and used extra overnighters pads.

I had extended periods too, and I had incredible cramps that you wouldn’t believe. If the seasonale would of worked I would of stayed on it until I got near menopause which isn’t that far off or until I died which every came first. My quality of life increased 100 fold. I didn’t have breast tenderness for two weeks a month, I didn’t have cramps 2 weeks out of the month and when I did have a period is was 75 percent less bleeding than before taking it.

I hope these bc pills do the same lighten the load and stop all that misery.

RR

]]> By: Ealasaid http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-141623 Ealasaid Wed, 21 Jun 2006 19:46:01 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-141623 If the periods I get aren't really periods becaues I'm on BCP, they sure fooled me. [TMI warning here...] They're only a little shorter (7 days instead of 9) and a little lighter (I could change a supermax tampon every 90 minutes on my heavy days instead of every hour, if I hadn't switched to a cup). I don't get cramps much anymore (yay!), but I do still get that slimy, lumpy stuff that looks like half-clotted blood. I don't stop bleeding until at least a couple days after I start the "real" pills again. I've considered going the 5-periods-a-year route the way one of my coworkers does, but I sorta like getting that monthly reassurance I'm not pregnant. Sure, the chances are very low (poor fertility in my family plus being *very* good about taking the pill on time) but still. Regardless, I'm psyched it's available. My coworker loves having the option because it means she's only debilitated a few times a year instead of every month. If the periods I get aren’t really periods becaues I’m on BCP, they sure fooled me. [TMI warning here...] They’re only a little shorter (7 days instead of 9) and a little lighter (I could change a supermax tampon every 90 minutes on my heavy days instead of every hour, if I hadn’t switched to a cup). I don’t get cramps much anymore (yay!), but I do still get that slimy, lumpy stuff that looks like half-clotted blood. I don’t stop bleeding until at least a couple days after I start the “real” pills again.

I’ve considered going the 5-periods-a-year route the way one of my coworkers does, but I sorta like getting that monthly reassurance I’m not pregnant. Sure, the chances are very low (poor fertility in my family plus being *very* good about taking the pill on time) but still. Regardless, I’m psyched it’s available. My coworker loves having the option because it means she’s only debilitated a few times a year instead of every month.

]]> By: Missy http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-138441 Missy Sun, 11 Jun 2006 12:21:44 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-138441 All y'all that want your periods are certainly welcome to them. But I don't want mine, and I'm grateful that I don't have to have it. I'm slipping into my third year of using Seasonale for menstrual suppression, and as far as I'm concerned, I want to kiss the people who came up with it. So, too, do my husband and kids. No longer are we imprisoned by 21 - 25 days of depression, rage and pain, followed by 7 - 10 days of bleeding, debilitating cramps, nausea, migraines that make getting hit by a bus sound appealing and feeling like I've been dragged along behind the garbage truck for a few miles. "Natural" isn't always best. If being "unnatural" is what it takes to be able to enjoy my life like a normal person, well, point me to the sign up sheet and get the hell out of my way so you don't get run over. All y’all that want your periods are certainly welcome to them. But I don’t want mine, and I’m grateful that I don’t have to have it.

I’m slipping into my third year of using Seasonale for menstrual suppression, and as far as I’m concerned, I want to kiss the people who came up with it. So, too, do my husband and kids. No longer are we imprisoned by 21 - 25 days of depression, rage and pain, followed by 7 - 10 days of bleeding, debilitating cramps, nausea, migraines that make getting hit by a bus sound appealing and feeling like I’ve been dragged along behind the garbage truck for a few miles.

“Natural” isn’t always best. If being “unnatural” is what it takes to be able to enjoy my life like a normal person, well, point me to the sign up sheet and get the hell out of my way so you don’t get run over.

]]> By: Rachel S. http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-137742 Rachel S. Thu, 08 Jun 2006 23:36:42 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-137742 Betty, If you haven't had a period in 2 years and you are of childbearing age and are not taking some sort of birth control method that stops your period, you need to go see a doctor ASAP. It could be the sign of a big problem. On the other hand, it may be something minor or nothing at all. I'm not an expert, but a doctor may be able to help you figure out why your are not having your period, and depending on what the issue they mght be able to provide you with some sort assistance with getting pregnant. Have you seen a doctor? Betty, If you haven’t had a period in 2 years and you are of childbearing age and are not taking some sort of birth control method that stops your period, you need to go see a doctor ASAP. It could be the sign of a big problem. On the other hand, it may be something minor or nothing at all. I’m not an expert, but a doctor may be able to help you figure out why your are not having your period, and depending on what the issue they mght be able to provide you with some sort assistance with getting pregnant.

Have you seen a doctor?

]]> By: Betty http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-136214 Betty Thu, 08 Jun 2006 08:23:08 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-136214 I WANT MY PERIOD, BUT I HAVEN'T GOTTEN MY PERIOD FOR A WHILE! I BELIEVE IT'S BEEN OVER 2 YEARS, YOU CAN SAY ALMOST 3 YEARS now! I've lost count! I need some help with my answer! oh, I don't believe in people stopping there period, especially when a person is a party person, whose drinks and smokes, not getting their period at all.. then all of sudden realize that it was to late to find out that they were pregnant! I had a friend going through that! Her baby was born only 2 pounds, but her baby girl didn't make it! Can someone tell me if it's true that when a person doesn't get their period, means they wouldnt be able to have kids? Please, I need some answers! I WANT MY PERIOD, BUT I HAVEN’T GOTTEN MY PERIOD FOR A WHILE! I BELIEVE IT’S BEEN OVER 2 YEARS, YOU CAN SAY ALMOST 3 YEARS now! I’ve lost count! I need some help with my answer! oh, I don’t believe in people stopping there period, especially when a person is a party person, whose drinks and smokes, not getting their period at all.. then all of sudden realize that it was to late to find out that they were pregnant! I had a friend going through that! Her baby was born only 2 pounds, but her baby girl didn’t make it! Can someone tell me if it’s true that when a person doesn’t get their period, means they wouldnt be able to have kids? Please, I need some answers!

]]> By: Hexy http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-125459 Hexy Thu, 01 Jun 2006 05:49:50 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-125459 One of the things that feminists cheered about the introduction of the pill was that it freed women from one of the natural "side effects" of being a woman, that being the risk of falling pregnant every time they had sex. I'm certainly in favour of women having that freedom, and it doesn't mean that I think ovulation or pregnancy are icky or unnatural. I simply think it gives women the choice of having the sexual freedom to shag when they like, with whom they like, without being seriously disadvantaged. It doesn't just mean that we can skip the babies, it means we can skip the fear, the uncertainty and, yes, the nuisance. I see the ability to medically eliminate periods the same way. Just like hormonal birth control, it's certainly not for everyone, but it means that women who so choose can be free from something that, while completely natural, is also an experience that can bring fear and inconvenience. Men don't have to spend money every month on overpriced feminine hygeine products, they don't have to worry that wearing light coloured pants will lead to a horrible embarrassment, they don't have to deal with pre menstrual and menstrual side effects whether light or heavy, and they don't have to worry about their sex life, their work life OR their social life being disrupted monthly by blood issuing from their genitals. Why shouldn't women feel entirely free to take a step that gives them that same freedom from nature without feeling that their reasoning isn't worthwhile enough? If a woman wants to cancel out her periods so she's free to have worry-free sex whenever she likes, or because she likes to go camping with little planning, why should we feel her reason is less valid than a woman who suffers heavy or painful periods? I don't see menstrual periods as icky or unnatural, just like I don't see pregnancy as icky or unnatural. But if women want to avoid pregnancy for whatever reason, or if they want to avoid their periods for whatever reason, I say more power to them, and I feel thankful that I live in a time when that option and freedom is available to at least some women. Personally, I haven't had a period in over a year. They are cripplingly painful, last for two weeks, induce anaemia, and disrupt my management of my schizophrenia. I'm better off without them for those reasons. But even if I didn't have those reasons, I imagine I'd happily take the no-period route for "less serious" reasons such as freedom from buying pads, fretting about trouser choice or activities at certain times of the month, and simply having to think about it. One of the things that feminists cheered about the introduction of the pill was that it freed women from one of the natural “side effects” of being a woman, that being the risk of falling pregnant every time they had sex. I’m certainly in favour of women having that freedom, and it doesn’t mean that I think ovulation or pregnancy are icky or unnatural. I simply think it gives women the choice of having the sexual freedom to shag when they like, with whom they like, without being seriously disadvantaged. It doesn’t just mean that we can skip the babies, it means we can skip the fear, the uncertainty and, yes, the nuisance.

I see the ability to medically eliminate periods the same way. Just like hormonal birth control, it’s certainly not for everyone, but it means that women who so choose can be free from something that, while completely natural, is also an experience that can bring fear and inconvenience. Men don’t have to spend money every month on overpriced feminine hygeine products, they don’t have to worry that wearing light coloured pants will lead to a horrible embarrassment, they don’t have to deal with pre menstrual and menstrual side effects whether light or heavy, and they don’t have to worry about their sex life, their work life OR their social life being disrupted monthly by blood issuing from their genitals. Why shouldn’t women feel entirely free to take a step that gives them that same freedom from nature without feeling that their reasoning isn’t worthwhile enough? If a woman wants to cancel out her periods so she’s free to have worry-free sex whenever she likes, or because she likes to go camping with little planning, why should we feel her reason is less valid than a woman who suffers heavy or painful periods?

I don’t see menstrual periods as icky or unnatural, just like I don’t see pregnancy as icky or unnatural. But if women want to avoid pregnancy for whatever reason, or if they want to avoid their periods for whatever reason, I say more power to them, and I feel thankful that I live in a time when that option and freedom is available to at least some women.

Personally, I haven’t had a period in over a year. They are cripplingly painful, last for two weeks, induce anaemia, and disrupt my management of my schizophrenia. I’m better off without them for those reasons. But even if I didn’t have those reasons, I imagine I’d happily take the no-period route for “less serious” reasons such as freedom from buying pads, fretting about trouser choice or activities at certain times of the month, and simply having to think about it.

]]> By: Wolfie http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-125353 Wolfie Thu, 01 Jun 2006 02:25:10 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-125353 I have recently been concidering occasionally taking a pill to stop my period. I do worry a bit about the side effects...but on the other hand, look at all the good it can do for women. I work out alot and being on my period causes me to stop working out for a few days. Either because of the cramps, headaches, or me not wanting to stain my clothing. If I can eliminate this..NEUISANCE I will be able to work out more improving my health! Also....In a modern day world a period really isn't practical for women. Having sex isn't the only pass time anymore and women actually can go out of the house and work if they want. I have recently been concidering occasionally taking a pill to stop my period. I do worry a bit about the side effects…but on the other hand, look at all the good it can do for women. I work out alot and being on my period causes me to stop working out for a few days. Either because of the cramps, headaches, or me not wanting to stain my clothing. If I can eliminate this..NEUISANCE I will be able to work out more improving my health!
Also….In a modern day world a period really isn’t practical for women. Having sex isn’t the only pass time anymore and women actually can go out of the house and work if they want.

]]> By: Barbara http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-119620 Barbara Tue, 30 May 2006 14:37:54 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-119620 Dustin, although studies clearly show that breastfeeding, in particular, is associated with a lower rate of breast cancer, it is also just possible that the incidence of women's cancers are higher because women live longer and, most notably, don't suffer nearly as much from the condition that is unique to women: dying in childbirth. It's just so hard to know what life and health would have been like if our forebears lived to be as old as we can expect to. Dustin, although studies clearly show that breastfeeding, in particular, is associated with a lower rate of breast cancer, it is also just possible that the incidence of women’s cancers are higher because women live longer and, most notably, don’t suffer nearly as much from the condition that is unique to women: dying in childbirth. It’s just so hard to know what life and health would have been like if our forebears lived to be as old as we can expect to.

]]> By: Steff Z http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-115005 Steff Z Sat, 27 May 2006 02:17:28 +0000 http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/05/23/i-want-my-period-at-least-until-menopause/#comment-115005 Change of subject. When I switched to continuous BCP, I initially had irregular breakthrough spotting. Starting around week 4 or 5, as others have experienced. It tapered off to none by about 6 months. As I understand from my dear medical professionals, that's approximately typical. So if you try continous BC, don't necessarily ditch the project at week 5 or 6 or 8. I still get some breakthrough, but only when I forget to take a pill. Even when I take the missed pill as an "extra" the next day. Since I can never remember when I last had a withdrawal-bleed/pregnancy check, I usually just use the missed pill as an opportunity for one of those 4 "periods" (withdrawal bleeds/pregnancy checks) a year that some practioners (and Seasonale) recommend. Anyway that's my 2 cents on continous hormone regulation. Change of subject. When I switched to continuous BCP, I initially had irregular breakthrough spotting. Starting around week 4 or 5, as others have experienced. It tapered off to none by about 6 months. As I understand from my dear medical professionals, that’s approximately typical. So if you try continous BC, don’t necessarily ditch the project at week 5 or 6 or 8.

I still get some breakthrough, but only when I forget to take a pill. Even when I take the missed pill as an “extra” the next day. Since I can never remember when I last had a withdrawal-bleed/pregnancy check, I usually just use the missed pill as an opportunity for one of those 4 “periods” (withdrawal bleeds/pregnancy checks) a year that some practioners (and Seasonale) recommend.

Anyway that’s my 2 cents on continous hormone regulation.

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