was anyone else ridiculously happy to get another episode? I'm so glad Hannah is gaining back her strength, but I seriously didn't think we would get another episode of the hormone diaries anytime soon!
My university has free sanitary pads and tampons in the women's bathrooms. I think it's something the SU had been pushing for for a while and I'm so glad it's there
I, like many transguys, avoided hormonal contraception for years because of the immediate association with women and fear of worsening dysphoria but finally took the plunge in a bid to better control my body. I know I never would have been able to do it without your openness in your videos and this series, in particular, has inspired me to share my experience with the patch and hopefully raise awareness of the issues of transmen in regards to sexual health.
I've posted an old photo on twitter, but I'm male, so I don't know if Always will count it. But as the single father of 2 teenage daughters, I wanted to help if I could.
For the person who asked about delaying your period! Before I was on the pill I used to get a medication from my doctor called Norethisterone when I knew my period was due and I would be on holiday/sitting exams etc. You take it 3 times a day, starting a few days before your period is due (I can’t remember exactly how long) and it delays your period until you stop taking it. I remember the period I did get once I stopped being extra heavy and painful, but it does the trick!! Xx
At my all girls school we had a designated locker that we all kept stocked with pads, tampons and chocolate. It was something I really appreciated but understand was from a place of immense privilege.
Very random, but the bathrooms in the montreal airport have free pads and tampons. I thought it was the coolest thing (which is kind of sad since they should really be free everywhere).
I once saw a girl talking to women who were living on the street and she was offering them sanitary products. I'd never really considered how big an issue this would be. So now I carry an emergency sanitary pack in my bag when I can. It has some pads, tampons and wipes in, ready to help anyone who might need it.
Hey Hannah! My gynaecologist told me that feeling if the strings are still in place is bullshit, she says most gynaecologists cut the strings too short for that and being able to feel the strings doesn't guarantee anything. You really should get one scan of your womb after a few months to see if everything is in place. It only took me 10 minutes at the gynaecologist and she said I was good for 3 years :)
Sorry, but that is very irresponsible from your doctor. :/ Even when the chances to lose the coil are the highest during the first three months after insertion, you can still lose it anytime, especially if the doctor didn't measure your uterus. Feeling the string is not a 100% guarantee that the coil sits perfect, but (with enough practice) it can be sign of shifting or loss when the string is much longer than usually/not there. Cutting the string so far that it disappears in your cervix is not advisable. It's only a low risk that the coil will shift after this time, but you don't want to be the exception in the stats..
I know you talked about this in a previous video and I didn't hear it then, but now I feel like your voice has actually changed in that it is now a little higher and clearer kind of? Idk but I think I like it
I'm not sure about this statement. There are plenty of men across the world going hungry...I'm not sure about the premise that men sharing in a type of poverty or even sexual health issue makes it more likely to eradicated/solved/tackled. I wonder if framing the issue in this way distracts from the real issue, which isn't one of gender discrimination, but one of social inequality.
My English teacher in sixth form had an entire draw full of sanitary products, along with tissues and hand sanitizer for people to take whenever they need to. I think it's a really good idea and definitely helped a lot of desperate girls. She always criticised any boy who found them and started laughing or messing around with them. She was definitely up for breaking down the taboo!
I honestly don't even think people here in Brazil actually acknowledge how bad and real period poverty is. But I love it that in my Uni they have boxes for people to leave pads and tampons in case anyone needs one, and people actually put some which is just great
So I'm a bloke and I've recently started watching your videos out of curiosity but also think that its good to know this stuff even if you are a guy because it helps men understand how it works and be less petty when talking about or hearing about this stuff, keep it up, I will keep watching :)
I'd recommend the Mirena coil to anyone. I've had mine in for 2 and a half years now and it stopped my periods completely which is an absolute blessing to me. The only problem I really have is that it makes me worry about pregnancy a lot more because I don't have my period to warn me. So I take bi-monthly pregnancy tests just to make sure all is well :)
Hi Hannah, the girls in my school in Australia were lucky enough to have a sanitary angel in my school in the form of a home economics teacher/ year group coordinator who had emergency period supplies for us always. And she was always an open ally for taboo topics 🙌
I suffer with endometriosis and defiantly think that periods need to be talked about more , it could have saved me a whole lot of suffering in my school years as I was to embarrassed to tell my doctors that I didn't think what I was feeling was normal. Loved the episode and Hope your feeling better!
Period poverty is a huge issue in my home country, South Africa. There have been a lot of campaigns for free sanitary products and, finally, I saw the other day that the government has now issued free sanitary products (much in the way they do condoms). Really hope that this will become widespread!
Another thing you can do to help is donate sanitary products to local food banks. I volunteer at a food bank and we make bags up for local schools and also give out items to women in need. Thanks for highlighting this Hannah is just unbelievable that we have this problem in 21st century Britain.
In my brother's college at uni there is one bathroom that has a mountain of different types of pads and tampons! Saved my life when I went to see him and unexpectedly started my period
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this series... It's just the best.. I try talking about taboo topics with friends in college and from what I've seen, so many of them don't know how periods even happen... And these are like 22 years olds..
Some of the libraries in the Norfolk network (usually those in larger cities) offer free sanitary products as part of the campaign! I've seen adverts for it in ladies public bathrooms around Norwich, and I think it's really cool.
For the person that wanted to know about adjusting period timing - you can get medication prescribed by a GP for this purpose! When I was 15 I had a school trip and was anxious about dealing with a period while sharing a room with three other girls for a week. He prescribed me some pills to take every day and it delayed my cycle until I came home again. That week I did have more facial spots than usual and an odd rash on my legs which could have been caused by the pills or might have been to do with being abroad living a different lifestyle for a week, but yeah, there are options, even if they may have side effects. I guess the best solution depends on why you want to change the timing. Good luck!
Thank you for continuing this series and for having a voice about female health, Hannah! :D Fuck knows this all needs to be a bigger conversation in the world!
I've missed this series, and thank you for doing an ad of this sort, Hannah! I'm so glad girls are getting the help they need because people like you are taking action.
Might be worth checking for those strings at different times during the months. Depending where the cervix sits it affects how low down the strings are. Just saying since I once freaked out over it cause I couldn't feel strings. Lol, not good :')
Yes, or different times of day, even. (Or in relation to when you've had sex--I can't reach my cervix at all if I've just had sex because the vagina is still too extended.) And often the strings get wrapped up around the cervix, so if it's a time of day/month/whatever when the actual cervix is hard to reach, it can be tricky to find the strings up there. Just keep trying back at different times, and you'll probably find them eventually. I find the strings easiest about midway through my menstrual cycle, and I can reach them best if I am squatting. (Also, speaking as a person who has accidentally dislodged my IUD before, you will almost certainly notice if it becomes partially or totally dislodged. That plastic poking through your cervix is pretty hard to miss, and it does not feel normal. For me it made a cramping sensation when it came out. I knew something was wrong even before I reached in to check on it.)
For the person asking about delaying their period, the combined pill can be used to delay if you're already on it. My body is strange and it won't let me fully skip a period with the pill otherwise I get a constant period until my next break (natural hormones too strong yo). What I do is have an extra pill pack and instead of having a 7 day break I have a 5 day break by taking 2 extra pills either the two days after that months pack ends, or the two days before my break is meant to be over. All depends if you wanna halt it for a while or cut it short. Hope that helps!
For the postponing period question Norethisterone is a prescription-only pill which can be used to delay your period by up to 17 days which you can get in the UK. There are quite a few side effects though so it depends why you want to delay your period which is a conversation you can have with your doctor.
ABOUT DELAYING YOUR PERIOD. My mum actually told me about this years ago, there is a pill you can take which will delay your period by like a week. it only works if you have regular periods tho. Other then that you can ofc take the pill and skip the week you're not supposed to be taking anything
I've had the Mirena for just over a year and I only just recently had my first period last month! It was super weird and I honestly didn't know what to do with it because it had been so long. Every month I still get a bit hormonal and kinda sore boobs, but I just don't bleed except for last month. Also, I too have super tiny hands and can't feel my strings, but whenever I go to the doctors every few months I get them or the nurse to do a quick check that it's still in there. Honestly for me, not bleeding every month has been a blessing because it has always been a sense of anxiety for me. My periods were never regular and so when I became sexually active I started freaking out basically every month because I never knew if or when my period would come. Also I had really bad anxiety about leaking and all the other fun things that go along with it, so getting the mirena meant that I just didn't have to think about it or deal with it anymore (or at least not nearly as often). I hope you like your mirena experience too! (that's a weird sentence I never thought I would write haha)
HI Hannah! Regarding periods, there is a prescription medication you take three times daily in order to delay your period for several days. I know lots of people who use it to avoid getting their period when they go on holiday.
Since someone asked you, Hannah, I don't know about ways to shift the timing of your period exactly, but eating more soy right before your period can make it lighter and perhaps end sooner because it increases your estrogen levels. I've found that eating larger amounts of soy during my period occasionally makes it stop briefly as well.
okay so while this video is awesome, i just wanna say one more thing - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR SUBTITLING YOUR VIDS. with hearing issues, it just means everything
I actually got the Mirena inserted the day you posted this! I had a slight Vagal response (lightheaded, sweaty, hot) after I got dressed and left the exam room. I sat down in the clinic lobby for about 10-15 minutes and one of the clinic staff got me a cold washcloth, which really helped. After that I was really crampy, but I was able to drive myself to grab some lunch (I had to eat super slowly, but I wasn’t quite nauseous) and then home. The whole rest of that day, I was pretty crampy, but the next day I was fine!
I came off hormonal birth control in December - partly encouraged by you! - but I have yet to have a period. I haven’t had one in years. I had the injection before stopping everything and it can take up to 2 years before I get another one. I totally understand how you feel about feeling confused by not having them anymore and how it feels like your body isn’t doing all the good things.
Pineapple juice helps me with cramps! Pineapple is good for inflammation, not as affective as painkillers but if you don't like to rely on painkillers like me, pineapple juice can take the edge off a bit. Exercise helps too!
Just to let you know, when I first got the merina coil, I didn't get periods for the first 6 months and then after that it was only 2/3 days every odd month, so you're probably fine! But you should still defs check in with a doctor or nurse, if you can't find/feel your wires! Glad you're starting to feel stronger! Xx
Fellow coil carrier here! I didn’t have my period ever since I got my coil and it was so weird at the beginning! But I got used to it eventually and I love it.
My university student union has a thing where they have free period products in (I think) all bathrooms on campus, and I'm pretty sure these are donated by people who can provide any spares, which is an amazing idea. The student union shop has also covered the tax which comes with period products, so they're really cheap for students to buy. It's an amazing step forward and definitely needs to happen in schools and other universities!
I've had the Mirena for 4 years and only get my period every couple of months. Even then it's super light. I do still get the boob pain and sometimes cramps in between, but it's totally normal for your periods to be super spaced out and really light.
I'm glad your IUD is treating you well! 😁 My Mirena has unfortunately started causing painful ovarian cysts, but led to the discovery that I have PCOS. I have weighed my options and decided to keep my IUD, but at least I know my body a little better now.
It’s not in place yet but the Scottish government is currently setting up a system that will allow sanitary products to be available to anyone who needs them. Including free sanitary products in the loo at educational centres. Last July there was a pilot announced for low income households to have sanitary products readily available in Aberdeen for 6 months as a trial. As it stands there isn’t a way to access sanitary products for free in the UK. So much so that some teachers were purchasing them out of pocket to give to students who needed them.
Damn, a dollar??? They had to have been making a profit. That's insane. Ours were those shitty bulky pads too! When I was in middle school, I heard the school nurse tell a girl that she should be responsible enough to bring her own pads to school so that the girl didn't have to keep missing extra class time to go to the nurse's office.
Hayley Schrock the nurse at my school wouldn't even give you a bandaid unless you got hurt at school. So like if you cut yourself at home & it opened back up at school, she wouldn't give you a bandaid. Public school sucks
So, I have Crohn's disease and I lost my entire colon 4 years ago. To those that wanted to know. Basically, your period is pretty much the same as before. If it sucked before, it will continue to do so. The only difference I have really noticed is when I suffer from a serious lack of iron. I spent most of January in hospital this year (hernia just below my stoma became twisted and cut itself off for a bit) and I didn't eat anything (unless you could iv fluids) for weeks. As it turns out, if your colon is gone, besides being dehydrated on a fairly regular basis, you can have issues absorbing enough iron. This can really throw you for a loop and it messed my period up for about a month or so. Once I got my iron transfusions (which I will need to get regularly for life) then things have been getting better. If you have a stoma and you are super exhausted all the time, make sure to check in with your doctor and get a CBC to check your iron levels. It's a common issue with gastro patients that no longer have a colon. Hannah, thank you for your videos. My husband is a big fan and told me how I had to watch all your videos because he knew I could really relate to your personal experience with your colon trying to kill you and whatnot. Glad you are getting better. PS. If you want recommendations on stoma gear and simplifying your life with that stuff, I've got 4 years of knowledge and dealing with an ileostomy and no colon. Hugs
A lot of people stop having periods with the Merina coil, but I understand it's tough to feel comfortable that everything is working properly when you don't have one. Particularly since you've had a lot of "excitement" in your body lately.
I got the coil recently but before I was on any contraception I took a pill whilst on holiday which delayed my period. So the postponing period question: Ask your doctor about it. It worked for me, and it's basically just taking a tablet every morning and evening for the duration. Hope this helps someone!
With regard to delaying a period, if you aren’t on any hormonal contraception, then you can get a prescription from your GP for a progesterone only pill. It lengthens the end of your cycle, and only when your progesterone drops (you stop taking the pills) will your period come
I don’t know anything that can delay a period but from my experience and other’s drinking parsley tea can help start one. Drinking a couple of cups a day can usually gets my period started within 24 hours so I’ve done this before if I know I have a vacation or other travel plans taking place during my regular period cycle.
In terms of delaying a period, a couple of years back a friend of mine begged me to go to the pharmacy on her behalf because it was coming up to her birthday weekend and she realised she was about to have her period. I'd never heard of anything being able to delay it coming, but when I spoke to the woman in Boots she was able to give me over the counter....something. I can't remember what because this was a couple of years ago but from memory it was designed to delay the period. If you ever find yourself in that situation (or know this is coming up ) I suggest speaking to a pharmacist, they may be able to help.
If you use the nuva ring as your form of contraceptive you can start and stop periods that way. The normal use for it tells you to use it for 3 weeks and remove for one week for your period, but it has hormones for 4 weeks so you can delay a period that way, also removing the ring before the 3 weeks is up will start your period early. You can also skip and entire period by putting in a new ring right after removing the old one instead of having no ring for that week. I think its an interesting form of birth control because it gives you a lot of control.
I've had an IUS for about 18 months now and experienced almost exactly the same after results as you - sounds like your emergency surgery hasn't messed with your period too much. I have PCOS so my periods were never normal to begin with, but I had spotting for about 6 weeks, and then one or two very light periods and I've had one random period since then. I still find myself getting cyclicly moody, acne etc. just without the bleeding
Yessss another great episode! Also I have to admit, I always try and watch one of your videos right before i'm about to do work because it always motivates me and puts me in a productive mindset.
My church has free pads and tampons in the bathroom and my school has pads that you can get from the reception/office and the ladies in there are super sweet about it.
I know a lot of times food shelves in America will specifically ask for pads and tampons (as well as things like toilet paper, shampoo, and toothbrushes) because those are necessities, but they aren’t covered under food stamps, and because those aren’t the things no one really thinks to bring to the food self
Hi Hannah, you're looking so well! I'm so happy your back making videos, especially the hormone diaries because that's how I first found your channel! This is nothing compared to period poverty but I thought I'd shed some light on a new problem arising with period pads because I think you might find it interesting. So as someone with rather sensitive skin (I can't use any perfumed soaps etc. or my skin goes red, cracked and blistered) I can't use scented pads, all kind of gross stuff happens but the overall effect is that I walk round like the hulk for a week because I can't close my legs 😂 This is a problem quite a few women are having now as nearly all pads have some form of perfume added to them and we now can't buy pads from our supermarkets because gradually one by one our unscented brands have changed over to this new fad of scenting, like come on no one (well not many people) sprays their vagina with perfume so why put it on a pad! After getting bored with the dodgy looks I get from sniffing all the pad packagings I now only order ridiculously expensive pads online. If anyone knows of any other brands still available please let me know. (I would use my mooncup but I also have the marina coil... I miss that thing so much) Hope you found this interesting, I just feel it's really important that I make as many people aware of this as possible because it affects loads of women and we shouldn't have to suffer in silence anymore!
I’m not sure of anything which can make your period come earlier, but you can get tablets from the doctor to delay your period. I’ve had them twice for when I’ve been due my period on a beach holiday - I have vaginismus so can’t use tampons/a moon cup, so I wouldn’t have been able to wear a bikini etc. the tablets have to be prescribed to you but you start taking them a couple of days before your period is due and stop taking them when you choose (though I think they’re only for short term use!), then your period comes back a few days afterwards. I don’t think many people know about it - I have a friend who’s a doctor and I only know because she told me! Xx
Hi hannah! just regarding the 'can you delay your period' question, there is a pill you can get prescribed from a doctor that will 'postpone' a period for a while! I used it as a 12-13 year old on holidays, I'm not sure what the name of the pill was, but you can definitely do it.
To reach your cervix with short fingers, try it on the last or first days of your cycle. During these days your cervix naturally lowers itself. (And then of course „push“ your pelvic floor to lower the cervix even further)
ASDA pharmacy definitely offers a period delay service, which is basically just a short course of the contraceptive pill. It's not something I'd want to do, but even if you're not taking the combined pill, you could get it for the sake of delaying your period.
As someone who gets horrendous period cramps in my legs (yes my legs!) I found when working as a waitress and being on feet all day really helped with the pain so while it sounds horrible exercise helps loads. If you really can't manage it another thing which releases endorphins is wanking so that's also an option. Also I have not tried it but TENS machines work for some people. There are ones marketed as period specific which are quite expensive but any TENS machine should work and you can get cheapish ones in some pharmacies.
I love these episodes, wishing you well for recovery!! I hope you get your period soon & I love always is doing this campaign! Wish it was in the US too, but this is a start! Also a helpful reminder to use trans inclusive language when talking about periods because not all women have vaginas, some men have vaginas, and non binary people may also have vaginas. Love everything you’re doing tho!! I’ve been such a fan xx
Just if anyone happens to need it in regards to stopping/delaying periods- you do need to get it from a doctor but I believe it’s fairly accessible - tablet called noristrone (something like that) which you take three times a day starting two days roughly before period is due. Will delay it until about two days after you stop taking the tablets. I can’t have the normal pill hence why I’ve used these before - fairly easy to take but in my experience does make period itself more painful
I tried the Mirena coil for 4 months. I am still bleeding and have worse cramps than before the coil. I am now switching to the Kyleena coil. That is a new coil with even less hormones. It is the new version of Mirena. Maybe you could talk more about the new coil in the hormone diaries. The Mirena permit is almost over, so there will be more kinds of coils in the market soon. Could be an interesting subject for women that want to know more about coils. Hugs and sparkles!
I definitely had a hard time feeling my stings the first few months. Depending on where you are in your cycle, your cervix may rise (thus the difficulty in finding your strings). I too didn't have my period (yet would sometimes spot) for the first 6 months. I didn't feel totally comfortable and confident that my iud was in place/generally fine until about a year after having it inserted. Hang in there, I'm sure everything is fine but I definitely recommend getting your strings checked after the first month or 2 after getting the iud inserted. There's a chance they were cut too short for your reach. Best of luck! I love my iud!
No periods for me! I love it. I've had my strings checked twice, once six weeks after insertion (which is recommended) and once when I was having some pain and want sure it was in the right place. I don't self check ever because I can't reach either (either that or I have a high cervix, who knows!).
Not sure if anyone has already mention it but there is a tablet you can take that will delay your period! I think it is called Norethisterone- I took it for my holiday last year!! Ask your doctor to prescribe you some! :) hope this helps someone x
for what it's worth: it can a take a llloooonnnggg while to get your reproductive system back on track after a big physical issue (in terms of it involving weight loss at least). when i started properly eating again and regaining weight after a bad ED episode, it took MONTHS after getting very close to my healthy weight to get a period. i think my bod was like "are you sure? are we good? you're SURE?" before it blessed my uterus with the gift of blood
as much as i think always’s campaign is a good idea, i can’t help thinking it would be more sustainable and actually more helpful to donate menstrual cups to people who cant afford sanitary products. because a cup could last someone like 5 years whereas a pad only lasts a few hours..
not everyone knows how to use/is comfortable with cups though. pads are necessary for the immediate problem of making sure that everyone who needs it has SOMETHING.
menstrual cups are more expensive because they last a lot longer, so they’re the same if not cheaper in the long run! also, reusable pads are also a thing too, but i see where you’re coming from. just an idea though :)
My university (Cardiff Uni) have free tampons in the foyer of our Student Union. There is also a place where we donate period products to food banks/women’s crisis centres etc. I think it’s so great, but as a further step I think donating reusable products like the menstrual cup or washable pads would be an even better step forward for girls and women who maybe could do with a backup for when they can’t afford products in the future. Just a thought!
I wish it would be possible to give these girls period cups (if they have access to water and are able to use them) so it wouldn't create so much waste and they could use that one product for 10+ years.
my school has recently put a little box under the sinks int he girls bathrooms to put pads and tampons in, they also encourage students to put their own in if they run low
I don't know what it's like in other high schools in Canada, but at my school there's a basket that's always full of sanitary products that you can take if you need them.
In regards to Kay’s question. Your doctor can prescribe (or certain pharmacies can issue a private prescription) for a medication called Norethisterone that can delay your period for a few days. It’s one of the drugs used in certain pill combinations but a higher dose. You start taking it a few days before you are due and I think you can delay it for up to 10 days. We used to call it the magic pill when I worked in a pharmacy. I know that Boots do it on their online pharmacy!
I believe my uni student union give out free pads! Also my mum used to work in what was called a pupil reception at my school and she would buy pads and tampons to keep in her cupboard to give out to anyone who needed them and I think that’s something that should be much wider!!
There's a tablet called Norethisterone that you can take to delay your period. I always used to take it when I was a teenager if I was due on when I was on holiday. It's not a contraceptive, just delays the start of your period :)
I live in the Netherlands and I am not on the pill or any other contraceptives but when I went on a holiday I wanted to delay my period so I could swim without having to worry about a period and my doctor gave me some pills to delay my period. I took three pills a day once in the morning, afternoon and evening and I had to start 3 days before my period would start and then I took it for two weeks while on my period. After I stopped taking it within about 3 days or so my period returned as usual. I've used it twice now and it worked well. I don't know if they have it in the uk but that might be a helpful answer to kays question. I know this is like 2 years after this video came out but it might be handy general knowledge if anyone else was wondering too.
As I mentioned in my comment on your PCOS video with Leena Norms and on Twitter I have PCOS and I take the POP to help regulate my cycle. At a gynaecologist appointment I attended for my PCOS the nurse asked me if I wanted the coil but I told her I didn’t because I was worried and unsure about how it would be put in (I don’t know if surgery would be performed on me to insert it or if it would be put in like a tampon) but she told me that it would removed in a similar manner to a tampon. Hannah it is good that you’re backing the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign and I like the sound of one free pad being donated to a schoolgirl in need whenever a pack of Always pads is purchased.
To answer the question of delaying your period: yeah it is possible, but in the Netherlands you have to go to the doctors and ask for it. Then you get some pills which do some hormonal stuff and your period is delayed with a week
There are tablets to delay your period, they are prescription; Norethisterone 5mg, they can be used if you need to delay your period for any reason. You can get them from sexual health clinics, GPs, and a number of different health sources!
Hehe I totally understand the mentality "I don't really have the inclination to investigate" It's how I feel about all pelvic things too, there are always more pressing matters and health concerns that I am actively dealing with to want to bother!
I'm a science teacher in a secondary school and we always have pads and often hand them out to girls at school. I also come across my fair share of questions being a biology teacher and try and normalise it as much as possible in my classroom such as discussing it when people (normally boys) bring it up in lessons.
![Am I Disabled Enough? // ft. Hannah Witton [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YorlAb3q_hs/mqdefault.jpg)
was anyone else ridiculously happy to get another episode? I'm so glad Hannah is gaining back her strength, but I seriously didn't think we would get another episode of the hormone diaries anytime soon!
Me!
My university has free sanitary pads and tampons in the women's bathrooms. I think it's something the SU had been pushing for for a while and I'm so glad it's there
My mums work have them free in every building. Steps forward!
SU = syracuse university?
Sexy scientist students union
i thought soviet union first
Same at my university in the US. I have just started seeing it the past year or so
I, like many transguys, avoided hormonal contraception for years because of the immediate association with women and fear of worsening dysphoria but finally took the plunge in a bid to better control my body. I know I never would have been able to do it without your openness in your videos and this series, in particular, has inspired me to share my experience with the patch and hopefully raise awareness of the issues of transmen in regards to sexual health.
I've posted an old photo on twitter, but I'm male, so I don't know if Always will count it. But as the single father of 2 teenage daughters, I wanted to help if I could.
For the person who asked about delaying your period! Before I was on the pill I used to get a medication from my doctor called Norethisterone when I knew my period was due and I would be on holiday/sitting exams etc. You take it 3 times a day, starting a few days before your period is due (I can’t remember exactly how long) and it delays your period until you stop taking it. I remember the period I did get once I stopped being extra heavy and painful, but it does the trick!! Xx
At my all girls school we had a designated locker that we all kept stocked with pads, tampons and chocolate. It was something I really appreciated but understand was from a place of immense privilege.
Very random, but the bathrooms in the montreal airport have free pads and tampons. I thought it was the coolest thing (which is kind of sad since they should really be free everywhere).
It's brilliant you're able to do another hormone diaries! And I'm glad you're working with the end period poverty campaign, it's very important.
I once saw a girl talking to women who were living on the street and she was offering them sanitary products. I'd never really considered how big an issue this would be. So now I carry an emergency sanitary pack in my bag when I can. It has some pads, tampons and wipes in, ready to help anyone who might need it.
Hey Hannah! My gynaecologist told me that feeling if the strings are still in place is bullshit, she says most gynaecologists cut the strings too short for that and being able to feel the strings doesn't guarantee anything. You really should get one scan of your womb after a few months to see if everything is in place. It only took me 10 minutes at the gynaecologist and she said I was good for 3 years :)
Sorry, but that is very irresponsible from your doctor. :/ Even when the chances to lose the coil are the highest during the first three months after insertion, you can still lose it anytime, especially if the doctor didn't measure your uterus. Feeling the string is not a 100% guarantee that the coil sits perfect, but (with enough practice) it can be sign of shifting or loss when the string is much longer than usually/not there. Cutting the string so far that it disappears in your cervix is not advisable. It's only a low risk that the coil will shift after this time, but you don't want to be the exception in the stats..
I know you talked about this in a previous video and I didn't hear it then, but now I feel like your voice has actually changed in that it is now a little higher and clearer kind of? Idk but I think I like it
Maren Q I think it’s where the mic is? Idk but I agree!
"I feel like if periods were a thing that happened to males, we wouldn't have period poverty." PREACH!!!
louder for the people in the back!!!!
I'm not sure about this statement. There are plenty of men across the world going hungry...I'm not sure about the premise that men sharing in a type of poverty or even sexual health issue makes it more likely to eradicated/solved/tackled. I wonder if framing the issue in this way distracts from the real issue, which isn't one of gender discrimination, but one of social inequality.
Was about to comment the same thing. Like, for real
👏🏿 SAY 👏🏿 IT 👏🏿 AGAIN!👏🏿
Victoria Ward idk man, they’ve tackled erectile distinction pretty well
My English teacher in sixth form had an entire draw full of sanitary products, along with tissues and hand sanitizer for people to take whenever they need to. I think it's a really good idea and definitely helped a lot of desperate girls. She always criticised any boy who found them and started laughing or messing around with them. She was definitely up for breaking down the taboo!
the hormone diaries is one of my favorite series on TH-cam!! educational and entertaining
I honestly don't even think people here in Brazil actually acknowledge how bad and real period poverty is. But I love it that in my Uni they have boxes for people to leave pads and tampons in case anyone needs one, and people actually put some which is just great
So I'm a bloke and I've recently started watching your videos out of curiosity but also think that its good to know this stuff even if you are a guy because it helps men understand how it works and be less petty when talking about or hearing about this stuff, keep it up, I will keep watching :)
I'd recommend the Mirena coil to anyone. I've had mine in for 2 and a half years now and it stopped my periods completely which is an absolute blessing to me. The only problem I really have is that it makes me worry about pregnancy a lot more because I don't have my period to warn me. So I take bi-monthly pregnancy tests just to make sure all is well :)
Norethisterone can be used to delay periods as well as the combined pill. Ask your doctor to see if it's suitable. So glad this series is back!
Hi Hannah, the girls in my school in Australia were lucky enough to have a sanitary angel in my school in the form of a home economics teacher/ year group coordinator who had emergency period supplies for us always.
And she was always an open ally for taboo topics 🙌
I suffer with endometriosis and defiantly think that periods need to be talked about more , it could have saved me a whole lot of suffering in my school years as I was to embarrassed to tell my doctors that I didn't think what I was feeling was normal.
Loved the episode and Hope your feeling better!
Period poverty is a huge issue in my home country, South Africa. There have been a lot of campaigns for free sanitary products and, finally, I saw the other day that the government has now issued free sanitary products (much in the way they do condoms). Really hope that this will become widespread!
Another thing you can do to help is donate sanitary products to local food banks. I volunteer at a food bank and we make bags up for local schools and also give out items to women in need. Thanks for highlighting this Hannah is just unbelievable that we have this problem in 21st century Britain.
honestly God bless those random restaurants/clubs/facilities that have free, easily accesible period products in their bathrooms, they are the best!
In my brother's college at uni there is one bathroom that has a mountain of different types of pads and tampons! Saved my life when I went to see him and unexpectedly started my period
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this series... It's just the best.. I try talking about taboo topics with friends in college and from what I've seen, so many of them don't know how periods even happen... And these are like 22 years olds..
I wasn't sure about confronting things like this, but this series helped me think of femininity in a new light. Thank you!
Some of the libraries in the Norfolk network (usually those in larger cities) offer free sanitary products as part of the campaign! I've seen adverts for it in ladies public bathrooms around Norwich, and I think it's really cool.
Finally another hormone diaries video *-* They are my favorite cos every time I watch them i learn something new
For the person that wanted to know about adjusting period timing - you can get medication prescribed by a GP for this purpose! When I was 15 I had a school trip and was anxious about dealing with a period while sharing a room with three other girls for a week. He prescribed me some pills to take every day and it delayed my cycle until I came home again. That week I did have more facial spots than usual and an odd rash on my legs which could have been caused by the pills or might have been to do with being abroad living a different lifestyle for a week, but yeah, there are options, even if they may have side effects. I guess the best solution depends on why you want to change the timing. Good luck!
Thank you for continuing this series and for having a voice about female health, Hannah! :D Fuck knows this all needs to be a bigger conversation in the world!
I've missed this series, and thank you for doing an ad of this sort, Hannah! I'm so glad girls are getting the help they need because people like you are taking action.
Might be worth checking for those strings at different times during the months. Depending where the cervix sits it affects how low down the strings are. Just saying since I once freaked out over it cause I couldn't feel strings. Lol, not good :')
Yes, or different times of day, even. (Or in relation to when you've had sex--I can't reach my cervix at all if I've just had sex because the vagina is still too extended.) And often the strings get wrapped up around the cervix, so if it's a time of day/month/whatever when the actual cervix is hard to reach, it can be tricky to find the strings up there. Just keep trying back at different times, and you'll probably find them eventually. I find the strings easiest about midway through my menstrual cycle, and I can reach them best if I am squatting.
(Also, speaking as a person who has accidentally dislodged my IUD before, you will almost certainly notice if it becomes partially or totally dislodged. That plastic poking through your cervix is pretty hard to miss, and it does not feel normal. For me it made a cramping sensation when it came out. I knew something was wrong even before I reached in to check on it.)
For the person asking about delaying their period, the combined pill can be used to delay if you're already on it. My body is strange and it won't let me fully skip a period with the pill otherwise I get a constant period until my next break (natural hormones too strong yo). What I do is have an extra pill pack and instead of having a 7 day break I have a 5 day break by taking 2 extra pills either the two days after that months pack ends, or the two days before my break is meant to be over. All depends if you wanna halt it for a while or cut it short. Hope that helps!
For the postponing period question Norethisterone is a prescription-only pill which can be used to delay your period by up to 17 days which you can get in the UK. There are quite a few side effects though so it depends why you want to delay your period which is a conversation you can have with your doctor.
ABOUT DELAYING YOUR PERIOD. My mum actually told me about this years ago, there is a pill you can take which will delay your period by like a week. it only works if you have regular periods tho. Other then that you can ofc take the pill and skip the week you're not supposed to be taking anything
I've had the Mirena for just over a year and I only just recently had my first period last month! It was super weird and I honestly didn't know what to do with it because it had been so long. Every month I still get a bit hormonal and kinda sore boobs, but I just don't bleed except for last month. Also, I too have super tiny hands and can't feel my strings, but whenever I go to the doctors every few months I get them or the nurse to do a quick check that it's still in there. Honestly for me, not bleeding every month has been a blessing because it has always been a sense of anxiety for me. My periods were never regular and so when I became sexually active I started freaking out basically every month because I never knew if or when my period would come. Also I had really bad anxiety about leaking and all the other fun things that go along with it, so getting the mirena meant that I just didn't have to think about it or deal with it anymore (or at least not nearly as often). I hope you like your mirena experience too! (that's a weird sentence I never thought I would write haha)
HI Hannah! Regarding periods, there is a prescription medication you take three times daily in order to delay your period for several days. I know lots of people who use it to avoid getting their period when they go on holiday.
Since someone asked you, Hannah, I don't know about ways to shift the timing of your period exactly, but eating more soy right before your period can make it lighter and perhaps end sooner because it increases your estrogen levels. I've found that eating larger amounts of soy during my period occasionally makes it stop briefly as well.
Hope you’re feeling better
I didn't have a period for 2.5 to 3 years after getting the Mirena. Good times!
it doesn’t last the full 7 years? is that normal?
okay so while this video is awesome, i just wanna say one more thing -
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR SUBTITLING YOUR VIDS. with hearing issues, it just means everything
I actually got the Mirena inserted the day you posted this! I had a slight Vagal response (lightheaded, sweaty, hot) after I got dressed and left the exam room. I sat down in the clinic lobby for about 10-15 minutes and one of the clinic staff got me a cold washcloth, which really helped. After that I was really crampy, but I was able to drive myself to grab some lunch (I had to eat super slowly, but I wasn’t quite nauseous) and then home. The whole rest of that day, I was pretty crampy, but the next day I was fine!
I came off hormonal birth control in December - partly encouraged by you! - but I have yet to have a period. I haven’t had one in years. I had the injection before stopping everything and it can take up to 2 years before I get another one. I totally understand how you feel about feeling confused by not having them anymore and how it feels like your body isn’t doing all the good things.
Pineapple juice helps me with cramps! Pineapple is good for inflammation, not as affective as painkillers but if you don't like to rely on painkillers like me, pineapple juice can take the edge off a bit. Exercise helps too!
You can get an echo to see If its all in place still. Also safer way than feeling because you know for sure that everything is in the right place!
Just to let you know, when I first got the merina coil, I didn't get periods for the first 6 months and then after that it was only 2/3 days every odd month, so you're probably fine! But you should still defs check in with a doctor or nurse, if you can't find/feel your wires! Glad you're starting to feel stronger! Xx
Fellow coil carrier here! I didn’t have my period ever since I got my coil and it was so weird at the beginning! But I got used to it eventually and I love it.
My university student union has a thing where they have free period products in (I think) all bathrooms on campus, and I'm pretty sure these are donated by people who can provide any spares, which is an amazing idea. The student union shop has also covered the tax which comes with period products, so they're really cheap for students to buy. It's an amazing step forward and definitely needs to happen in schools and other universities!
I've had the Mirena for 4 years and only get my period every couple of months. Even then it's super light. I do still get the boob pain and sometimes cramps in between, but it's totally normal for your periods to be super spaced out and really light.
I'm glad your IUD is treating you well! 😁 My Mirena has unfortunately started causing painful ovarian cysts, but led to the discovery that I have PCOS. I have weighed my options and decided to keep my IUD, but at least I know my body a little better now.
It’s not in place yet but the Scottish government is currently setting up a system that will allow sanitary products to be available to anyone who needs them. Including free sanitary products in the loo at educational centres. Last July there was a pilot announced for low income households to have sanitary products readily available in Aberdeen for 6 months as a trial.
As it stands there isn’t a way to access sanitary products for free in the UK. So much so that some teachers were purchasing them out of pocket to give to students who needed them.
pads weren't even free at my secondary school (it was an all girls as well) - they cost 20p but thankfully most ppl were happy to share x
Pads weren't free at my high school. I'm from Mississippi (US) and we had to pay the school nurse 25 cents to get a pad if we needed one.
Ours were a dollar & they were the bulkiest things I've ever seen
Damn, a dollar??? They had to have been making a profit. That's insane. Ours were those shitty bulky pads too! When I was in middle school, I heard the school nurse tell a girl that she should be responsible enough to bring her own pads to school so that the girl didn't have to keep missing extra class time to go to the nurse's office.
Hayley Schrock the nurse at my school wouldn't even give you a bandaid unless you got hurt at school. So like if you cut yourself at home & it opened back up at school, she wouldn't give you a bandaid. Public school sucks
well damn. freaking public schools.
What the heck! Sorry to hear that
So, I have Crohn's disease and I lost my entire colon 4 years ago. To those that wanted to know. Basically, your period is pretty much the same as before. If it sucked before, it will continue to do so. The only difference I have really noticed is when I suffer from a serious lack of iron. I spent most of January in hospital this year (hernia just below my stoma became twisted and cut itself off for a bit) and I didn't eat anything (unless you could iv fluids) for weeks. As it turns out, if your colon is gone, besides being dehydrated on a fairly regular basis, you can have issues absorbing enough iron. This can really throw you for a loop and it messed my period up for about a month or so. Once I got my iron transfusions (which I will need to get regularly for life) then things have been getting better. If you have a stoma and you are super exhausted all the time, make sure to check in with your doctor and get a CBC to check your iron levels. It's a common issue with gastro patients that no longer have a colon.
Hannah, thank you for your videos. My husband is a big fan and told me how I had to watch all your videos because he knew I could really relate to your personal experience with your colon trying to kill you and whatnot. Glad you are getting better. PS. If you want recommendations on stoma gear and simplifying your life with that stuff, I've got 4 years of knowledge and dealing with an ileostomy and no colon. Hugs
Why the sound quality is soooo good and relaxing!
A lot of people stop having periods with the Merina coil, but I understand it's tough to feel comfortable that everything is working properly when you don't have one. Particularly since you've had a lot of "excitement" in your body lately.
I got the coil recently but before I was on any contraception I took a pill whilst on holiday which delayed my period. So the postponing period question: Ask your doctor about it. It worked for me, and it's basically just taking a tablet every morning and evening for the duration. Hope this helps someone!
With regard to delaying a period, if you aren’t on any hormonal contraception, then you can get a prescription from your GP for a progesterone only pill. It lengthens the end of your cycle, and only when your progesterone drops (you stop taking the pills) will your period come
I don’t know anything that can delay a period but from my experience and other’s drinking parsley tea can help start one. Drinking a couple of cups a day can usually gets my period started within 24 hours so I’ve done this before if I know I have a vacation or other travel plans taking place during my regular period cycle.
In terms of delaying a period, a couple of years back a friend of mine begged me to go to the pharmacy on her behalf because it was coming up to her birthday weekend and she realised she was about to have her period. I'd never heard of anything being able to delay it coming, but when I spoke to the woman in Boots she was able to give me over the counter....something. I can't remember what because this was a couple of years ago but from memory it was designed to delay the period. If you ever find yourself in that situation (or know this is coming up ) I suggest speaking to a pharmacist, they may be able to help.
If you use the nuva ring as your form of contraceptive you can start and stop periods that way. The normal use for it tells you to use it for 3 weeks and remove for one week for your period, but it has hormones for 4 weeks so you can delay a period that way, also removing the ring before the 3 weeks is up will start your period early. You can also skip and entire period by putting in a new ring right after removing the old one instead of having no ring for that week. I think its an interesting form of birth control because it gives you a lot of control.
I've had an IUS for about 18 months now and experienced almost exactly the same after results as you - sounds like your emergency surgery hasn't messed with your period too much. I have PCOS so my periods were never normal to begin with, but I had spotting for about 6 weeks, and then one or two very light periods and I've had one random period since then. I still find myself getting cyclicly moody, acne etc. just without the bleeding
Yessss another great episode! Also I have to admit, I always try and watch one of your videos right before i'm about to do work because it always motivates me and puts me in a productive mindset.
You could always ask your bf to check for the strings if that’s something you’d both be comfortable with 👌
Good point.
My church has free pads and tampons in the bathroom and my school has pads that you can get from the reception/office and the ladies in there are super sweet about it.
I know a lot of times food shelves in America will specifically ask for pads and tampons (as well as things like toilet paper, shampoo, and toothbrushes) because those are necessities, but they aren’t covered under food stamps, and because those aren’t the things no one really thinks to bring to the food self
Hi Hannah, you're looking so well! I'm so happy your back making videos, especially the hormone diaries because that's how I first found your channel! This is nothing compared to period poverty but I thought I'd shed some light on a new problem arising with period pads because I think you might find it interesting. So as someone with rather sensitive skin (I can't use any perfumed soaps etc. or my skin goes red, cracked and blistered) I can't use scented pads, all kind of gross stuff happens but the overall effect is that I walk round like the hulk for a week because I can't close my legs 😂 This is a problem quite a few women are having now as nearly all pads have some form of perfume added to them and we now can't buy pads from our supermarkets because gradually one by one our unscented brands have changed over to this new fad of scenting, like come on no one (well not many people) sprays their vagina with perfume so why put it on a pad! After getting bored with the dodgy looks I get from sniffing all the pad packagings I now only order ridiculously expensive pads online. If anyone knows of any other brands still available please let me know.
(I would use my mooncup but I also have the marina coil... I miss that thing so much)
Hope you found this interesting, I just feel it's really important that I make as many people aware of this as possible because it affects loads of women and we shouldn't have to suffer in silence anymore!
I’m not sure of anything which can make your period come earlier, but you can get tablets from the doctor to delay your period. I’ve had them twice for when I’ve been due my period on a beach holiday - I have vaginismus so can’t use tampons/a moon cup, so I wouldn’t have been able to wear a bikini etc. the tablets have to be prescribed to you but you start taking them a couple of days before your period is due and stop taking them when you choose (though I think they’re only for short term use!), then your period comes back a few days afterwards. I don’t think many people know about it - I have a friend who’s a doctor and I only know because she told me! Xx
Hi hannah! just regarding the 'can you delay your period' question, there is a pill you can get prescribed from a doctor that will 'postpone' a period for a while! I used it as a 12-13 year old on holidays, I'm not sure what the name of the pill was, but you can definitely do it.
To reach your cervix with short fingers, try it on the last or first days of your cycle. During these days your cervix naturally lowers itself. (And then of course „push“ your pelvic floor to lower the cervix even further)
ASDA pharmacy definitely offers a period delay service, which is basically just a short course of the contraceptive pill. It's not something I'd want to do, but even if you're not taking the combined pill, you could get it for the sake of delaying your period.
i’ve only recently discovered your channel and i’m obsessed! i love how open you are and how informative your videos are. love them!xx
As someone who gets horrendous period cramps in my legs (yes my legs!) I found when working as a waitress and being on feet all day really helped with the pain so while it sounds horrible exercise helps loads. If you really can't manage it another thing which releases endorphins is wanking so that's also an option.
Also I have not tried it but TENS machines work for some people. There are ones marketed as period specific which are quite expensive but any TENS machine should work and you can get cheapish ones in some pharmacies.
I love these episodes, wishing you well for recovery!! I hope you get your period soon & I love always is doing this campaign! Wish it was in the US too, but this is a start! Also a helpful reminder to use trans inclusive language when talking about periods because not all women have vaginas, some men have vaginas, and non binary people may also have vaginas. Love everything you’re doing tho!! I’ve been such a fan xx
Just if anyone happens to need it in regards to stopping/delaying periods- you do need to get it from a doctor but I believe it’s fairly accessible - tablet called noristrone (something like that) which you take three times a day starting two days roughly before period is due. Will delay it until about two days after you stop taking the tablets. I can’t have the normal pill hence why I’ve used these before - fairly easy to take but in my experience does make period itself more painful
I honestly thought you stopped the hormone diaries and got really happy when i saw this!
I tried the Mirena coil for 4 months. I am still bleeding and have worse cramps than before the coil.
I am now switching to the Kyleena coil. That is a new coil with even less hormones. It is the new version of Mirena.
Maybe you could talk more about the new coil in the hormone diaries. The Mirena permit is almost over, so there will be more kinds of coils in the market soon. Could be an interesting subject for women that want to know more about coils.
Hugs and sparkles!
I definitely had a hard time feeling my stings the first few months. Depending on where you are in your cycle, your cervix may rise (thus the difficulty in finding your strings). I too didn't have my period (yet would sometimes spot) for the first 6 months. I didn't feel totally comfortable and confident that my iud was in place/generally fine until about a year after having it inserted. Hang in there, I'm sure everything is fine but I definitely recommend getting your strings checked after the first month or 2 after getting the iud inserted. There's a chance they were cut too short for your reach. Best of luck! I love my iud!
No periods for me! I love it. I've had my strings checked twice, once six weeks after insertion (which is recommended) and once when I was having some pain and want sure it was in the right place. I don't self check ever because I can't reach either (either that or I have a high cervix, who knows!).
The school nurse will have free sanitary products, also teachers sometimes keep them in case a student need some.
Not sure if anyone has already mention it but there is a tablet you can take that will delay your period! I think it is called Norethisterone- I took it for my holiday last year!! Ask your doctor to prescribe you some! :) hope this helps someone x
for what it's worth: it can a take a llloooonnnggg while to get your reproductive system back on track after a big physical issue (in terms of it involving weight loss at least). when i started properly eating again and regaining weight after a bad ED episode, it took MONTHS after getting very close to my healthy weight to get a period. i think my bod was like "are you sure? are we good? you're SURE?" before it blessed my uterus with the gift of blood
as much as i think always’s campaign is a good idea, i can’t help thinking it would be more sustainable and actually more helpful to donate menstrual cups to people who cant afford sanitary products. because a cup could last someone like 5 years whereas a pad only lasts a few hours..
Ruby cup does it shop.rubycup.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1-fVBRC3ARIsAIifYON4yyramv40QqjPpoZLdESKuozhDuJEgC_zMyYqf4LtP5W8KiBkQsYaApO-EALw_wcB
not everyone knows how to use/is comfortable with cups though. pads are necessary for the immediate problem of making sure that everyone who needs it has SOMETHING.
mensural cups are so much more expensive as well
I thought about it too, but it's awesome that they're at least donating pads
menstrual cups are more expensive because they last a lot longer, so they’re the same if not cheaper in the long run! also, reusable pads are also a thing too, but i see where you’re coming from. just an idea though :)
My university (Cardiff Uni) have free tampons in the foyer of our Student Union. There is also a place where we donate period products to food banks/women’s crisis centres etc. I think it’s so great, but as a further step I think donating reusable products like the menstrual cup or washable pads would be an even better step forward for girls and women who maybe could do with a backup for when they can’t afford products in the future. Just a thought!
I wish it would be possible to give these girls period cups (if they have access to water and are able to use them) so it wouldn't create so much waste and they could use that one product for 10+ years.
Keyholder there are some organizations who are doing this already. Ruby cup is one I think.
i agree however they could be harder for younger girls to use for obvious reasons
I was just suggesting this to my mum after seeing the advert on tv!
I thought about it too, but it's awesome that they're at least donating pads
Keyholder Yeah, but always sells pads so.. I completely agree that that would be better though
my school has recently put a little box under the sinks int he girls bathrooms to put pads and tampons in, they also encourage students to put their own in if they run low
I don't know what it's like in other high schools in Canada, but at my school there's a basket that's always full of sanitary products that you can take if you need them.
In regards to Kay’s question. Your doctor can prescribe (or certain pharmacies can issue a private prescription) for a medication called Norethisterone that can delay your period for a few days. It’s one of the drugs used in certain pill combinations but a higher dose. You start taking it a few days before you are due and I think you can delay it for up to 10 days. We used to call it the magic pill when I worked in a pharmacy. I know that Boots do it on their online pharmacy!
yes! I just commented about this pill but I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was called! I hope Kay sees this!
Although I'm trans and hate 'shark week' I still bloody love this series!! Keep it up, Hannah! ❤️
You could eat papayas or drink sugarcane juice to get your period early. And swallow lemon seeds to delay them.
I believe my uni student union give out free pads! Also my mum used to work in what was called a pupil reception at my school and she would buy pads and tampons to keep in her cupboard to give out to anyone who needed them and I think that’s something that should be much wider!!
There's a tablet called Norethisterone that you can take to delay your period. I always used to take it when I was a teenager if I was due on when I was on holiday. It's not a contraceptive, just delays the start of your period :)
I live in the Netherlands and I am not on the pill or any other contraceptives but when I went on a holiday I wanted to delay my period so I could swim without having to worry about a period and my doctor gave me some pills to delay my period. I took three pills a day once in the morning, afternoon and evening and I had to start 3 days before my period would start and then I took it for two weeks while on my period. After I stopped taking it within about 3 days or so my period returned as usual. I've used it twice now and it worked well. I don't know if they have it in the uk but that might be a helpful answer to kays question. I know this is like 2 years after this video came out but it might be handy general knowledge if anyone else was wondering too.
love love love your videos hannah, hope you're feeling better and healing well!
As I mentioned in my comment on your PCOS video with Leena Norms and on Twitter I have PCOS and I take the POP to help regulate my cycle. At a gynaecologist appointment I attended for my PCOS the nurse asked me if I wanted the coil but I told her I didn’t because I was worried and unsure about how it would be put in (I don’t know if surgery would be performed on me to insert it or if it would be put in like a tampon) but she told me that it would removed in a similar manner to a tampon. Hannah it is good that you’re backing the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign and I like the sound of one free pad being donated to a schoolgirl in need whenever a pack of Always pads is purchased.
To answer the question of delaying your period: yeah it is possible, but in the Netherlands you have to go to the doctors and ask for it. Then you get some pills which do some hormonal stuff and your period is delayed with a week
There are tablets to delay your period, they are prescription; Norethisterone 5mg, they can be used if you need to delay your period for any reason. You can get them from sexual health clinics, GPs, and a number of different health sources!
There’s so many reusable sanitary products now days as well. They need to be more available and talked about!
Hehe I totally understand the mentality "I don't really have the inclination to investigate"
It's how I feel about all pelvic things too, there are always more pressing matters and health concerns that I am actively dealing with to want to bother!
I'm a science teacher in a secondary school and we always have pads and often hand them out to girls at school. I also come across my fair share of questions being a biology teacher and try and normalise it as much as possible in my classroom such as discussing it when people (normally boys) bring it up in lessons.
C Hardcastle Not all heroes wear capes