My male friend didn't know much about periods except that it was a thing that happened. He was shocked when I went into detail about my own personal struggles. It is comforting to know some men actually understand and are considerate and empathetic. Thank you.
My now husband made me go to the GP when he realised just how bad it was. He said, 'this isn't okay'. Watching this video now, I cashed in, and I have an IUD in. My nasty period is gone as are my PMDD symptoms 🎉
I have irregular periods. That‘s is for me as an autistic woman extra hard because no planning of having the period. Total stress for me. I am so lucky for my female doctor that she prescribes me birth control for a long cyclus (I take it everyday and no pause) and I don’t have my period any more. I know it is not for everyone but I want to put it out there as an option because it makes my life so much easier and better.
Mine were very irregular and I eventually was having pain that no painkiller would help. Long term birth control, dienogest is what I take, feels like a life saver. No more period anxiety over when it'll come, no more incessant cramps that can't be fixed by painkillers, no more having to deal with blood, less overall dysphoria over having a seemingly working uterus. I felt a huge sigh of relief after a few months of taking it when my periods just stopped. Despite having other important medications, I consider this one my most important. I can't go back to the suffering and anxiety of having periods.
As a 13 yo girl with high functioning autism, no one told me about how periods are different for me and other people with autism. So I just thought that everyone had almost the same experience with it. I never knew it was worse so I just sucked it all up and hid how much pain I was in because I thought everyone else with periods felt the same and didn't mind it. Also I was raised to not show pain or emotions or else I was labled as weak to people so that also plays on to how my periods go. Update:I’m 15 going on 16 now and just got a notification from this comment, wow time flies. Also I am so much worse than I was back then lmao
As a 40yr old with Autism, please know it's okay to unmask. High functioning is simply high masking. It will eat away at you until you no longer know who you are (that was my experience). I hope you learn to be okay with your true self sooner than it took me. Us weirdos make the world fun and interesting! Stay true to you and surround yourself with other weirdos 🥰
@@yelenakate4ever200 Hey, I'm almost 17 with "aspergers syndrome/ high functioning" autism too. This comment section is awesome, I've never seen so many autistic people in my life. Idk it's just cozy ig aha
+_nyqueer I've noticed a few others on here mentioned that they're high functioning. Honestly, idk exactly what I have, but I'm also high functioning. I'm aware this was from a year ago, but the video just now popped up on my homepage. But in hindsight, no girl should ever be raised "not to show pain or emotions." Whether you're a boy or girl, no one should be raised where "showing emotions is labeled as weak,"-imo. Obviously, don't be a pushover-coddler type parent, but those same parents need to allow their children and say something like this: "If you're hurting, feel free to come and talk to me abt. whatever you're going thru and it's okay to cry if you need to cry."-These are the types of parents who are actually there for their children imo. Doesn't it make one stronger when we do show our emotions? Unfortunately, sometimes I do struggle to communicate, but I'm doing my best to work on that. By saying "showing emotions and pain is weak,"-why do you think kids bottle their feelings up all the time? And then as they get older, one day they literally blow up due to everything they ended up holding inside of themselves. And then some parents ask their children this: "What's going on?" or "What's wrong?", but the child is comfortable enough saying what's wrong or communicating their feelings due to the fact the parent(s) unintentionally saying: "you're not allowed to show emotions in this house." For me personally, I understand not everyone wants to have 1-on-1 conversations let alone family talks, but the family talks can help where everyone can communicate their feelings including the parents to their children. And it shouldn't matter if anyone in the family cries during this family talk b/c that's exactly what it should be for; everyone's expressing emotions/feelings together as a family-oriented unit. Also, it's *normal* for ALL girls/women to show emotions on their periods & both boys/men need to learn how to understand that.
Something that really helped me to remember when I felt dysphoric is that bleeding for a week straight is actually manly as fuck. Just some logic to throw at your dysphoria.
I was lucky to find an OBGYN doctor who agreed with me and gave me a hysterectomy. I was only 23. But I NEVER wanted children. My mother never let me use tampons because she heard too many horror stories about toxic shock. But pads were more painful to me than the actual period. Everyone said I would regret having a hystorecromy at 23, but I'm 36 now and have NEVER regreted it. If I do want to be a mother someday, I always wanted to adopt an older child from foster care.
I first got my period at age 10, and basically was THAT girl that had an,, accident at school every month for years😭I just felt so utterly disconnected from my body and so anxious about dealing with it that it was just an absolute nightmare every month, and I didn't understand why everybody else GOT it and had it (seemingly) under control. When I turned 18 and I was allowed to use tampons (and later cups!), that helped a bit. Then my doctor suggested birth control for me and... finally I feel like it's not SO bad😅 Now I can (usually) work or go out with friends and not have to worry about suddenly getting violently ill with no warning and ruining my whole day lol
@@gQuinn1313 yeah :/ tried to explain to another commenter but I guess youtube deleted my reply. let's just say she thought I would try *other* more mature activities if I started using them
@@kkuudandere oh makes sense. I’m a gymnast so my mom kinda has to let me. I have a lot of anxiety surrounding my period, and tampons help with my understanding that I won’t leak. 👍🏻
My period is any day now my body never picked a scedual it verys by a week and a half. As an autistic woman I have never been able to stand any sort of product that collects blood outside my body, I can feel it there and I will not be okay It is absolute torture. I use menstraul cups now but I nearly went back to tampons because of the learning curve. I'm just glad my worst cramps and nausea have faded as I aged. The first fifteen years of having my period it felt like I was being stabed couldn't eat because of the nausea and got so dizzy I nearly fell on my face. Now I'm mostly okay .
Thanks for making this video! My stepsister is autistic but she really struggles with being as articulate and self-reflective as you. I don’t want to say “non-verbal” because she’s a word fountain when she’s comfortable, but if you ask her about pain or emotions, her answer is usually “I don’t know.” It’s really hard for her to identify and understand pain and emotions. Her mom kinda believes that she doesn’t feel cramps at all and that my stepsister just chooses to complain about them and use them as a reason to lay low because she heard that that’s how periods work. I disagree, I’ve noticed how easily teary she gets the week leading up, harder to talk to the week of, and I see her forehead crease randomly which I would bet is a cramp coming through. I imagine it’s also super hard for her because she has a fast-food job and she can’t take her period days off even if she’s in pain, exhausted, and on the verge of tears. To make matters more complicated, her personal assistant who transports her and aids her at work is not allowed to give her medication, even OTC stuff, so she has to take it when she wakes up and when her program hours are over. That leaves a big gap if she’s in pain. I hope our family and her service provider can work out better solutions in the future 😔 On another note, I totally relate to the middle sweet-spot during the period week lol. I’ve got super heavy, painful flow for the first few days, then it’s manageable, and then when the bleeding lets up I tend to get a hormone migraine which suuuuuucks. I ended up getting a birth control insert in my arm that almost eliminated my periods. I love it so much lol. Idk if it’s available outside the US or if hormonal birth control is more complicated with autism in terms of mood regulation or things like that. But it’s been a game changer for me
Your step-sister sounds a lot like me! Talkative but no idea how to explain emotions It's actually called alexithymia if you didn't know or are interested in doing research It's a big struggle for me and just knowing it had a name helped a lot lol
a good amount of autistic women have pmdd i think that could be the case with your sister too! it causes a lot of stress and pain the week leading to periods and symptoms start showing early on as well. also someone already mentioned but not being able to articulate or differentiate between emotions is clinically termed as “alexithymia” really really common in autists!
We're so alike lol. My TENS unit NEVER leaves my belly while on my period and I need pain medication too otherwise I am in agony. I too love to drink herbal tea on my period especially if it has mint and fennel seed because those help with inflammation and bloat. I love to have menstrual cups if my flow is too heavy but I have recently switched to period underwear and it rocks! :)
I am definitely way more fatigued when I'm on my period, have brain fog/period brain the whole time, have 10x worse executive functioning etc. I'm really lucky that my periods are super light and not that painful, which may be partially due to my high pain tolerance as an autistic Also I've had cysts on my ovaries, and I am at risk of PCOS but my birth control is supposed to help prevent it. Last time I stopped taking my birth control, I didn't get a period at all. So I actually don't like it when I don't get a period, partially because it makes me think something could be wrong and because I'm at risk of PCOS. Oh, and the nice thing about being on birth control (the pill, specifically) is that I get my period on the EXACT same day every month. It is always on the fourth day of sugar pill week for me (it's supposed to be the first day of sugar pill week but my periods are just super short and light). Anyway it's nice as an autistic person to know the exact day each month that I'll get it, and to be able to adjust when I get it. When I was working at a zoo over the summer, I changed my birth control schedule so that I'd get my period on my day off every month
Honestly, having birth control pills make my period entirely predictable and controlable in terms of timing has been a blessing. In my case it also made it much lighter so that's a plus. And yeah, occasionally my body "skips" the bleeding part because of the pills, but I'm not sure how worrying that is. Probably just not enough hormones that trigger the uterus lining to thicken then rip off, since the flux of different hormones is more..level during the entire month while on pills. At least that's what I've assumed based on my understanding of how things work.🤷
This was my experience with birth control too! I’ve had to come off of it because I’d been on one pill for 10 years and that’s not recommended. And things have been awful since. I’ve been putting up with it because I want to get pregnant but it sucks.
@@katrianem2124 Wait really? I didn't know you couldn't be on the same pill for 10 years. I guess I'm gonna have to find an alternative once it's been 10 years..
This video was super informative and super cool! I can now shove this info in my stepmom’s face when I say I can’t work on my period because I get migraines!
I remember misunderstanding my period due to poor sex ed, and HATING regular pads because of the sensory issues. (Cloth ones have been a godsend for me, so to speak, btw since they do not stick to me and cause pain. It can need more adjustments since it has no adhesive, but it feels a lot better for me since it doesn't tear off my skin when I adjust.) First time I got one I was at home, thank goodness, and I was SO confused as to why it was BROWN. Since it was dried blood. Then the second time I got my period I had thought that periods only lasted 1 week the first time, and two days for the rest of them. I was WRONG, and looking back it was kind of funny, but very mortifying at the time. Just, blood everywhere on the sheets. My Mum was always very nonchalant and dismissive about them, and my Dad just knew NOTHING. He would get flustered when I talked or ranted about them. And for me personally, my periods got worse and worse over time. I had heavy bleeding so bad that it made me anemic and I had to take adult-level supplements when I was 13-14. And I still have to be on birth control because my pain is so bad that without it I cannot walk for basically half the year and my iron levels die from the loss of blood. With the meds, I can actually work out on my periods and I only get a period once every 3 months. (SO NICE!!!) I didn't get meds till after HS since my first doctor, who is no longer my doctor thank goodness, always told me "it's just stress" or "pain is normal" despite me saying I literally couldn't even roll over in bed much less get up because of the pain. She didn't even tell me about birth control options, because the one time she mentioned BC I FREAKED OUT. I freaked out because in my 12-year-old brain, I thought that BC was only for people having sex, and I obviously did not wanna be sexually active at 12 and I thought that was what she meant. Thanks, US sex ed...UGH.
I'm so glad I watched this video. My periods are awful, they really take their toll on me and I have only just found always platinum pads which feels so much better for me than any other pads. I always feel like I cannot ever cope with life at all when I'm on, so hearing from Chloe that it is okay for me to skip baths/showers or do nothing for the day with a hot water bottle makes me feel less critical of myself for feeling like I can't do anything.
Girl, you are AMAZING! A goddess of Autistic beauty. When my period comes around I am a completely different person whenever my period shows up, especially cuz I got PMDD on TOP of it. There definitely needs to be more resources and aid for those who feel it so much stronger! You’re so inspiring to all us autistic ladies. Keep slaying. 🌈♾️
Just got my period yesterday (not for the first time but still, really good timing for your video; at least for me hahah) What I also noticed with ADHD and being on my period is that my meds aren't really working. Makes me feel weirded out everytime it happens, and it is really frustrating when you have to study a lot and are already super emotional. But then I remember why it happens and I know it won't be forever. c:
I'm at the point where I get panic attacks/meltdowns when my period starts. Literally ended up crying in the grocery store the other day, but I had a mask on so it wasn't so obvious lol. Great video, thanks Chloe!
Yes, on cramps, bloating, tender breasts, the Hershey squirts, fatigue, mood swings, irritability and uncontrollable anger. Today, I'm learning how to cope with the emotional ups and downs that are associated with PMDD which is a severe form of PMS. I used to hate surfing the crimson wave when I was younger due to being emotionally overwhelmed and in pain as well as hormonal and misunderstood. Even now, I'm still hormonal and misunderstood. I'm starting to love being the bleeder of the pack because I get to kick back and relax in my room and enjoy my favorite snacks such as dark chocolate and Graham cookies as well as my favorite meals.
I really like this video as a autistic trans masc person. You using gender neutral language made me feel very comfortable which I'm usually not when watching videos about periods. Being an autistic afab person but not being a girl can be difficult sometimes but you made me feel better😊 I always get really overwhelmed on my period and remembering to eat and sleep and take care of myself gets harder to remember but i try to remeber to prioritize myself because we deserve to be comfortable and to take time for ourselves. Something I like to do is that when I think I'm getting my period I stock up on my safe foods specifically something that's simple to make because when I'm overwhelmed eating is really difficult so it's nice to have something that I'll want to eat laying around. Also water is important when you're having your period but sometimes it just doesn't feel important when there's so much going on but I reccomend to find ways to motivate yourself to stay hydrated like ice cubes or straws or a cup that u like to drink from Because then it feels less like a chore and more like something that you'll want to do. And if you're reading this and you're also a trans person who have periods I want you to remeber that youre not alone💕
i dont know what to say in this comment but i wanted to say something, thank you for the advice and kind words, im happy for you feeling comfortable with the pronouns and i just want to throw all the positivity i can at you
I don't know anything about hormone interactions, but I take a low dose progesterone only birth control pill called Dienogest that has basically made my periods stop completely. I'm nonbinary, afab, and the main thing that makes me feel dysphoria is when I've had periods, so it's been a huge relief to not have to worry about them anymore. As long as I take my med at the same time every day. Maybe something like that can help so you don't have to deal with periods anymore? Just a possibility to maybe discuss with your doctor if you're interested.
For me it's specifically Libresse pads (they stay dry until needing changed and feel closest to how underwear feels but are less expensive than Always) combined with a period cup (OrganiCup but that's more of an availability thing). Planning to try out period panties and reusable pads soonish, but they are not widely available in my country yet.
Thank you for bringing periods up! Oh my gosh so many people are all icky just talking about them, (even other women) This video is so, so informative and helpful. Thank you for your hard work Chloe. 💜 For me I can't use tampons, (tried once and it was painful and wouldn't go in, so I panicked that I had no v@gin@ 🤣 I use pads that are scent free, but they are so uncomfortable and even the big ones don't protect me from spillage. (So definitely gonna check out Modibodi) and the relief when my period ends and I can take those things off 😌. Also I use a hot water bottle for the pain and oh my gosh the *pain* has been so bad that I've gotten heat rash on my stomach and I didn't even notice till I needed to reheat the water bottle. They are so irregular too, they can happen between 1 month or up to 3/4 months. (As a teen, I so often panicked that I was pregnant, even though I never had sex, *face palm*) My first period was a total horror story for me too, but I've been going on far too long already. 😅
@@siobhan_bradleyxoxo they dont have periods. not at any point of time in any point of being will that ever occour. fuckin flying purple pigs in the green sky again! watch out for the unisauruscorn! they totally exist and function!
Also, if you have iron deficiency like me, it'll get worse on you period, because iron is in blood. And when your iron levels are low, it causes symptoms similar to adhd, such as brain fog. So yeah, get more iron when on your period and right before and right after, it should help ease those symptoms
Honestly the thing that helped me the most is a birth control with a 3 month no placebo, so I only have a period once every 3 months. It’s my saving grace
I used to hate my period so much that I opted for a birth control that made me not have one for years. I eventually decided it's healthier for me to have one and became more comfortable with it, but I will say that it was VERY helpful for me in a time where I was very avoidant of my period and found it utterly disgusting.
This is such a good video, thank you so much, Chloe. I grew up in a household that wasn't outright shaming me but I never felt comfortable talking about it. I felt such immense guilt/shame for something I couldn't control, which was incredibly normal. For any autistic afab/ menstruators that are feeling sacred to getting their period or have it and are very stressed, I promise it dose get better. It doesn't feel like it and you feel like you are the only person in the world that will always hate getting it but I have grown to maybe not love but accept and manage mine. The 2 main things that truly changed my life when it came to my period were 1. Period/menstrual cups, they are not for everyone and you should NEVER feel guilty for using a product that works for you. It took me about 3 months to figure out how to use them and reschedule my brain but after I did it has been the best years of my period. Zero waste, zero having to buy products every month, zero pads rubbing, swim proof etc 2. Clue app period tracking app (that as Chloe says) after several cycles gets better at predicting when your next period is going to be, I have been using it for 4+ years now and it now nails right on the day when I'll get it, which is so amazing for planning and routine.
Ahh it’s so refreshing to hear somebody talk about not feeling yourself on your period! Not only that, my anxiety gets so much worse to the point where if I leave the house, even if it’s to do with my special interests I have a meltdown or panic attack. Thank you for this video! So helpful and so reassuring to know I’m not alone! Much love 💕 x
Woah! I have NEVER seen period panties!!! And I am almost 27 lmao not only that but I am currently pregnant and wellllll sometimes have some leaks, they even have maternity panties and postpartum panties....and they look HELLA COMFY even in the belly area! I am so glad you are bold enough to talk about this and bring things up because this has even helped me. I had no clue being autistic could be why my periods were so heavy and my mood was so awful! My sisters never understood the flow or my mood though one of em has more pain. Her and I both use L. organic pads and tampons as thats all we can use without the pain. My periods have got more painful with age and after having my daughter. So I am mainly watching this to be more prepared after I have my son as I am scared I will end up in so much pain on my periods after the baby that I cant use pads or tampons especially tampons! I deff need these panties maternity, postpartum ones and period after baby! Thanks so much for this info!!! It means so much to me especially seeing they got maternity and postpartum panties too because I hate pads and most panties suck when you are pregnant as they are so uncomfy!!!!
I am autistic and I do get the irregular cycles a lot(although it is hard for me to maintain taking the pill at the exact same time each day because I also have ADHD and lose focus a lot), but one weird thing for me is that I RARELY EVER get period cramps or pains. I would honestly take them instead of the extreme toll it takes on my EMOTIONS. It's like every time I get my period or the days leading up to my period, I have a full on sobbing mental breakdown where I am tempted to unalive. It's become so common for me that I even wrote an ironically chipper song about how much I want to unalive. That's the mental space it puts me in.
I'm seeing this video just at the right time. I'm having a really tough time with my period right now. I couldn't stop crying yesterday and it feels like my entire body is in pain.
I’m Autistic but I think the only one of the three issues that you mentioned that affected me was early puberty. I even had one special ed teacher who noticed that I was wearing bras and staring my periods early on and announced it to everyone, even though I felt uncomfortable about it. But I also hate period cramps and wearing pads.
I’m on my period! 😂 I love my diva cup 😁 I’m exhausted when I’m on my period so it just makes me even more sensory sensitive. Fortunately mine is pretty predictable and can brace myself.
hey, im not autistic ( or so i think) however i did start my period at the age of nine, tbh it was hard for me to cope with it or to understand what was going on with my body, im so happy that your making these videos for children to watch for fun while getting educated- keep up the good work!!
I’ve been using reusable/washable pads for a year now, and they’re so much more comfortable and absorbent than disposable pads! Also saves soooo much money in the long run. The only annoying part is having to wash them.
Seriously thank you for this video. My periods are so bad and coping with sensory issues has been really difficult as well. So nice to have confirmation and guidance with this .
I am a female and was diagnosed with ASD at 10 and got my period at 12. It was very distressing for me as I was very sensitive to clothing textures. I hated diapers as an toddler and would remove them as soon as my mom turned around. Now IMAGINE having an extremely heavy period flow and having to start wearing xxl pads as a 12 year old…. It was so embarrassing cause everyone knew I got my period by the way I was constantly adjusting my underwear in school. I tried to do it when no one was looking but I was told I even walked weird cause I was so extremely uncomfortable. I was diagnosed and went to regular therapy (although I wouldn’t call it that) it was basically just me talking about stuff like this and they basically saying “ohh.. okay” instead of teaching me about my diagnosis and strategies to cope. Mind this was over 12 years ago so I hope the system has change.
I hate having my period so much. The changes in my body, how it affects my mental health, is just to much to handle. I am extremely dependent on taking painkillers in time, if not I will be in so much pain. Am currently starting to look into contraceptives that could make them stop, but at the same time am terrified of all the side affects it could cause🥲 Love you and how you talk about these things ♥️ is so helpful as a fellow autistic person 🥰
I tried a ton of different pills until I found Lybrel/Amethyst. It has no sugar pills and after 3-6 months entirely suppressed my period. It's been life changing.
Such good advice! I wish my country would allow me to follow the "take a day" advice. I'd get fired here in the states 😖 also, we can't use period trackers in most states. Some states will put us on trial for murder if we miss a period 😔
I literally started watching this video, then half way through needed to go to bathroom and just started my period just then... Which makes sense for the past 24 hours of being burnt out.
hello i am late to this vid but if you have sensory issues & hate tampons & pads, here’s so alt options! the depot shot is what i get, it’s a birth control shot you get about every three months. there’s pills but some people can’t swallow pills. there’s thinx underwear which have a sewn in pad pretty much!
I just got off mine. I love my menstrual cups (I cycle through 3: pink, purple, and teal), and I have less pain since I started using them. I forgot to take it out once for like 2 days, so now I check the drawer where I keep them for 3 days after I’m done with my period to make sure all 3 are there. I have noticed that I have a harder time dealing with things that irritate me normally, but I can silently fume normally, but I get extremely mad on my period and can’t keep my mouth shut about it. This last period happened at the tail end of me being extremely sick and my family got even more sick as I started my period, so I spent the whole time I was sick and bleeding taking care of my family and eating Tylenol, ibuprofen, and cold medicine as pretty much my only meals.
I never considered that being autistic might make periods different for me, but I guess it did and I always took it as "normal". I remember being surprised when a friend said at 12 that she hadn't gotten hers yet, when I'd gotten mine at around 10. Same with PMS and cramping. I thought my mom and my sister dealt with it the same as me by internalizing everything, and then as an adult I heard my post-menopausal mom say, "I never really got PMS; I was lucky." Meanwhile I'm holding back tears or getting irritable. (A couple of times I would get angry at my brother for something he'd say and he would say, "Are you on the rag?" My mom told him off the first time, but the second time she actually backed him up and said, "Seriously, are you? Because you're really snippy.") And I don't think I ever heard my sister complain about cramps, but I've been woken up by them... not fun.
Thanks for talking about this it is really important and there is really not enough information for the neurodiverse which teats us as intelligent adults (almost all of it is aimed at those with educational delays as well as autism). These are good for the neurotypicals as well as you talk about it so clearly. I gladly waved goodbye to my periods (and the rest of my reproductive system) in July as I had PMDD (PMS gone mad) which was untreatable through medication so I had to go radical. There are a lot of ceases of PMDD in the Autistic community not that it has been researched systematically. Not really a surprise as PMDD is to do with the body processing hormones and hormone changes and that is an area that is not good for the neurodiverse brain. In my experience, gynaecologists who specialise in these issues are more able to deal with the complications created by the neurodiverse brain than those who barely understand the main problem or neurodiversity. PMS would be a good topic to cover as it affects over 50% of women at some point in their lives, and PMDD the evil sister affects between 2 and 8% and is one of the leading courses of suicide in reproductive-age women. lots of info on the IAPMD website which comes from the specialists in the field. But a heads up menopause is no walk in the park as an Autistic woman. Most medics do not understand the process anyway so our experience of it is even harder for them to deal with. It is worth getting a referral to a menopause specialist if you have problems since most specialists are more able to help with managing the symptoms since they are aware of all the options.
Also for those not in the know with the Tism or ADHD especially be on the watch forPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD disproportionately affects people with ADHD and autism, with up to 92% of autistic people with a uterus and 46% of people with a uterus who have ADHD. PMDD as far as I understand it is basically like PMS hypersensitivity. Look into it more if what you thought was PMS always seemed to effect you more than others.
I’m a 15 year old autistic child and I’ve had times where I was crying in class because my mom wouldn’t pick me up from my period pain but I’m really glad to know I wasn’t over reacting
I have fibroids as well autism. I've always had problems with heavy periods and pms. I started my periods when I was 10 years old. I cried 😢 when it started. I'm 38 years old and looking into getting a hysterectomy eventually as I cannot cope with the pain, fatigue and heavy periods on my periods. I hate towels as well. And I cannot use tampons as well. Good video BTW.
I have REALLY irregular periods, but I suspect it is mainly because of lack of food intake and stress, but being autistic probably contributes to that too. But I also find it really uncomfortable to wear anything besides period undies - literally wearing some right now! I use the brand THNX
I am autistic (possibly also ADHD) and I was having trouble concentrating when revising this morning, and was super tired, and then I remembered i am on my period. That makes sense.
I am autistic and I have PMDD. My period is honestly a thing I look forward to, because I feel só much better when my period starts. Periods are different for everyone and I just want people to know that if your experience is like mine: you are not alone. All experiences are valid.
WoW, this is so Very Insightful, Impressive, Important, for everyone who just knows anyone who has a periods and then also autism and periods. Thank you beyond how difficult this period time, knowledge, communication and selfcare is powerful no matter how you amplement or develop a strategy for that time.
Amazing video! I love your positive energy so much, it is infectious! I talk a lot about periods with my own children and teen students I support (teacher) and am passionate about reducing taboos. I will be sharing this video with autistic young people I know. Thank you!
I just want to say thank you for using such gender-neutral language. I'm nonbinary, and I hate all the gendered language surrounding periods, because it causes a whole lot of dysphoria during a time when I am already super uncomfortable.
I when I had my first period, I was driving 6 hours to get somewhere with my dad. I left without telling my mums and I freaked out. Luckly, my mum had made me pack Modibodi. They are light and easy to pack, and the most comfy brand I've ever used. Now my mums make me use bonds, deff not the same. Modibodi has softer materials and look more like normal underwear.
My first period was on July 3rd, the day before I turned 11 years old, and I hadn’t been warned about periods. We were at a 4th of July fireworks show at the local mall. As far as I know I’m not autistic, but I, too, strongly dislike change.
I recently got “diagnosed” (not officially) with autism, I’m 16 and I jut found your channel and it awesome. Big sister videos would be great especially since I’m the oldest child in my family 😊.
I’m SO lucky that I don’t have cramps or any internal pain (I think it’s bad interception) and that my antidepressants make me not have a period for like 3 months, but the rest (the sensory issues, the executive dysfunction) is so unbearable, so this really really helps
Getting my period to me, meant I had to be the woman society wanted for me, and I didn't want to be that person. I was very lost for a long time. I still don't fit into the stereotype and I have lost family and friends because my rebellious nature. TBH, I don't care what they think of me. It's just sad that they can't accept it as OK and not a bad thing.
I'm transmasc and autistic. After years and years, I've found my go-to pads and Tampons that are soft enough for me. I'm looking forward to the day I can get on Testosterone.
Period pads or pants are my favourites, tampons are uncomfortable for me. ‘Always’ have a couple of varieties that felt super soft and really held my heavy flows. But whilst more ceo friendly cotton versions aren’t quite as good at catching my flow (when it’s at its worst) they actually really help with my thrush I’ve plagued with since a baby. My one issue with period pants is that when you go to the toilet and pull them back on and they’ve got a some blood but not full, they sometimes feel wet which I hate.
My periods are quite irregular and over the last year, I've experienced some changes. At this time one year ago, I was getting my periods at the beginning of the day at around the 3rd week of each month, with cramps that was leaving me bedridden for the first day, with a lack of apatite for the rest of the period. However, throughout the year of 2021, it's shifted to the late evening of the second week of each month, with cramps that leave me bedridden for 2 days instead of 1 where I am dealing with the worst of it at night. I am already using Modibodi and it helps me cope better. They are so much more comfortable than pads and I was never using tampons, except for this one time where I got my period on the day of my friend's pool party. I absolutely hated it and ever since then, I've just cancelled any pool events that clashed with my period. To deal with the cramps that are leaving me bedridden every single month, I have to be lying down no matter what. During those first 2 days, I cannot move without getting so dizzy, I feel like I am going to be sick, even though it hasn't actually happened about almost 2 years. When I'm waiting for my heat pack, I have to either be sitting or lying down because even just standing affects me. To help with this I take some period relief medication and then I go to bed with my heat pack and just listen to music on Spotify. It helps me for the most part, but as I am starting to enter the workforce, having started my very first job last week, I am aware I cannot do that and I get the feeling I won't be able to take 2 days off, every single month. I know most people would say go to a doctor for advice. We already did. And we got turned away. My Mum wanted to find out if I might have Polycystic Overies. I got a blood test (which was extremely hard for me because I have the biggest phobia of needles) and when we went to my GP for the results, she refused to let me get tested any further because I wasn't trying to have a baby, despite what I'm going through every single month. So I'm stumped. Because every single month, I have little apatite, am extremely thirsty (for water), cannot move without feeling like I'm going to be sick and must lie in bed for 2 days and I am not sure what else I can do to make this more bearable or what I should do if my period clashes with a work day. I know asking on the internet is not always the smartest idea, but I've gone through this for 6 years now and I've just had it. So if anyone has anything they can offer, whether it's something to try or someone I could speak to, please suggest it. I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you. I wish I had the information I have now when I was a teenager because I was just miserable. Nobody talked about it. So here I am almost forty and its just been the last four or five years I've managed to get it together. Things that have helped me are Tiger Balm patches, because I can't afford to take time out from work, so the heat patch travels with me. My menstrual cup, which lets me ignore my period, and is also easy to just keep in my bag so that its always with me, just in case. Lady's Mantle tea. Peppermint oil for the migraines and learning to consume extra iron so that I hopefully don't get the migraine in the first place. Its so important to talk about this and talk about this and talk about this. I don't want anyone to go through what I did and you're terrific for speaking up.
Yeah, mine definitely fall under the irregular category. My period will be somewhat predictable for maybe 3 months at a time. Not to mention I've randomly missed periods here and there (1 month misses) and had two in the same month. I never go anywhere without painkillers, water, and money for the vending machine (sprite or cookies usually). Because especially since lockdown, I have nausea with my periods (even better by the way! /s), so having stuff on me to prevent nausea is crucial in my case. I definitely relate on the pain tolerance part as well. I can tolerate most things normally (I've got several brusies over the years to prove it), but the cramps really do feel like I'm in agony, and that's why the first day or two is always the worst.
Actually hormone levels are at the lowest during that time of the cycle; that's why we feel more balanced when they build back up, they help creativity and social aptitude that's for everyone not just ND
I have intense PMDD. I have found a birth control pill with no inactive weeks to be the best thing for me. No more mood swings and my period is suppressed entirely.
When i had that time of month, i hated the sound of the packaging, the smell of the products, and the feeling of things being 'damp' down there and the rough texture of pads. (Shudders)
Im autistic and I got my first period at 9 years old, they continued every month after. I was traumatised. I got diagnosed with endometriosis finally at 14, after struggling with awful bloating, torturous horrendous pain, disgusting blood clots the size of my hand that required pushing to be expelled. I also have sensory processing disorder, which is different from autism sensory issues apparently (i'm not 100% sure). I just hate having my period, not only is it incredibly painful but I cannot cope with the wet feeling in my underwear or any thickness or shifting in fabric or pads in my underwear. I cannot wear tampons, too painful, smallest ones will not or cannot fit, and my flow is too heavy for it to be worth it. Thank you for sharing this video Chloe, it made me cry, I feel so heard and understood.
Mine have always been messy. I have pcos, so no set schedule. I have severe anxiety during periods around bed time. I would lock up so i didnt get it all over my bed. After delivering my daughter i used adult diapers and OMG life changer (for me) for 2 nights i use them during my heavy times. And sleep is so much more comfortable. Use what works for you!!
Thank you so much Chloè my daughter is only 6 but she will eventually go through this and as much experience as I have, im not autistic, she is very low on the spectrum so it would mostly be sensory and the changes for her. I appreciate your videos ❤
Periods for me as an autistic perosn is one of the most uncomfortable thing ,I juts really can't stand them and dread when they come I find using period cups are the best option for me as i struggle with rembering to change products and struggle with the sensory issues of changing them, were with cups its long lasting and resusbels meaning it saves money and time after having twins my periods have become alot more irregular and alot more painful , its so refreshing hearing another autistic perosn talk about the struggle that I thought I was alone
I use period underwear. It's comfy and I don't need to worry about it as much. I've tried pads and I find them itchy and awkward. And I'm far too scared to try tampons, ect.
When I used to have periods, before starting a low dose progesterone only birth control pill that completely stopped them, heat would only ever make my pain worse. I basically had to get a hard ice pack and hold it firmly pressed against my lower abdomen to numb out the pain.
"but first and last, don't talk to me, i will be in my room crying" last day never bothers me but THE FIRST DAY OH MY GOD. not only am i autistic which makes sensory things hard to deal with, i also have physical disabilities and my periods tend to make my knee inflammation worse along with terrible cramps in my back and stomach and rear. i suspect scoliosis, but whether that's true or not, my back also hurts every day so having period cramps is terrible - and i ALSO have chronic constipation (it's been a problem since i was 4) so pain in my rear? no. i literally had to stay home on monday this week due to how painful it was. during cramps, i also can't tell if my stomach hurts from hunger or period cramps or both due to my inability to differentiate different causes of pain, cause of autism. if it couldn't get any worse, i'm trans and periods give me dysphoria. basically, periods are hell.
I get overstimulated when i wear a specific one for more than a day so i like to use a different method everyday. Like cup the 1st, pads the 2nd, & tampons the 3rd. Each has their own weird feeling
It seems to me it would be most beneficial if we had medication that entirely pauses menstrual cycle. I think some hormonal therapies do that, but that would probably be the Nuclear option for most people.
I would definitely highly recommend everyone use reusable period products, not necessarily because of the environmental impact of disposable ones but because they have been proven to be toxic.
I am male but knowing my classmates are going through so much pain and suffering whilst at school, they are insanely resilient
we seriously need more people like you in the world tho
My male friend didn't know much about periods except that it was a thing that happened. He was shocked when I went into detail about my own personal struggles. It is comforting to know some men actually understand and are considerate and empathetic. Thank you.
My now husband made me go to the GP when he realised just how bad it was. He said, 'this isn't okay'. Watching this video now, I cashed in, and I have an IUD in. My nasty period is gone as are my PMDD symptoms 🎉
I have irregular periods. That‘s is for me as an autistic woman extra hard because no planning of having the period. Total stress for me. I am so lucky for my female doctor that she prescribes me birth control for a long cyclus (I take it everyday and no pause) and I don’t have my period any more. I know it is not for everyone but I want to put it out there as an option because it makes my life so much easier and better.
Mine were very irregular and I eventually was having pain that no painkiller would help. Long term birth control, dienogest is what I take, feels like a life saver. No more period anxiety over when it'll come, no more incessant cramps that can't be fixed by painkillers, no more having to deal with blood, less overall dysphoria over having a seemingly working uterus. I felt a huge sigh of relief after a few months of taking it when my periods just stopped. Despite having other important medications, I consider this one my most important. I can't go back to the suffering and anxiety of having periods.
If you still take birth control, please take something that cleans your liver. If you take birth control for too long, your liver will become fatty.
As a 13 yo girl with high functioning autism, no one told me about how periods are different for me and other people with autism. So I just thought that everyone had almost the same experience with it. I never knew it was worse so I just sucked it all up and hid how much pain I was in because I thought everyone else with periods felt the same and didn't mind it. Also I was raised to not show pain or emotions or else I was labled as weak to people so that also plays on to how my periods go.
Update:I’m 15 going on 16 now and just got a notification from this comment, wow time flies. Also I am so much worse than I was back then lmao
I'm 17 and "high functioning" also and thought the same thing
As a 40yr old with Autism, please know it's okay to unmask. High functioning is simply high masking. It will eat away at you until you no longer know who you are (that was my experience). I hope you learn to be okay with your true self sooner than it took me. Us weirdos make the world fun and interesting! Stay true to you and surround yourself with other weirdos 🥰
so was i and raised to be isolated :D
@@yelenakate4ever200 Hey, I'm almost 17 with "aspergers syndrome/ high functioning" autism too. This comment section is awesome, I've never seen so many autistic people in my life. Idk it's just cozy ig aha
+_nyqueer I've noticed a few others on here mentioned that they're high functioning. Honestly, idk exactly what I have, but I'm also high functioning. I'm aware this was from a year ago, but the video just now popped up on my homepage.
But in hindsight, no girl should ever be raised "not to show pain or emotions." Whether you're a boy or girl, no one should be raised where "showing emotions is labeled as weak,"-imo. Obviously, don't be a pushover-coddler type parent, but those same parents need to allow their children and say something like this: "If you're hurting, feel free to come and talk to me abt. whatever you're going thru and it's okay to cry if you need to cry."-These are the types of parents who are actually there for their children imo.
Doesn't it make one stronger when we do show our emotions? Unfortunately, sometimes I do struggle to communicate, but I'm doing my best to work on that. By saying "showing emotions and pain is weak,"-why do you think kids bottle their feelings up all the time? And then as they get older, one day they literally blow up due to everything they ended up holding inside of themselves. And then some parents ask their children this: "What's going on?" or "What's wrong?", but the child is comfortable enough saying what's wrong or communicating their feelings due to the fact the parent(s) unintentionally saying: "you're not allowed to show emotions in this house." For me personally, I understand not everyone wants to have 1-on-1 conversations let alone family talks, but the family talks can help where everyone can communicate their feelings including the parents to their children. And it shouldn't matter if anyone in the family cries during this family talk b/c that's exactly what it should be for; everyone's expressing emotions/feelings together as a family-oriented unit. Also, it's *normal* for ALL girls/women to show emotions on their periods & both boys/men need to learn how to understand that.
I might not be a woman, however you dropped some new knowledge on me to help my kids in the future.
💝👏👏👏 if everyone had your attitude, the stigma would be gone SO FAST
Period
@@josie.murden No pun intended. :)
I'm an autistic trans guy and sensory issues+ executive function+ dysphoria + being infinatly behind in everything is a very terrible mix :'D
Something that really helped me to remember when I felt dysphoric is that bleeding for a week straight is actually manly as fuck. Just some logic to throw at your dysphoria.
I'm also a autistic trans guy. It really is difficult to deal with all those things. But your not alone😊
felt this. we're strong as hell for handling all this shit💪
sending you all big hugs
you are valid
@@MorganBondelid thank you :)) you too, whatever you're going through
I was lucky to find an OBGYN doctor who agreed with me and gave me a hysterectomy. I was only 23. But I NEVER wanted children. My mother never let me use tampons because she heard too many horror stories about toxic shock. But pads were more painful to me than the actual period. Everyone said I would regret having a hystorecromy at 23, but I'm 36 now and have NEVER regreted it. If I do want to be a mother someday, I always wanted to adopt an older child from foster care.
I first got my period at age 10, and basically was THAT girl that had an,, accident at school every month for years😭I just felt so utterly disconnected from my body and so anxious about dealing with it that it was just an absolute nightmare every month, and I didn't understand why everybody else GOT it and had it (seemingly) under control. When I turned 18 and I was allowed to use tampons (and later cups!), that helped a bit. Then my doctor suggested birth control for me and... finally I feel like it's not SO bad😅
Now I can (usually) work or go out with friends and not have to worry about suddenly getting violently ill with no warning and ruining my whole day lol
OMG I got mine at the same age lol
Wait… you weren’t allowed to use tampons till you were 18?
@@gQuinn1313 yeah :/ tried to explain to another commenter but I guess youtube deleted my reply. let's just say she thought I would try *other* more mature activities if I started using them
@@kkuudandere oh makes sense. I’m a gymnast so my mom kinda has to let me. I have a lot of anxiety surrounding my period, and tampons help with my understanding that I won’t leak. 👍🏻
Omg I relate so hard to this! Litetally almost the same story however I went on birth control when I was 11 ;-;
My period is any day now my body never picked a scedual it verys by a week and a half. As an autistic woman I have never been able to stand any sort of product that collects blood outside my body, I can feel it there and I will not be okay It is absolute torture. I use menstraul cups now but I nearly went back to tampons because of the learning curve. I'm just glad my worst cramps and nausea have faded as I aged. The first fifteen years of having my period it felt like I was being stabed couldn't eat because of the nausea and got so dizzy I nearly fell on my face. Now I'm mostly okay .
Thanks for making this video! My stepsister is autistic but she really struggles with being as articulate and self-reflective as you. I don’t want to say “non-verbal” because she’s a word fountain when she’s comfortable, but if you ask her about pain or emotions, her answer is usually “I don’t know.” It’s really hard for her to identify and understand pain and emotions. Her mom kinda believes that she doesn’t feel cramps at all and that my stepsister just chooses to complain about them and use them as a reason to lay low because she heard that that’s how periods work. I disagree, I’ve noticed how easily teary she gets the week leading up, harder to talk to the week of, and I see her forehead crease randomly which I would bet is a cramp coming through. I imagine it’s also super hard for her because she has a fast-food job and she can’t take her period days off even if she’s in pain, exhausted, and on the verge of tears. To make matters more complicated, her personal assistant who transports her and aids her at work is not allowed to give her medication, even OTC stuff, so she has to take it when she wakes up and when her program hours are over. That leaves a big gap if she’s in pain. I hope our family and her service provider can work out better solutions in the future 😔
On another note, I totally relate to the middle sweet-spot during the period week lol. I’ve got super heavy, painful flow for the first few days, then it’s manageable, and then when the bleeding lets up I tend to get a hormone migraine which suuuuuucks. I ended up getting a birth control insert in my arm that almost eliminated my periods. I love it so much lol. Idk if it’s available outside the US or if hormonal birth control is more complicated with autism in terms of mood regulation or things like that. But it’s been a game changer for me
Your step-sister sounds a lot like me!
Talkative but no idea how to explain emotions
It's actually called alexithymia if you didn't know or are interested in doing research
It's a big struggle for me and just knowing it had a name helped a lot lol
also “atypical interoception”
a good amount of autistic women have pmdd i think that could be the case with your sister too! it causes a lot of stress and pain the week leading to periods and symptoms start showing early on as well. also someone already mentioned but not being able to articulate or differentiate between emotions is clinically termed as “alexithymia” really really common in autists!
We're so alike lol. My TENS unit NEVER leaves my belly while on my period and I need pain medication too otherwise I am in agony. I too love to drink herbal tea on my period especially if it has mint and fennel seed because those help with inflammation and bloat. I love to have menstrual cups if my flow is too heavy but I have recently switched to period underwear and it rocks! :)
I am definitely way more fatigued when I'm on my period, have brain fog/period brain the whole time, have 10x worse executive functioning etc. I'm really lucky that my periods are super light and not that painful, which may be partially due to my high pain tolerance as an autistic
Also I've had cysts on my ovaries, and I am at risk of PCOS but my birth control is supposed to help prevent it. Last time I stopped taking my birth control, I didn't get a period at all. So I actually don't like it when I don't get a period, partially because it makes me think something could be wrong and because I'm at risk of PCOS. Oh, and the nice thing about being on birth control (the pill, specifically) is that I get my period on the EXACT same day every month. It is always on the fourth day of sugar pill week for me (it's supposed to be the first day of sugar pill week but my periods are just super short and light). Anyway it's nice as an autistic person to know the exact day each month that I'll get it, and to be able to adjust when I get it. When I was working at a zoo over the summer, I changed my birth control schedule so that I'd get my period on my day off every month
Honestly, having birth control pills make my period entirely predictable and controlable in terms of timing has been a blessing. In my case it also made it much lighter so that's a plus. And yeah, occasionally my body "skips" the bleeding part because of the pills, but I'm not sure how worrying that is. Probably just not enough hormones that trigger the uterus lining to thicken then rip off, since the flux of different hormones is more..level during the entire month while on pills. At least that's what I've assumed based on my understanding of how things work.🤷
This was my experience with birth control too! I’ve had to come off of it because I’d been on one pill for 10 years and that’s not recommended. And things have been awful since. I’ve been putting up with it because I want to get pregnant but it sucks.
@@katrianem2124 Wait really? I didn't know you couldn't be on the same pill for 10 years. I guess I'm gonna have to find an alternative once it's been 10 years..
7:16 - I just talked with my therapist about this actually. She called it 'internalized capitalism' and it makes sense!
This video was super informative and super cool! I can now shove this info in my stepmom’s face when I say I can’t work on my period because I get migraines!
Migraines r so rough
I remember misunderstanding my period due to poor sex ed, and HATING regular pads because of the sensory issues. (Cloth ones have been a godsend for me, so to speak, btw since they do not stick to me and cause pain. It can need more adjustments since it has no adhesive, but it feels a lot better for me since it doesn't tear off my skin when I adjust.)
First time I got one I was at home, thank goodness, and I was SO confused as to why it was BROWN. Since it was dried blood.
Then the second time I got my period I had thought that periods only lasted 1 week the first time, and two days for the rest of them. I was WRONG, and looking back it was kind of funny, but very mortifying at the time. Just, blood everywhere on the sheets.
My Mum was always very nonchalant and dismissive about them, and my Dad just knew NOTHING. He would get flustered when I talked or ranted about them.
And for me personally, my periods got worse and worse over time. I had heavy bleeding so bad that it made me anemic and I had to take adult-level supplements when I was 13-14. And I still have to be on birth control because my pain is so bad that without it I cannot walk for basically half the year and my iron levels die from the loss of blood. With the meds, I can actually work out on my periods and I only get a period once every 3 months. (SO NICE!!!)
I didn't get meds till after HS since my first doctor, who is no longer my doctor thank goodness, always told me "it's just stress" or "pain is normal" despite me saying I literally couldn't even roll over in bed much less get up because of the pain. She didn't even tell me about birth control options, because the one time she mentioned BC I FREAKED OUT. I freaked out because in my 12-year-old brain, I thought that BC was only for people having sex, and I obviously did not wanna be sexually active at 12 and I thought that was what she meant.
Thanks, US sex ed...UGH.
I'm so glad I watched this video. My periods are awful, they really take their toll on me and I have only just found always platinum pads which feels so much better for me than any other pads. I always feel like I cannot ever cope with life at all when I'm on, so hearing from Chloe that it is okay for me to skip baths/showers or do nothing for the day with a hot water bottle makes me feel less critical of myself for feeling like I can't do anything.
Girl, you are AMAZING! A goddess of Autistic beauty. When my period comes around I am a completely different person whenever my period shows up, especially cuz I got PMDD on TOP of it. There definitely needs to be more resources and aid for those who feel it so much stronger! You’re so inspiring to all us autistic ladies. Keep slaying. 🌈♾️
Just got my period yesterday (not for the first time but still, really good timing for your video; at least for me hahah)
What I also noticed with ADHD and being on my period is that my meds aren't really working. Makes me feel weirded out everytime it happens, and it is really frustrating when you have to study a lot and are already super emotional. But then I remember why it happens and I know it won't be forever. c:
I'm at the point where I get panic attacks/meltdowns when my period starts. Literally ended up crying in the grocery store the other day, but I had a mask on so it wasn't so obvious lol. Great video, thanks Chloe!
I love that u can just opt to wear a mask now, even though it isn't super comfortable
Yes, on cramps, bloating, tender breasts, the Hershey squirts, fatigue, mood swings, irritability and uncontrollable anger. Today, I'm learning how to cope with the emotional ups and downs that are associated with PMDD which is a severe form of PMS. I used to hate surfing the crimson wave when I was younger due to being emotionally overwhelmed and in pain as well as hormonal and misunderstood. Even now, I'm still hormonal and misunderstood. I'm starting to love being the bleeder of the pack because I get to kick back and relax in my room and enjoy my favorite snacks such as dark chocolate and Graham cookies as well as my favorite meals.
I really like this video as a autistic trans masc person. You using gender neutral language made me feel very comfortable which I'm usually not when watching videos about periods. Being an autistic afab person but not being a girl can be difficult sometimes but you made me feel better😊
I always get really overwhelmed on my period and remembering to eat and sleep and take care of myself gets harder to remember but i try to remeber to prioritize myself because we deserve to be comfortable and to take time for ourselves.
Something I like to do is that when I think I'm getting my period I stock up on my safe foods specifically something that's simple to make because when I'm overwhelmed eating is really difficult so it's nice to have something that I'll want to eat laying around.
Also water is important when you're having your period but sometimes it just doesn't feel important when there's so much going on but I reccomend to find ways to motivate yourself to stay hydrated like ice cubes or straws or a cup that u like to drink from Because then it feels less like a chore and more like something that you'll want to do.
And if you're reading this and you're also a trans person who have periods I want you to remeber that youre not alone💕
i dont know what to say in this comment but i wanted to say something, thank you for the advice and kind words, im happy for you feeling comfortable with the pronouns and i just want to throw all the positivity i can at you
@@aaries724 thank you you're so kind! Also I love your profile picture cause cartoons are my special interest including the owl house😊
I don't know anything about hormone interactions, but I take a low dose progesterone only birth control pill called Dienogest that has basically made my periods stop completely. I'm nonbinary, afab, and the main thing that makes me feel dysphoria is when I've had periods, so it's been a huge relief to not have to worry about them anymore. As long as I take my med at the same time every day. Maybe something like that can help so you don't have to deal with periods anymore? Just a possibility to maybe discuss with your doctor if you're interested.
If you have a period you are a woman btw
@Ww Ww then go on, convince me of eugenics
For me it's specifically Libresse pads (they stay dry until needing changed and feel closest to how underwear feels but are less expensive than Always) combined with a period cup (OrganiCup but that's more of an availability thing). Planning to try out period panties and reusable pads soonish, but they are not widely available in my country yet.
nice timing, I’m sitting here waiting for my period to start lol (it’s day 33 now and I’m getting impatient :/)
Thank you for bringing periods up! Oh my gosh so many people are all icky just talking about them, (even other women)
This video is so, so informative and helpful. Thank you for your hard work Chloe. 💜
For me I can't use tampons, (tried once and it was painful and wouldn't go in, so I panicked that I had no v@gin@ 🤣
I use pads that are scent free, but they are so uncomfortable and even the big ones don't protect me from spillage. (So definitely gonna check out Modibodi) and the relief when my period ends and I can take those things off 😌.
Also I use a hot water bottle for the pain and oh my gosh the *pain* has been so bad that I've gotten heat rash on my stomach and I didn't even notice till I needed to reheat the water bottle.
They are so irregular too, they can happen between 1 month or up to 3/4 months. (As a teen, I so often panicked that I was pregnant, even though I never had sex, *face palm*)
My first period was a total horror story for me too, but I've been going on far too long already. 😅
modibodi undies are so comfy!!! i love them but the feeling of bleeding is just eugh.
i really appreciate your use of gender-neutral language :)
yes because we know everyone has periods
@@riovox187 yes.. if youre a girl.
@@MissLadyBelle no... that's just wrong in every way
@@MissLadyBelle And trans men and Non-Binary people and other gender identities
@@siobhan_bradleyxoxo they dont have periods. not at any point of time in any point of being will that ever occour. fuckin flying purple pigs in the green sky again! watch out for the unisauruscorn! they totally exist and function!
Im 27 years old and just got diagnosed with Autism so learning a lot that makes my childhood and recent life make sense
Also, if you have iron deficiency like me, it'll get worse on you period, because iron is in blood. And when your iron levels are low, it causes symptoms similar to adhd, such as brain fog. So yeah, get more iron when on your period and right before and right after, it should help ease those symptoms
Thank you for this video. My daughter is 9 and autistic and i know i need to start planning etc. And your insights are incredible
Honestly the thing that helped me the most is a birth control with a 3 month no placebo, so I only have a period once every 3 months. It’s my saving grace
I used to hate my period so much that I opted for a birth control that made me not have one for years. I eventually decided it's healthier for me to have one and became more comfortable with it, but I will say that it was VERY helpful for me in a time where I was very avoidant of my period and found it utterly disgusting.
This is such a good video, thank you so much, Chloe. I grew up in a household that wasn't outright shaming me but I never felt comfortable talking about it. I felt such immense guilt/shame for something I couldn't control, which was incredibly normal. For any autistic afab/ menstruators that are feeling sacred to getting their period or have it and are very stressed, I promise it dose get better. It doesn't feel like it and you feel like you are the only person in the world that will always hate getting it but I have grown to maybe not love but accept and manage mine. The 2 main things that truly changed my life when it came to my period were 1. Period/menstrual cups, they are not for everyone and you should NEVER feel guilty for using a product that works for you. It took me about 3 months to figure out how to use them and reschedule my brain but after I did it has been the best years of my period. Zero waste, zero having to buy products every month, zero pads rubbing, swim proof etc 2. Clue app period tracking app (that as Chloe says) after several cycles gets better at predicting when your next period is going to be, I have been using it for 4+ years now and it now nails right on the day when I'll get it, which is so amazing for planning and routine.
Ahh it’s so refreshing to hear somebody talk about not feeling yourself on your period! Not only that, my anxiety gets so much worse to the point where if I leave the house, even if it’s to do with my special interests I have a meltdown or panic attack. Thank you for this video! So helpful and so reassuring to know I’m not alone! Much love 💕 x
Woah! I have NEVER seen period panties!!! And I am almost 27 lmao not only that but I am currently pregnant and wellllll sometimes have some leaks, they even have maternity panties and postpartum panties....and they look HELLA COMFY even in the belly area! I am so glad you are bold enough to talk about this and bring things up because this has even helped me. I had no clue being autistic could be why my periods were so heavy and my mood was so awful! My sisters never understood the flow or my mood though one of em has more pain. Her and I both use L. organic pads and tampons as thats all we can use without the pain. My periods have got more painful with age and after having my daughter. So I am mainly watching this to be more prepared after I have my son as I am scared I will end up in so much pain on my periods after the baby that I cant use pads or tampons especially tampons! I deff need these panties maternity, postpartum ones and period after baby! Thanks so much for this info!!! It means so much to me especially seeing they got maternity and postpartum panties too because I hate pads and most panties suck when you are pregnant as they are so uncomfy!!!!
I am autistic and I do get the irregular cycles a lot(although it is hard for me to maintain taking the pill at the exact same time each day because I also have ADHD and lose focus a lot), but one weird thing for me is that I RARELY EVER get period cramps or pains. I would honestly take them instead of the extreme toll it takes on my EMOTIONS. It's like every time I get my period or the days leading up to my period, I have a full on sobbing mental breakdown where I am tempted to unalive. It's become so common for me that I even wrote an ironically chipper song about how much I want to unalive. That's the mental space it puts me in.
"anything worth doing is worth doing poorly" is my new motto
I'm seeing this video just at the right time. I'm having a really tough time with my period right now. I couldn't stop crying yesterday and it feels like my entire body is in pain.
I’m Autistic but I think the only one of the three issues that you mentioned that affected me was early puberty. I even had one special ed teacher who noticed that I was wearing bras and staring my periods early on and announced it to everyone, even though I felt uncomfortable about it. But I also hate period cramps and wearing pads.
Chloé this is an old video but I love someone talking about this. You make me and many others feel so much more included.
As an afab autistic trans person I really appreciate your use of gender-neutral language! :)
I find my anxiety gets very bad during my period before and during it, I also eat a lot of chocolate as that’s a comfort food for me
chocolate can sometimes indicate your body wants magnesium
also chocolate has a mild stimulant called theobromine
I’m on my period! 😂 I love my diva cup 😁 I’m exhausted when I’m on my period so it just makes me even more sensory sensitive. Fortunately mine is pretty predictable and can brace myself.
hey, im not autistic ( or so i think) however i did start my period at the age of nine, tbh it was hard for me to cope with it or to understand what was going on with my body, im so happy that your making these videos for children to watch for fun while getting educated- keep up the good work!!
I’ve been using reusable/washable pads for a year now, and they’re so much more comfortable and absorbent than disposable pads! Also saves soooo much money in the long run. The only annoying part is having to wash them.
Agreed
Seriously thank you for this video. My periods are so bad and coping with sensory issues has been really difficult as well. So nice to have confirmation and guidance with this .
I am a female and was diagnosed with ASD at 10 and got my period at 12. It was very distressing for me as I was very sensitive to clothing textures. I hated diapers as an toddler and would remove them as soon as my mom turned around. Now IMAGINE having an extremely heavy period flow and having to start wearing xxl pads as a 12 year old…. It was so embarrassing cause everyone knew I got my period by the way I was constantly adjusting my underwear in school. I tried to do it when no one was looking but I was told I even walked weird cause I was so extremely uncomfortable. I was diagnosed and went to regular therapy (although I wouldn’t call it that) it was basically just me talking about stuff like this and they basically saying “ohh.. okay” instead of teaching me about my diagnosis and strategies to cope. Mind this was over 12 years ago so I hope the system has change.
I hate having my period so much. The changes in my body, how it affects my mental health, is just to much to handle. I am extremely dependent on taking painkillers in time, if not I will be in so much pain. Am currently starting to look into contraceptives that could make them stop, but at the same time am terrified of all the side affects it could cause🥲
Love you and how you talk about these things ♥️ is so helpful as a fellow autistic person 🥰
I tried a ton of different pills until I found Lybrel/Amethyst. It has no sugar pills and after 3-6 months entirely suppressed my period. It's been life changing.
Perfect timing LOL, I am also in pain town, am also autistic with ADHD, and have endometriosis-needless to say it’s A LOT
I don’t “bleed” anymore (thank you mirena!), but I still have monthly pains. My body doesn’t want to let go of the cramps…
even when I was on continuous OC pills, no bleeding but still PMDD moods 😕😒😖
Such good advice! I wish my country would allow me to follow the "take a day" advice. I'd get fired here in the states 😖 also, we can't use period trackers in most states. Some states will put us on trial for murder if we miss a period 😔
I literally started watching this video, then half way through needed to go to bathroom and just started my period just then... Which makes sense for the past 24 hours of being burnt out.
doesn't it just suck when it makes sense in retrospect?!? 😖😒😕
I'm a guy....and I definitely have no idea about this O.o its good to know though. It's good to know how autistic girls have to deal with things.
Autistic trans people too. it's not just girls who can have periods😊
You're doing such good work with your channel!
Reletable tm :)
I also love the gender neutral language, I feel seen, thank you Clohe 💕💕
hello i am late to this vid but if you have sensory issues & hate tampons & pads, here’s so alt options! the depot shot is what i get, it’s a birth control shot you get about every three months. there’s pills but some people can’t swallow pills. there’s thinx underwear which have a sewn in pad pretty much!
I just got off mine. I love my menstrual cups (I cycle through 3: pink, purple, and teal), and I have less pain since I started using them. I forgot to take it out once for like 2 days, so now I check the drawer where I keep them for 3 days after I’m done with my period to make sure all 3 are there.
I have noticed that I have a harder time dealing with things that irritate me normally, but I can silently fume normally, but I get extremely mad on my period and can’t keep my mouth shut about it.
This last period happened at the tail end of me being extremely sick and my family got even more sick as I started my period, so I spent the whole time I was sick and bleeding taking care of my family and eating Tylenol, ibuprofen, and cold medicine as pretty much my only meals.
Dang I hope your feeling better now 🙂
@@janjones7799 a slight shift into pregnancy, lol. I don’t have to worry about period problems anymore at least lmao 🤣
@@CraftyVegan 😂😂
I never considered that being autistic might make periods different for me, but I guess it did and I always took it as "normal". I remember being surprised when a friend said at 12 that she hadn't gotten hers yet, when I'd gotten mine at around 10. Same with PMS and cramping. I thought my mom and my sister dealt with it the same as me by internalizing everything, and then as an adult I heard my post-menopausal mom say, "I never really got PMS; I was lucky." Meanwhile I'm holding back tears or getting irritable. (A couple of times I would get angry at my brother for something he'd say and he would say, "Are you on the rag?" My mom told him off the first time, but the second time she actually backed him up and said, "Seriously, are you? Because you're really snippy.") And I don't think I ever heard my sister complain about cramps, but I've been woken up by them... not fun.
Thanks for talking about this it is really important and there is really not enough information for the neurodiverse which teats us as intelligent adults (almost all of it is aimed at those with educational delays as well as autism). These are good for the neurotypicals as well as you talk about it so clearly.
I gladly waved goodbye to my periods (and the rest of my reproductive system) in July as I had PMDD (PMS gone mad) which was untreatable through medication so I had to go radical. There are a lot of ceases of PMDD in the Autistic community not that it has been researched systematically. Not really a surprise as PMDD is to do with the body processing hormones and hormone changes and that is an area that is not good for the neurodiverse brain. In my experience, gynaecologists who specialise in these issues are more able to deal with the complications created by the neurodiverse brain than those who barely understand the main problem or neurodiversity.
PMS would be a good topic to cover as it affects over 50% of women at some point in their lives, and PMDD the evil sister affects between 2 and 8% and is one of the leading courses of suicide in reproductive-age women. lots of info on the IAPMD website which comes from the specialists in the field.
But a heads up menopause is no walk in the park as an Autistic woman. Most medics do not understand the process anyway so our experience of it is even harder for them to deal with. It is worth getting a referral to a menopause specialist if you have problems since most specialists are more able to help with managing the symptoms since they are aware of all the options.
Also for those not in the know with the Tism or ADHD especially be on the watch forPremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD disproportionately affects people with ADHD and autism, with up to 92% of autistic people with a uterus and 46% of people with a uterus who have ADHD. PMDD as far as I understand it is basically like PMS hypersensitivity. Look into it more if what you thought was PMS always seemed to effect you more than others.
I’m a 15 year old autistic child and I’ve had times where I was crying in class because my mom wouldn’t pick me up from my period pain but I’m really glad to know I wasn’t over reacting
I have fibroids as well autism. I've always had problems with heavy periods and pms. I started my periods when I was 10 years old. I cried 😢 when it started. I'm 38 years old and looking into getting a hysterectomy eventually as I cannot cope with the pain, fatigue and heavy periods on my periods. I hate towels as well. And I cannot use tampons as well. Good video BTW.
I have REALLY irregular periods, but I suspect it is mainly because of lack of food intake and stress, but being autistic probably contributes to that too. But I also find it really uncomfortable to wear anything besides period undies - literally wearing some right now! I use the brand THNX
I am autistic (possibly also ADHD) and I was having trouble concentrating when revising this morning, and was super tired, and then I remembered i am on my period. That makes sense.
I am autistic and I have PMDD. My period is honestly a thing I look forward to, because I feel só much better when my period starts.
Periods are different for everyone and I just want people to know that if your experience is like mine: you are not alone. All experiences are valid.
WoW, this is so Very Insightful, Impressive, Important, for everyone who just knows anyone who has a periods and then also autism and periods. Thank you beyond how difficult this period time, knowledge, communication and selfcare is powerful no matter how you amplement or develop a strategy for that time.
Amazing video! I love your positive energy so much, it is infectious! I talk a lot about periods with my own children and teen students I support (teacher) and am passionate about reducing taboos. I will be sharing this video with autistic young people I know. Thank you!
BLESS YOU for the work you do ✨🌟💝
I just want to say thank you for using such gender-neutral language. I'm nonbinary, and I hate all the gendered language surrounding periods, because it causes a whole lot of dysphoria during a time when I am already super uncomfortable.
Thank you young lady I’m a mom of an autistic daughter and this is very helpful ❤️
I when I had my first period, I was driving 6 hours to get somewhere with my dad. I left without telling my mums and I freaked out.
Luckly, my mum had made me pack Modibodi. They are light and easy to pack, and the most comfy brand I've ever used. Now my mums make me use bonds, deff not the same. Modibodi has softer materials and look more like normal underwear.
My first period was on July 3rd, the day before I turned 11 years old, and I hadn’t been warned about periods. We were at a 4th of July fireworks show at the local mall. As far as I know I’m not autistic, but I, too, strongly dislike change.
I recently got “diagnosed” (not officially) with autism, I’m 16 and I jut found your channel and it awesome. Big sister videos would be great especially since I’m the oldest child in my family 😊.
Awesome, Chloe. I don't have any kids, but I have a niece, who could be autistic, and this could help her.
I’m SO lucky that I don’t have cramps or any internal pain (I think it’s bad interception) and that my antidepressants make me not have a period for like 3 months, but the rest (the sensory issues, the executive dysfunction) is so unbearable, so this really really helps
“atypical interoception” is currently my favourite new term !!
it's not bad; it's just not like other people's
i have immense sensory issues with periods so thankyou so much
Getting my period to me, meant I had to be the woman society wanted for me, and I didn't want to be that person. I was very lost for a long time. I still don't fit into the stereotype and I have lost family and friends because my rebellious nature. TBH, I don't care what they think of me. It's just sad that they can't accept it as OK and not a bad thing.
When I'm in my period, I cry so much for literally everything
I'm transmasc and autistic. After years and years, I've found my go-to pads and Tampons that are soft enough for me. I'm looking forward to the day I can get on Testosterone.
Period pads or pants are my favourites, tampons are uncomfortable for me. ‘Always’ have a couple of varieties that felt super soft and really held my heavy flows. But whilst more ceo friendly cotton versions aren’t quite as good at catching my flow (when it’s at its worst) they actually really help with my thrush I’ve plagued with since a baby. My one issue with period pants is that when you go to the toilet and pull them back on and they’ve got a some blood but not full, they sometimes feel wet which I hate.
My periods are quite irregular and over the last year, I've experienced some changes. At this time one year ago, I was getting my periods at the beginning of the day at around the 3rd week of each month, with cramps that was leaving me bedridden for the first day, with a lack of apatite for the rest of the period. However, throughout the year of 2021, it's shifted to the late evening of the second week of each month, with cramps that leave me bedridden for 2 days instead of 1 where I am dealing with the worst of it at night.
I am already using Modibodi and it helps me cope better. They are so much more comfortable than pads and I was never using tampons, except for this one time where I got my period on the day of my friend's pool party. I absolutely hated it and ever since then, I've just cancelled any pool events that clashed with my period.
To deal with the cramps that are leaving me bedridden every single month, I have to be lying down no matter what. During those first 2 days, I cannot move without getting so dizzy, I feel like I am going to be sick, even though it hasn't actually happened about almost 2 years. When I'm waiting for my heat pack, I have to either be sitting or lying down because even just standing affects me. To help with this I take some period relief medication and then I go to bed with my heat pack and just listen to music on Spotify. It helps me for the most part, but as I am starting to enter the workforce, having started my very first job last week, I am aware I cannot do that and I get the feeling I won't be able to take 2 days off, every single month.
I know most people would say go to a doctor for advice. We already did. And we got turned away. My Mum wanted to find out if I might have Polycystic Overies. I got a blood test (which was extremely hard for me because I have the biggest phobia of needles) and when we went to my GP for the results, she refused to let me get tested any further because I wasn't trying to have a baby, despite what I'm going through every single month. So I'm stumped. Because every single month, I have little apatite, am extremely thirsty (for water), cannot move without feeling like I'm going to be sick and must lie in bed for 2 days and I am not sure what else I can do to make this more bearable or what I should do if my period clashes with a work day.
I know asking on the internet is not always the smartest idea, but I've gone through this for 6 years now and I've just had it. So if anyone has anything they can offer, whether it's something to try or someone I could speak to, please suggest it. I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you. I wish I had the information I have now when I was a teenager because I was just miserable. Nobody talked about it. So here I am almost forty and its just been the last four or five years I've managed to get it together. Things that have helped me are Tiger Balm patches, because I can't afford to take time out from work, so the heat patch travels with me. My menstrual cup, which lets me ignore my period, and is also easy to just keep in my bag so that its always with me, just in case. Lady's Mantle tea. Peppermint oil for the migraines and learning to consume extra iron so that I hopefully don't get the migraine in the first place. Its so important to talk about this and talk about this and talk about this. I don't want anyone to go through what I did and you're terrific for speaking up.
I started watching you well I started seeing your videos on the ADHD and autism page
I need those flower crowns!!!
Yeah, mine definitely fall under the irregular category. My period will be somewhat predictable for maybe 3 months at a time. Not to mention I've randomly missed periods here and there (1 month misses) and had two in the same month.
I never go anywhere without painkillers, water, and money for the vending machine (sprite or cookies usually). Because especially since lockdown, I have nausea with my periods (even better by the way! /s), so having stuff on me to prevent nausea is crucial in my case.
I definitely relate on the pain tolerance part as well. I can tolerate most things normally (I've got several brusies over the years to prove it), but the cramps really do feel like I'm in agony, and that's why the first day or two is always the worst.
Actually hormone levels are at the lowest during that time of the cycle; that's why we feel more balanced when they build back up, they help creativity and social aptitude that's for everyone not just ND
I have intense PMDD. I have found a birth control pill with no inactive weeks to be the best thing for me. No more mood swings and my period is suppressed entirely.
PMDD here too, & AuDHD
sending virtual hugs
When i had that time of month, i hated the sound of the packaging, the smell of the products, and the feeling of things being 'damp' down there and the rough texture of pads. (Shudders)
I found that if you want something that is relatively soft then the slightly earth friendly Natracare pads are my go to
Omg this is spot on I don't like pads because they crinkle up and itch.everytime I wear one I most likely will take the pad off
I AM SO GLAD SOMEONE ELSE AGREES PADS ARE HARD SENSORY WISEEEEE!!!!
Im autistic and I got my first period at 9 years old, they continued every month after. I was traumatised. I got diagnosed with endometriosis finally at 14, after struggling with awful bloating, torturous horrendous pain, disgusting blood clots the size of my hand that required pushing to be expelled.
I also have sensory processing disorder, which is different from autism sensory issues apparently (i'm not 100% sure). I just hate having my period, not only is it incredibly painful but I cannot cope with the wet feeling in my underwear or any thickness or shifting in fabric or pads in my underwear. I cannot wear tampons, too painful, smallest ones will not or cannot fit, and my flow is too heavy for it to be worth it. Thank you for sharing this video Chloe, it made me cry, I feel so heard and understood.
Mine have always been messy. I have pcos, so no set schedule. I have severe anxiety during periods around bed time. I would lock up so i didnt get it all over my bed. After delivering my daughter i used adult diapers and OMG life changer (for me) for 2 nights i use them during my heavy times. And sleep is so much more comfortable.
Use what works for you!!
You're gonna be ok Chloe, we love you Darling, take care
Thank you so much Chloè my daughter is only 6 but she will eventually go through this and as much experience as I have, im not autistic, she is very low on the spectrum so it would mostly be sensory and the changes for her. I appreciate your videos ❤
Periods for me as an autistic perosn is one of the most uncomfortable thing ,I juts really can't stand them and dread when they come I find using period cups are the best option for me as i struggle with rembering to change products and struggle with the sensory issues of changing them, were with cups its long lasting and resusbels meaning it saves money and time after having twins my periods have become alot more irregular and alot more painful , its so refreshing hearing another autistic perosn talk about the struggle that I thought I was alone
I use period underwear. It's comfy and I don't need to worry about it as much. I've tried pads and I find them itchy and awkward. And I'm far too scared to try tampons, ect.
I am online later then I should be and need to got to bed, can somebody remind me tomorrow to watch this?
When I used to have periods, before starting a low dose progesterone only birth control pill that completely stopped them, heat would only ever make my pain worse. I basically had to get a hard ice pack and hold it firmly pressed against my lower abdomen to numb out the pain.
"but first and last, don't talk to me, i will be in my room crying"
last day never bothers me but THE FIRST DAY OH MY GOD.
not only am i autistic which makes sensory things hard to deal with, i also have physical disabilities and my periods tend to make my knee inflammation worse along with terrible cramps in my back and stomach and rear. i suspect scoliosis, but whether that's true or not, my back also hurts every day so having period cramps is terrible - and i ALSO have chronic constipation (it's been a problem since i was 4) so pain in my rear? no. i literally had to stay home on monday this week due to how painful it was. during cramps, i also can't tell if my stomach hurts from hunger or period cramps or both due to my inability to differentiate different causes of pain, cause of autism. if it couldn't get any worse, i'm trans and periods give me dysphoria.
basically, periods are hell.
I get overstimulated when i wear a specific one for more than a day so i like to use a different method everyday. Like cup the 1st, pads the 2nd, & tampons the 3rd. Each has their own weird feeling
It seems to me it would be most beneficial if we had medication that entirely pauses menstrual cycle. I think some hormonal therapies do that, but that would probably be the Nuclear option for most people.
I haven’t started my first period and I’m starting to get concerned but if I do get it this video should be helpful. I have autism too :)
I would definitely highly recommend everyone use reusable period products, not necessarily because of the environmental impact of disposable ones but because they have been proven to be toxic.