COLUMN: We will not be ashamed - period.

If you’ve ever menstruated, chances are you’ve been one of the following situations:

You’ve tried to sneak a pad or tampon into your pocket or taken your entire bag into the bathroom with you so no one sees.

You’ve been in a bathroom trying quietly to open the obnoxiously-loud pad in the fear that others may realize what you are doing.

You’ve been embarrassed looking at menstrual products at the store. Then felt like everyone was staring at you taking those products to the checkout and purchasing them.

You’ve been in the horrible situation of not having products with you when you need them, and maybe been too uncomfortable to ask someone for some.

You’ve felt uncomfortable going into situations where bathroom accessibility is limited while on your period.

The thing is, many women and girls have felt this way, but in the moment, it feels like we are the only one. As we grow older, some of these fears start to fade.

More than half of the population has periods or has had periods at some point, yet it’s still an uncomfortable topic. Men get flustered, and girls are left to learn on their own.

I was raised by my dad; my entire knowledge of periods came from a class presentation in fifth grade where the girls learned about periods and how our bodies would change while the boys got to go play kickball. I didn’t even get my first period until I was almost in high school.

Women feeling comfortable talking about these situations is important for a multitude of reasons.

First, it’s important to understand what a “regular” period is. If you have no information to go off of, you may not understand the health implications an irregular period has.

An irregular period can indicate a number of health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disease, type I diabetes and more.

An irregular period, if left undiagnosed, can cause iron-deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and cardiovascular disease.

These are serious, life-altering conditions. In the United States, 5 million women have PCOS. It is one of the most common causes of female infertility, and yet, many don’t realize they have it until they start trying to have a family.

Endometriosis affects more than 6 million Americans. It causes abnormally-painful periods, but if women and girls don’t understand what the norm is, they have nothing to compare it to. This condition most affects women in their 20s. Being disabled from pain is no way to enter adulthood.

In the United States, 98% of sexually active women have used birth control at some point in time, and 62% of those of reproductive age are currently using birth control.

Many people use hormonal birth control to help with period issues like cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Birth control pills, the ring and the patch can make periods lighter, more predictable and less painful.

Often times, women will be prescribed birth control to address irregular or painful periods; however, if there is a underlying cause for the issue that goes unaddressed, the birth control only works as a bandage - covering they symptoms without fixing the root problem.

There are also extreme side effects that come with birth control. Depression, suicidal thoughts, weight gain, pain, nausea and so many more problems that can arise from different forms of birth control.

This isn’t just about mothers having conversations with their daughters. Menstruating is a normal bodily function women can’t control. We need to treat it the same as eating or brushing our teeth. It’s something we do to maintain our health.

Many young women suffer from iron deficiency anemia after menstruating due to the loss of blood. Initially, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But as the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify.

The condition itself is simple to correct if diagnosed. Iron supplements are sold in the vitamin section of any grocery store and will usually rectify the issue.

Ladies, join me in not being ashamed. Let’s talk about it. Tell me which day sucks the most for you. For me, it’s the second day. My back hurts, my stomach cramps and I just want to lay on the couch all day.

Tell me what products work best for you. I’ve been wanting to try the cups, but have been too nervous to take the plunge.

Starting in 2023, period products will not be taxed in Iowa, and many other states have similar laws. Our lawmakers are finally understanding this is health care.

Take your pad into the bathroom and rip it open, loud and proud. We are women, and we will not be ashamed - period.