Why Black Women Need to Track Their Periods

I was recently listening to an episode of Around the Way Curls (one of my favorite podcasts) where Shanti talked about wanting to throw her daughter a period party. She went on to talk about the stigmas that we face as Black women (in and outside of our community) when it comes to our period.

She was determined to change that for her daughter and I was instantly in love with the idea.
Plus, her conversation got me thinking about my own experience with my first period.

Ya girl definitely didn’t have a period party.

I got my period one day and then I skipped off to school.

But, beyond the period parties, why don’t we talk about our periods more as Black women?
Also, why don’t we talk about tracking our periods and all the symptoms that come along with them?

I started click-clackin’ on the internet.

Thinx (the infamous period underwear company) posted a dope conversation on the topic.

The anecdotes said that Black women remember feeling nervous, sexualized, pushed into womanhood, and embarrassed.

It’s looking like we have a lot to unlearn.

Do you feel like these past experiences keep you from paying attention to your cycle?

Here are a few reasons why we need to get more in tune with our bodies.

Reason #1 – It’s a beneficial way to identify gynecological health issues

As black women, we’ve been getting the short end of the gynecological stick for a while. From Sarah Baartmann to the countless names we don’t know, it’s time for us to advocate for ourselves with some receipts. It could be a lot easier to communicate with your healthcare professional when you have your symptoms logged.

Curious about how more ways we’ve gotten screwed by the medical system as Black people?

I wrote more about that last week.

Reason #2 – You get to know your cycle more

The thing I hated about health class is that it was all generalizations. Granted, my health class took place almost ten years ago now. But, now, I’m all down for getting to know myself and my cycle – that’s definitely what tracking helps you do. If you are an app gyal, this method definitely helps if your worst nightmare is being caught somewhere without your tampons, pads, period underwear, menstrual cup…the list goes on and on.

Reason #3 – It can help with managing your moods + symptoms

If you start tracking your symptoms, you may find that you experience certain symptoms a few days or more before your period. Symptoms may happen in a predictable fashion which may help you stay ahead of the game, sis! It might even be helpful to take a look at your symptoms and then take a look at the Google calendar to see how the forecast is looking and how you may need to adjust your day.

So, let’s discuss, what was your reaction when you first got your period?

How are you improving your relationship with Aunt Flo as you enter into adulthood?