so I was at a track meet and I got my period and it was really heavy and I bled through my track shorts and I'm sooooo embarassed. I've had my period for 3 years now but I'm still not used to it. It grosses me out, my stomach always get cramps, it's annoying as crap, and it's generally not a good experience. And I was leak, even when I used a pad. Do I have a medical problem? I am soaking like 3 pads an hour and I'm worried. Also I am embarassed about my period. I know I'm a girl and every girl gets it, but it's just so embarassimg to ask my friends or teachers for supplies when my period comes unexpected. How can I feel more confident about my period, and do I have an issue with the amount of blood I'm losing??! Helpppp
?2015-04-11T19:16:37Z
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Being female isn't embarrassing or gross so neither is menstruation, the sooner you get past those ideas the easier your life will be. Menstruating people get all sorts of negative messages about menstruation fed to them via media, such as that menstruating is embarrassing, it's like seeing nothing but super-skinny models in media...it teaches you to hate your body, which isn't healthy and hard to overcome when young.
You counter these messages by recognizing them - menstrual product advertising is some of the worst for this, talking about discreet products suggests periods are embarrassing - ask why they're pushing these messages onto you. Consider why you think that menstruation is embarrassing, look into menstrual activism and communities of women who use menstrual cups or cloth pads as they tend to be more positive towards menstruation - body literacy and rejecting menstrual taboos make a big difference.
Periods are as good or as bad as YOU make them - if you normally experience cramps then look into preventing them as most can prevent cramps with things as simple as dietary changes, if you normally leak consider menstrual cups or if sticking with pads opt for period underwear to prevent leaking through, also consider lightening your flow with Tranexamic Acid so that it's more manageable for you. Make sure you keep supplies with you, including underwear, and have friends use a secret word to tell you if you leak.
Your flow is heavy but not abnormally so, to give some perspective I'd leak through an ultra absorbency tampon and overnight pad within 15 minute - my flow is very heavy but I'm perfectly healthy and learning how to manage it with menstrual cups, Tranexamic Acid, dietary changes, coffee, etc. helped. There's no reason to think there's anything wrong with you, pads really don't hold much flow thus you leak, but if concerned see a doctor for tests to determine cause (don't allow them to palm you off with hormonal contraception).
It is NOT normal to bleed through even one pad each hour. So, needing to change three times in an hour is a problem and needs medical attention.
My only other suggestion is to avoid the need to ask for supplies. You know you have periods, so you should always be ready with your own supplies. Keep a bunch hidden in your school locker. Keep a few in a purse. Keep some in a back pack. You should never be without enough to last until you get home again. (but if everything was normal, you should only need to change about every two or three hours, not three times in each hour.
I know it may be embarrassing, but you need to talk to your mom and get an appointment with an obgyn to find out why you have such heavy flow. There may be something that can be done to help it.
You're bleeding a little to heavily but if you continue to bleed like this you should go see your doctor asap. And as for supplies you should always carry a pad or two in your backpack, purse or locker. Don't feel embarrassed about having a period iit's completely normal and every girl goes through this.