4 Reasons Your Period Is A Blessing, Not A Curse

You need your period. Sorry, but yes, you do!  

It's become trendy these days is prevent that monthly effusion of blood when possible. Science has come a long way, and now we can take a pill, get a shot, or have an implant embedded in our arm to stop our menstrual flow for 3 months, 6 months ... or even a year!

And I get it.

As women, we each bleed for about 6 years total over the course of our lives. 

It’s much more convenient not to bleed. It’s far less messy not to have a menstrual period. And, for some, stopping the bleeding definitely takes away some serious pain.

But as we move away from thinking we need or want that once a month bloody outpouring, I'd like you to think of me as that gentle voice in the wilderness offering you some sage advice.

Let it flow baby!

Here are 4 reasons that monthly mess that is your period is absolutely essential to your well-being.

1. It might be hazardous to NOT bleed.

There haven’t been any studies (yet) seeking to determine what the long-term effects taking the pill has on a woman’s bones or breasts, and because of that, we cannot be certain that no negative effects exist.

This is especially concerning in relation to teenage girls who are encouraged to go on birth control for convenience and to avoid menstruation.

I don’t know about you, but I’m highly attached to the notion of keeping all of those parts staying in healthy, working order for as long as possible. 

2. Periods mean a stronger sex drive.

It’s true that throughout the month a woman’s hormones fluctuate quite drastically, but that’s what makes us who we are. When we bleed, we have access to a bit more testosterone and progesterone, which helps both our cognitive function as well as our sex drive.

(And yes, it’s okay to have period sex. It may just help those cramps — and, it’s okay to have messy sex.)

3. Our bodies need a good flushing.

All of that bleeding is an opportunity for the body to flush out both bacteria and iron. Bleeding also helps reduce chances of infection and lowering iron levels in the blood helps to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Our menstrual cycles are actually one of the reasons women tend to live longer than men!

4. Our periods are OURS.  

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Women are our hormones.

Those hormones create a rhythm to our lives and set the stage for our emotions, our health, and our well-being — which includes our menstrual cycle.

In Chinese medicine, menstrual bleeding is understood to be the release of stagnant liver qi, which releases anger and frustration. This is a reason you may notice an upsurge of energy several days after your period starts.

All of this is good!

Take away our periods and life becomes just a little bit more sterile.

And I, for one, like it just a little bit messy … and wild!

Michele Brookhaus RSHom(NA), CCH is the playful creator of Yoni's Bliss, a homeopathic lubricating gel.  She believes ALL women are entitled, worthy and capable of juicy connections.