menstrual period - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

The menstrual period, especially in the early days, can be very painful. I recall days I took dolly steps all the way to the pharmacy in the hope of getting some relief. There were days I was doubled over in pain and paracetamol did almost nothing to it. Something sweet, such as chocolate can help, a warm thing to hug, kind words and empathy. Many things that are normal and natural, such as childbirth, are the most immensely painful experiences a human can endure and still live. The good news is, it gets better. In time they are an inconvenience and rarely cause pain... though, I am pleased to report, the hankering for chocolate remains.

The delicate lining of the womb is being ripped out in a flow of blood. Until the nerve endings numb it can be as painful as it sounds for girls and young women. So, have empathy for it. Be there emotionally... supply chocolate... yes, really. Even remembering the early days of having periods makes me feel sick. It was traumatic. Nobody cared because it was "normal." For some girls there is no pain, for others it is immense. Perhaps that is why so many women are so strong underneath their femininity - we have to be.

I know my period is coming when my stomach starts talking in all caps.

FOOD. I WANT FOOD. MORE FOOD!
Really? I just ate.
LET'S EAT THAT!
That's not food.
ARE YOU SURE?
Yup. Nobody eats the plate.
REALLY??
Well, what do you want?
MEAT.
Meat? We're trying to not eat that. Are you sure?
MEAT. MEAT. MEAT.
Would fish be alright?
FISH. EAT.
Anything else?
CHOCOLATE. ICE CREAM. BACON. BACON CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE ICECREAM ON AN EDIBLE PLATE.
Waffle plate?
YES! EAT! EAT! EAT!

Then comes the blood. In a few days the all caps stomach settles to normal font in a normal size. Calorie intake naturally reverts to normal... until about three weeks later...

FEED ME! IS THAT FOOD? NO? ARE YOU SURE? WHERE IS FOOD?

How I feel, my mood, is a cycle in tune with my menstrual cycle. It impacts exercise and productivity, the desire to socialise or take a few reclusive days. Only in a patriachy would the world of work and education be organised the way it is.