Are we programming our girls to have period pain?

“It will hurt,” she said.

How sad I felt by the answer of this 10-year-old girl after asking her, “what do you know about menstruation?”

Of all the things a girl could learn about her body’s transformation, discomfort was forefront in her mind.

No doubt, many girls hear about cramps from friends, or witness their big sisters curled in fetal position one day a month. Social media abounds with videos of girls enacting their extreme menstrual pain, and men yelling in agony from menstrual cramp simulators. Even medical professionals who explain menstruation emphasize the litany of uncomfortable symptoms.

No wonder so many girls dread their periods.  

Yes, menstrual pain is a real thing. A study shows 84% of women experience primary dysmenorrhea, or general menstrual discomfort. Up to 15% of women experience extreme, life-disrupting pain that forces them to stay home from school or work.

We wonder; are the words and visuals of our menstruation education and social commentary making too strong a connection between periods and pain? On a psychological level, are we programming our girls to have period pain?

What if we shared positive messaging about menstruation and helped them see a bigger, more meaningful view of their body and their transformation into power? What if we downplayed period discomfort, and emphasized the many positive and empowering aspects of the feminine body?  Would girls focus less on their discomfort and more on their blossoming potential? Would they ultimately experience fewer cramps, aches and annoyances?

Red Diamond Sisters says YES.  We believe positioning menstruation as an initiatory doorway into an exciting new world may help girls experience less discomfort. We program period positivity, and not program for pain.

Following are six positive empowerment messages and may help override potential period pain. Share these with your daughters or girls you know, and notice any influence it may have on their perceptions of self and period pain. You may be surprised.

Your body is a miracle

Your feminine body is miraculous design that operates by its own intelligence. Its natural rhythm will take you on a ride of ups and downs all month long. These changes in your body, emotions and thoughts with strengthen you and help you become the powerful woman you are on earth to be.

Your blood is a symbol of your power

Since the beginning of time, the color of red has represented blood and feminine power. The various red shades of menstrual blood represent royalty, sacredness, preciousness, and magic. Your menstruation blood will remind you that these qualities of royalty, sacredness, preciousness and magic dwell inside of your body and are abundant in your life.

Your feminine energy is rising

Menstruation is a sign that your potent feminine energy is beginning to rise. This swirling, serpentine energy helps you to stand strong and proud in her power as you grow and create the life you desire.   

Your gifts are emerging

You embody a treasure trove of gifts, talents and abilities that will begin to emerge and inspire your curiosities and dreams. Your gifts, used wisely, will bring you great joy, fulfillment and abundance throughout life.

Your True Beauty is glowing

Menstruation opens the door to your True Beauty, which is the energetic essence of love and joy that lives inside of you and radiates outward. This radiance is more beautiful than all the makeup, fashionable clothing and jewelry in the world. Your True Beauty of love and joy will draw to you strong friendships, positive opportunities and joyful situations.

Your body awareness will help you feel great all month

Your body changes throughout the month. You can feel alive, energetic and healthy all month long by developing healthy daily habits. Listen to your body and let it guide you to the nutrition, physical activity and plentiful sleep and rest that can bring balance to your body and help you glide through your period with ease, energy, and balance.    

Conclusion:

Let’s engage a social experiment and begin to integrate these positive messages into our menstruation education. Let’s make a strong connection between menstruation and personal power. Perhaps one day we can lower the period pain statistics and increase our girls’ positive views their body and menstruation.

Red Diamond Sisters Club is a period empowerment story for girls that overflows with insights, facts and wisdom that helps girls look forward to their periods.