How to: Survive Tweenagehood

5/ they suck. period.

(I am terribly sorry but this chapter will only be of any help to those who experience periods, but even if you do not it may be...educational?)

In my 'How to: Survive Teenagehood' I made quite a brief chapter on how to deal with periods, but I guess for all you lucky souls living in Tweenagehood, your first period can be a daunting thing.

What signs should I look for? What do I do when it happens? The chances are that your first period will most likely spring up on you with very little warning, as mine did, so it's always good to be ready for when it does come. Carrying around some period supplies is always helpful, and stops you being caught out when you need them most. Personally, I would recommend carrying around some sanitary pads just because they are probably the easiest sanitary product to use for your first period, but if you feel comfortable about inserting a tampon or mooncup, which is a silicon cup which is also inserted, first time round that is totally fine (props to your courage).

When on one's period, it is vital to stay clean, which seems self explanatory but just in case anyone didn't know. Try and shower regularly, and change your sanitary product every 3-4 hours depending on which product you are using (a mooncup doesn't need changing as frequently). It's also important to look after yourself and make sure you're drinking enough water and not eating total crap! Try to do some form of exercise when on your period just as this can help to alleviate cramps and also make you feel better.

Cramps can be horrible, and finding ways to deal with them is a very individual experience for anyone. I find that exercise like crunches help stop my cramps, but also finding something to distract myself fully also helps them go away. Hot water bottles will become your best friend.

For my trans guys dealing with periods, I was doing a little research into some sanitary products and the period-friendly boxers look pretty cool. But also quite expensive so I'm not sure how helpful that recommendation is. If your period is making your dysphoria worse, maybe find another trans guy either in real life or online to share your experiences in and by sharing a common experience get little tips and tricks for dealing with it.

Comment your chapter suggestions below!