Monday Must: Period Care Tips

Hey hey hey! My name is Letitia Kiu, I’m a full-time DIY home & lifestyle content creator, and I have endometriosis.

A little backstory and fun fact about my connection with MARY YOUNG, Mary and I were in the same graduating class together in university, and she was one of the first people that told me about endometriosis. As she was describing these symptoms, I didn’t even make the connection. Endometriosis is a disorder where tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing painful and heavy periods, fertility issues, and other disrupting symptoms, depending on where the tissue travels (think period poops, plus excruciating pain). Fast forward a couple of years later, and I was about to move to NYC. I went to my family doctor, you know, to milk the last of my free healthcare, and after a referred ultrasound, an MRI, a gynecological specialist, maybe one or two more ultrasounds, I was tentatively diagnosed with endometriosis. It’s not official until the doctor goes in surgically, which I also went through a few years later. 

Safe to say, my menstrual cycle and I have been through a lot. It’s taught me many things about my reproductive as well as overall health, and here are my tips on managing your menstrual routine, endometriosis or not.

Track your period

The menstrual cycle is more than just your period, which is one phase of the overall cycle. There are many free apps, and some phones even have it built in to track your cycle. Knowing the changes in your body, with the help of algorithms, can help you better understand how the fluctuations in your hormones can affect your mental and physical health.

Get a heat pad

I’ve tried many different solutions to pain management when my cramps kick in: CBD, pain killers... more than CBD nothing beats a good ol’ heat pad. I have evidence of me clutching my hot water bottle for dear life, and have a microwaveable option ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

Go see your gynecologist 

Better yet, track down one that you trust and connect with, and NEVER LET THEM GO. Menstrual conditions and women’s health is often undermined with subjective evidence, and a patriarchal medical system. No one will advocate for your health more than you, and finding a good gynecologist that will listen to your needs is essential.

Period panties.

If you’re like me, and a heavy bleeder with cramps, and insertable menstrual products are too painful, we’re not left with many options. Pads can’t catch my flow in time, and I loathe swamp a$$. Post-endo surgery, and with a hormonal IUD, my periods are much lighter and I can wear period panties, which have been a godsend.  Submitting my request now for Mary Young to develop a line of period panties, please!

My full endometriosis story.

Questions? Just want to chat? All my handles are @letitiakiu