Finally, a candid conversation about periods. We get it. Periods are personal. Choosing empowerment over embarrassment, we’re here to give a real-life lesson on menstrual cycles and our bodies. And what better way to do that than from hearing stories about periods from our colleagues, friends and people we have met on this incredible journey. So join us as we talk about- yep, you guessed it - periods. #leaveyourstain

Who are you (we’d love to get to know you!) and what are your pronouns?

Kristina Pittam @kristinapittam she/her

Danielle Alexandra @allthingscoveted she/her

How did you first learn about periods?

KP: My mom and a Judy Blume book I read when I was 12/13

Danielle Alexandra: My mom (omg yes Judy Blume, forgot about her)

Do you remember your first period conversation? Who was it with and what was that like?

KP: I remember learning that you bled once a month but my mom never expressed it as a concern. I also spoke about it with friends because one of my friends got hers when she was in 6th grade.

Danielle Alexandra: I don’t remember my first period conversation. However, the first time I got my period was in the 7th or 8th grade. After that time, I didn’t get it again for multiple months.

When did you get your first period?

KP: Grade 9

Danielle Alexandra: I got my first period when I was 12 or 13.

How was it? What happened?

KP: I randomly noticed I had bled after walking home from school one day. I had no signs of pain and never noticed it though.

Danielle Alexandra: I remember being really nervous at school… nervous about potential leakage. I first started using pads and then switched to tampons.

Do you try to take extra care of yourself while on your period? If so, how?

KP: I take exceptionally good care of my body for the most part - with food, wellness and exercise. I’ll give myself a bit of a break when I am on my period by being a bit more flexible on foods I consume.

Danielle Alexandra: Not really… although I probably should. The first day of my period is the worst. I usually don’t workout and take tylenol. Sometimes I’ll even bring out the heating pad!

What are your favourite period products?

KP: food :)

Danielle Alexandra: Tylenol and heating pad!

Is there anything else about your period experiences you want to share?

KP: I used to get exceptionally bloated for no justifiable reason when I was on birth control and I didn’t like how I felt as if I wasn’t in control of my body, despite how well I took care of it. Happy to be off birth control now but I need to find a means of a safe way to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Danielle Alexandra: I recently got off birth control after being on it for over 10 year. My periods are now much more uncomfortable. It is definitely an adjustment.

Have the last challenging months affected your period and if so, how did you best navigate?

KP: No.

Danielle Alexandra: N/A