Period Jargon

In order to start writing this blog, we first of all googled “Period Jargon” and immediately stumbled across a social problem. In the “People also ask” section, the top search was “How do you politely say you have your period?” followed by a long list of alternative terms. We can answer that question for you all without the need for a list. If you are on your period then say “I am on my period”. There is no need for society to imply that that is an impolite or ‘unladylike’ statement. It is factual and is actually the most ‘ladylike’ state one can be in.

Further to our point, here is the list of ‘polite’ ways to talk about a period. Clearly this list is painfully inaccurate on the politeness scale. To say you are “on the rag” is associated with dirty rags and a lack of sanitation - this is not something you would expect to hear in a polite conversation. On to the more commonly heard terms, such as “time of the month”, this term has become so widely accepted in society, it is used to be both ‘polite’ but also as an excuse for someone’s behaviour or mood swings. Yes it is true that the hormonal chaos going on inside us every month can often lead to mood swings but the connotations that have been associated with the term “time of the month” have developed into cruel ones. Have you ever heard someone say “oh don’t mind her, it's just her time of the month” before? Because this isn't fair, nor is it always true. We shouldn't have to buckle down and pretend like we're not bleeding for 3-7 days a month just to save ‘impolite conversation’.

Period jargon cloaks a completely natural part of life, it separates us from it. This can negatively impact people, particularly young people, as it can make you feel isolated during your period. If people avoid the topic or talk about it delicately then there is no doubt that this will leave you feeling like you’re the only one going through a realistic period. Being on your period is as natural as waking up in the morning and we should not be made to feel ashamed for it. Own your period and together we will see the change in stigma!

#normalisingperiodtalk

Keep your eyes peeled for our guest blog this month to see the effects of period jargon in supermarkets and pharmacies...