Periods, Contraception and Hormones Roundtable | Hannah Witton

Hannah is joined by Gabby Edlin, Katie Beales and A Peschanski to discuss all things periods, contraception & hormones. First periods, endometriosis and adenomyosis, going on contraception for the first time, tracking your period, fertility awareness, discharge, dysphoria and much much more! #TheHormoneDiaries
Hannah: / hannahwitton
Gabby: / hellogabbye
A: / ameliofaitduski
Katie: / myendometriosisjourney
The Hormone Diaries book: po.st/TheHormoneDiariesBook*
The Hormone Diaries Community: / 451313315614742
You might also like:
Disability & Sex Roundtable Discussion: • Disability, Sex, Relat...
Copper vs Hormonal Coil: • Copper Vs Hormonal Coi...
Being Trans and Testosterone: • Being Trans and Testos...
💥MY CULTURE, LIFESTYLE & CAREER KZbin CHANNEL💥
Subscribe: kzbin.info?su...
✨WANT TO SUPPORT ME AND MY WORK?✨
Join The Common Room on Patreon! / hannahwitton
📚MY BOOKS*📚
The Hormone Diaries: bit.ly/TheHormoneDiariesBook
Doing It: bit.ly/DoingItBook
Want to be the first to know about new projects & exclusive content?
📝SIGN UP TO MY MONTHLY NEWSLETTER📝
bit.ly/HannahWittonsNewsletter
🌻LET’S CONNECT🌻
Instagram: / hannahwitton
Twitter: / hannahwitton
Facebook: / hannahwittonofficial
🎧LISTEN TO MY PODCAST🎧
pod.link/1464870183
💕JOIN THE HORMONE DIARIES COMMUNITY 💕
/ 451313315614742
💛MY WEBSITE💛
hannahwitton.com/
🎮WATCH ME PLAY GAMES🎮
/ hannahwitton
⭐CAPTIONS BY REV⭐
Get your 10% off*: bit.ly/HannahsRevCoupon
🎶MUSIC FOR KZbin VIDEOS* 🎶
share.epidemicsound.com/hannah
🎥VIDEO EQUIPMENT*🎥
Main camera - Canon 80d: bit.ly/HannahsMainCamera
Lens - Sigma 18-35mm f1.8: bit.ly/HannahsLens
Microphone - H4n Zoom: bit.ly/HannahsMicrophone
Vlog camera - Sony RX100 MIV: bit.ly/HannahsVlogCamera
Twitch camera - bit.ly/HannahsTwitchCamera
🎙PODCAST EQUIPMENT*🎙
Microphone - Samson Q2U: bit.ly/HannahsPodcastMicrophone
Recorder - H6n Zoom: bit.ly/HannahsPodcastRecorder
*Affiliate links

[@hannahwitton]

Thank you so much for watching/listening! Please share your stories and experiences in the comments! xx

[@lenkajunova7419]

@jay be?!? There is no trans woman in the video. Nonbinary does not mean trans.

[@bemk]

Hey Hannah, I have a suggestion for your next round table. We've seen people with physical disabilities and now a non-binary person, which is awesome. I'd love to hear some more on how hormones, sex, periods and relationships interact with neuro-diverse people, so things like, depression, ptsd, autism, bipolar, etc. I've asked my support group when I was in school (being mildly autistic myself), but they never wanted to talk about anything other than formal and platonic interactions. I've also tried to talk about it with my ex girlfriends (both of which could be considered neuro-diverse), and while they were great at talking about the neuro-typical side that everybody experiences, they didn't feel comfortable discussing the neuro-diverse side, so there's a world to learn here. I just don't believe that hormones, sex and relationships don't come into play for people with autism.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

I'm a man, but since my mom was a nurse, i learned about reproduction and periods from medical books before i even started school. I explained periods to my younger cousin who was already menstruated for a while. She didn't learn it from school of from her mom (my aunt), she learned it from me with the books that my mom had bought in case we had anymore questions about sex and reproduction. Sex, periods and reproduction have never been taboo topics for me.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

@@lenkajunova7419 Actually, nonbinary does not mean trans, but dysphoria does suggest it. They said they had dysphoria about having their period.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

The "going to the doctor asking for the pill and the doctor giving you the pill" thing is not just for contraception. When you ask a doctor for antibiotics, the doctor will give you antibiotics. Same thing with painkillers. Lots of doctors are just drug dealers with a medical license.

[@LaytonObserves]

Move over Hollywood Reporter Roundtables. Hannah Witton is in charge now.

[@hannahwitton]

hahaha!

[@andyhartley]

I'm a man. Tell me everything about periods please and thank you! God knows nobody else tells me. 🤩 Great video and wonderful contributions from everyone.

[@rainepenny7900]

Could not relate more :)

[@faye_elizabeth1478]

Haha that’s great, just ask I’m sure there’s loads of people on here that’ll answer 😊

[@gabbyjahanshahi-edlin3102]

Have a listen to the BGP podcast, Stay in the Room: talking to men about periods!! open.spotify.com/show/2feHTNMiKOZAdKMhWP7kpM?si=BNS4yRcVT1uWeWKpw1Dquw

[@JustAnotherMe]

I am a woman and even I keep notes of all the things they mention that I know nothing about and should look up. I would really appreciate an educational and super detailed series 'for the dummies'.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

This was FANTASTIC and I LEARNED THINGS x

[@fynnsternis6432]

"They've even found it in the brain..." - "How did it get up there!?" I'm in tears xDD

[@Wizipita]

I was 10-11 when I got my period and all I could think was, OMG, not yet, I can't be a woman yet, it's too soon... My mum wanted to make me feel better by telling me that it meant that my body was healthy, that I could have babies one day... Definetely didn't help with the "not yet god I'm so young" thing. So maybe if we separate periods from being a grown up woman, non-binary and trans bleeders, young bleeders, people with menopause, etc. would feel less conflicted about it. So, great point of discussion, and brilliant video all around. Thank you, Hannah.

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I was still 10 when I started it was the first day of 6th grade

[@roebearwhat]

I do wish there was someone older on this roundtable bc I'm so curious about menopause and hear NOTHING about it from these kinds of online discussions!

[@Crazypanda12321]

There is a part in Hannah's new book about menopause!

[@roebearwhat]

@@Crazypanda12321 oh cool, I haven't read it yet! That's great, thanks for letting me know!

[@Aima952]

My first period involved me shouting out the bathroom door "Dad, go buy me pads!". My dad had never bought period products without brand specific instructions before (my aunt and mother used him as a courier service because he's a bit of a soft touch) but he brought back a midprice pack and a bar of dairy milk chocolate. He's a good egg.

[@emilysmith2965]

Awww the chocolate too, that’s really sweet. You have a kind and caring dad.

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I had to call my dad and tell him exactly what to get and he sent pics to make sure to get the right ones to get

[@starr6198]

I am also such a big fan of these roundtables!

[@vyk4753]

Thank you for having a nonbinary menstruator on. I am also a nonbinary menstruator, and have a HIGH risk of endemetriosis to the point that I am on the pill continuously. I relate to A's experiences a lot. I HATE. my period. I'm never going to have children, and if I do change my mind, I still wouldn't ever do it with my own uterus.

[@audreymcneal]

Vy K I don’t have any serious risks associated with menstruation, but I hate my period and it can cause me quite a lot of pain and is generally awful. I also plan on never having kids, and if I did, I would never carry or birth them. Wish it were easier to do away with a uterus.

[@vyk4753]

@@audreymcneal I know right?! I talked to my psychologist about it just today actually and she had the nerve to ask whether there was trauma in my childhood. After knowing me for seven years and knowing there isn't. I just don't like my uterus!!! It's fine!!!

[@mfanwelikeit3760]

I’m the same, I’d be thrilled to never ever have a period ever again in my life. Funnily enough, Male Drs have been way more helpful than female drs in attaining this.

[@mochimochi7669]

I’m sorry you’re struggling. Unfortunately endometriosis runs in my family with my grandma, mom, and aunt having had it. I also have PMDD which makes things worse. I feel so bad for people struggling with menstrual illnesses. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

[@CazAvery]

The History of the Contraceptive Pill was my MA dissertation. It's nice to hear/read some discussion of why male contraception is so difficult (although it would be nice if more time and funding were going into it anyway!). This was a great round table! I really enjoyed it.

[@hannahwitton]

amazing thanks Caz!!

[@CazAvery]

@@hannahwitton Also totally forgot to put in the comment, I also just thought the coil was a spring for SO long. Literally until I got one I assumed it was like a bed spring type shape.

[@emilypearson8855]

In my health class, on our final a question asked “what is the best way to avoid pregnancy”, and half of the class got it wrong because the answer was “dont have sex” and some children said “use condoms/ use protection” and it made me very upset, because you cant just tell teenagers not to have sex because its gonna make them want to do it even more😂

[@cazzawee]

I agree that everyone should have proper sex education, teaching abstinence doesn't work, but also that answer is pretty legit lmao can't get pregnant if you don't have sex

[@Wizipita]

The more I hear about other people's experiences, the more I think I had a better sex education than I thought, because I was told that the only 100% safe way to not get pregnant was abstinence (since every contraception method can fail or be used wrong), but that's just not realistic so let's learn about the pill and condoms... So yeah, actually right answer, if you have a follow up.

[@raventrunite6459]

ah ! thank you for making this so intersectional ✨ my aunt lived with undiagnosed endometriosis for almost 30 years ! it’s so sad how womens pain is dismissed by doctors

[@NF30]

Yayyyyy another roundtable! This is normalizing such fascinating stuff which everyone needs to know. Thanks Hannah ❤️

[@ifonlyicould]

thank you Hannah for raising the point that for some people it's empowering to be on the pill! my periods were unmanageably heavy and were terrible for my mental health. it's such a relief to feel more emotionally balanced and to not have periods. i've seen so many people scaremongering about the pill and encouraging people to go natural and i really think that we can't take the pill for granted!

[@cassidybrewer]

I’m one of those unlucky few that has HORRIBLE side effects from every hormonal birth control I’ve ever tried. I have endometriosis and I will take the pain of that over everything I deal with when I am on birth control; but all that said, I completely 1000% support birth control and access to it. I think it’s a wonderful invention and super important to many people.

[@ifonlyicould]

@@cassidybrewer Thanks for your response! Ironically I came off the pill in November (more time at home and kept forgetting to take it) and I'm now in the process of being diagnosed with PCOS. I think it's reaffirmed to me how important it is to have autonomy over your own reproductive health & hormones, pill or no pill. It would be a big help if medical research and practice would take reproductive health more seriously!

[@ninimeggie4771]

As for school contraception we weren't told how anything works, but we were taught about a lot of options. Tubal litigation (we were not told that normally someone under 30 with less than 2 children and without husband's consent are normally denied), vasectomy, male and female condoms, sponge, diaphram or cap, spermicide, pill (no distinction), patch, shot, iud (no distinction) and abstinence. Fertility awareness wasn't taught at all or mentioned. But we also weren't told where we could get any of this other than condoms!

[@maidenrohina]

What? Why on earth do they need the husbands consent? What if there is no husband? Or the person is gay? What then? That is absolutely insane! 😯

[@ninimeggie4771]

@@maidenrohina welcome to the US. You have the occasional doctor who will do it younger but it's very rare. My friend who is 27 and wants it done because she medically should not have kids due to other health problems has been denied by 3 doctors because what if she changes her mind or her future husband (she's single) wants kids?

[@maidenrohina]

@@ninimeggie4771 That is terrible! I'm really sorry that has happened to your friend. Surely the doctors who are refusing her can see the medical reason she should not have kids in her medical history. That sort of issue doesn't just magically go away, god they must be idiots!

[@ninimeggie4771]

@@maidenrohina "well there are treatments and ways around that to make it so you can have kids" is what they keep telling her. Yeah, she knows. Very expensive treatments that her insurance won't cover and surgeries that are extremely invasive and may or may not help. She's come to terms with not have biological children. It sucks that that doesn't get to be her decision and she has to keep risking her health anytime she has sex (which is part of why she's single, for now she's abstaining) for a possible baby that has about a 1 in 5 chance of making it to term

[@maidenrohina]

@@ninimeggie4771 That is horrible, I'm so sorry for your friend, I can't believe the doctors can't see the harm they are doing in situations like this. Your friend can't live a full life because of these doctors. Doctors are supposed to do no harm but all they seem to be doing in this situation is harm. I obviously don't know what your friend has tried but I have a friend who ended up being able to get it done by seeing a psychologist who wrote a letter that stated how much not having the procedure was affecting her life/mental health and they strongly recommend the procedure be done as soon as possible. But I don't know if that would work in your friends case.

[@nat_fletxher]

‘Yes this is very day three’ made me burst out laughing on a train, loving this so far 😂💞

[@Christmas52]

Watching this with a heatpack on my tummy for the 90th day in a row waiting to hear from the hospital. Thankyou for including discussions about endometriosis and chronic pain, even just listening is helping me feel less lonely in this.

[@erdmaennchen82]

I hope you feel better soon

[@TheAmazinggirl2010]

I have endometriosis! so glad to see it talked about!

[@cla_rence]

It's so freaking amazing to see inclusive content on this topic, I'm super grateful 💛 Besides that, I absolutely love these discussions/podcasts, it's always really interesting and entertaining !

[@khezh8927]

More roundtables please! I learned so much watching this, great job Hannah

[@BeckytheWeird]

Nearly 24 and just learnt about ovulation discharge and I'm mind-blown!!!

[@roebearwhat]

I didn't know either and I'm 27! But it makes so much sense!

[@gabbyjahanshahi-edlin3102]

Only learnt at 32!!!

[@lottejohnson250]

Could you get some older women/people on? I feel like there's an under representation of people of a certain age... they just drop off, they have all the knowledge, they've lived it!

[@Slendergirl89]

agreed!

[@jackystar5099]

I've had a difficult relationship with my body ever since I started to go into puberty. I remember seeing my breasts were growing an crying because I hated my body and didn't want boobs. I remember being in denial for years after I'd first gotten my period. Even now I deal with my body image and those thoughts of self hatred creep back. I've come to terms with my period but occasionally I think about what I could get done to get rid of it. It hasn't been that long since I'm 18 but it's been a process and seeing people talk openly about this stuff helps.

[@C_22]

Thank you for including Katie I have never identified with someone so much concerning problems with the pill and pain since starting periods- I also have endometriosis and it is so comforting to see someone like me. :)

[@Ecesu]

Thank you for the work you do. 🧡 And of course huge thanks to everyone that joined and shared their experiences and knowledge.

[@klairehumanoid]

This is hands down my fav type of content you make! So insightful. Can't wait to get my pre-order, I loved Doing It!

[@melodysmash]

I really, really love this video format. I hope you do many more!

[@OuchMouse]

I love these discussions so much! Thank you for being so inclusive of such a range of identities and experiences

[@XiXzXa]

I love your roundtables, Hannah. Please do more!

[@dayanathatsgreat]

this is amazing! i've never seen a conversation like this (seeing online i mean) before and its SO refreshing and enlightening in many ways

[@amylavelle406]

This was so fun and educational! I loved hearing so many different experiences! Please do more roundtables!

[@em8842]

Wow. I never realized all the implications of the language around period products and cleanliness until now. "Sanitary products" and "feminine hygiene" as if our periods are inherently dirty and in turn makes us dirty when we have them. We really distance ourselves from a lot of the practices in rural communities around the world where people are excluded from society during the days they menstruate because they are "unclean" and the things they touch become "unclean" as well, we call those practices backwards and sexist, and then we go on to use the exact same language.

[@vidishaagarwalla1445]

this was great! thank you so much, i learned a lot. please post more like this, i would really love to watch more. it was great seeing such diverse experiences and it was very validating!! we need more open conversations like this

[@thistle7972]

For the non-binary person (sorry I can't remember your name) I've had the implant for 6 months, its progesterone only and has stopped my periods. It is inserted into your arm and lasts for three years and you don't have to remember anything for it. If you are sexually active you may have to be on the progesterone pill for about the first month as it is can take a little while for your body to adjust properly. But yeah if taking the pill ever stops working for you then I highly recommend the implant.

[@tytodreads]

I came here to say the same thing! I've had the implant for 10 years and no periods !

[@Mollfie]

I have the implant and still get periods a few times a year.

[@Enkiaswad]

Same for me! The implant worked amazingly for me. 1.5 years with no periods, then spotting for 7-10days every 2-3 months with no pain. I had my second one inserted recently. I am definitely feeling better on the implant than on my natural cycle or the combined pill.

[@marieshark]

On the flip side - I'm also on the implant and get regular-ish periods. I was on the pop pill before hand and didn't get my period at all, but after 6/8 months of being on the implant they gradually came back and like I said, are generally quite regular now. But the convenience of not having to take a pill everyday is totally the best part for me!

[@thatjillgirl]

The implant is the same as the progesterone IUD as far as periods go: About half of people will stop having their periods, but the other half will just have lighter periods. There's no guarantee your period will stop completely with the implant. But it is definitely an option to consider!

[@mybeliefisgone]

Yesss so happy you did another round table! I loved the first one so much. 😍

[@jamiedalton6496]

Thank you for highlighting endometriosis and excision!! I’m 35 and have had endo since I started. I had a hysterectomy at 27 to “cure” it and when I started doing research, I realized I could have gotten relief without removing my uterus, cervix and ovaries, and also realizing that a hysterectomy doesn’t cure endo, because endo creates its own estrogen which continues to fuel and feed and and grow.

[@snubblebubble4937]

I started using the copper coil in 8 months ago. I am 21 and I also thought coils were for older people who have had children. I had really bad anxiety and vaginal burning on the pill and wanted to try not using artificial hormones. I am absolutely in love with this form of contraception. Just like any method it is not for everyone, but I absolutely love how my body is without hormones and am so grateful I can use contraception that doesn't affect my hormones.

[@Riggs4860]

Im here and im a guy and a father of a 8 year old girl so im trying to educate my self since me and her mom are not together so i personally think its important for both men and women to have proper education on both ends

[@henlohumanshumans1822]

Thank you so much for this, your roundtable discussions are so important and help a lot of people out. My sex education at school (UK) was pretty good at educating about contraception and STIs, but didn’t mention any LGBTQ+ stuff or about consent and emotional side of things, we also never talked about periods. That said, I was very lucky in getting any at all, my friends from local schools who went to catholic school received none at all, and I used to talk to them about condoms and stuff at orchestra meetings. I really appreciate you talking about all of this, I wasn’t close enough with my parents to receive period products for the first 5 years of my period (then I was old enough to get myself) and have always had so much trouble using them for that reason and am so uncomfortable with the fact I get periods and dealing with the blood, I also have vaginismus so can’t use the menstrual cup or tampons, and the idea that your mum just decided to push you into that straight away makes me fear for those people like me who just can’t get anything up there, and who really might not have found that out by the age they start their periods. I also have significant pain and general body things and pms, and have never felt valid that it should be a thing that goes away and don’t know how you pluck up the confidence to just decide it’s okay to get help, when so many people have pain- like what makes you special? I’m not trying to be an asshole I’m just mega insecure. Watching this, and your roundtable on disability seriously helps affect the way I think about the world for the better, and I’m so glad it’s out there for people to consume. ❤️

[@lebagal]

I learnt so much through this!!!! I was never taught enough about my body or about any of these topics! I love your channel and your videos! Can’t wait for the next episode!!! And can’t wait to read your book!!! X

[@caitlinsmith5075]

Loved this! I was wondering, have you done/considered doing an episode about PMS, particularly PMDD/PME - kinda like with period pain we get taught that a certain amount of moodiness is normal, but for a lot of people it gets far far worse. I didn't really know about it until I got diagnosed a few months ago, so it's definitely an under talked about topic.

[@justnastas]

This video was SO much fun and help! What incredible people you all are, I actually felt like I was there with you discussing it because no one usually talks about such stuff and I never realised how much I needed that conversation. Not to mention how incredibly different the situation in Russia is, I felt like I discovered a whole new world... I can't say anything but THANK YOU Hannah and others for such a sweet yet important video!! ❤❤❤

[@Rhiun]

I just love these converstations at the roundtable!!

[@charl0ttes0metimes1]

This is such an amazing video, honestly well done to everyone involved

[@shaunaisaJellyBean]

I genuinely feel so lucky that I went on the pill at 16 and the first one I tried worked perfect for me ❤️ here 5 years later and not a problem at all

[@ninimeggie4771]

My periods were never awful cramp wise but they were so long when I was 12 and got it. Usually 9-12 days. As I grew up they got shorter and when I switched to a vegan lifestyle they dropped to 3-4 days thankfully!! I use cloth pads for my periods because I hate having things inserted!

[@milkshakemurder1]

Hi Hannah, love your videos. On the topic of hormones and not often discussed topics, it would be neat if you could do some stuff on PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) which is basically PMS x10000000. It is a weird intersection of a hormonal/endocrinological and mental health/psychiatric medical condition which I unfortunately have. And it can be very serious as it can rob you of 1-2 weeks of your life each cycle as you experience symptoms of really bad depression + anxiety but for the rest of the month you are fine or "normal" and this can often lead menstruators to think it is just a phase and not tell their doctor, or they do and the doctor dismisses them. Thankfully I have an excellent GP and now I'm lucky to have found a correct dosage of SSRIs + Yaz for me plus therapy (free, courtesy to my uni) and it is a literal lifesaver. As at worst, you experience suicidal ideation. But thanks to medication I am able to have my quality of life back and be myself because of synthetic hormones that my body fails to make properly in the right amounts.

[@stagetopage]

I could watch your Roundtables all day. They are honestly incredible, and will help so many people - me included. I have really wanted to come off my pill for a few months now (I've been on it for 10 years!), but I'm so scared to do it. The more I watch these kind of videos, the more I think I need to make the leap x

[@aglet1321]

I love you guys, it was wonderful to watch and listen, I was nodding my head through whole conversation and saying "yeah thats so true!" to my laptop all the time 😅 Thank you!

[@winterwolf1111]

I LOVE these roundtables 🙌

[@EMTwombly]

These round table discussions are phenomenal and should be directly involved with sexual and mental health education-for all genders! I’m a older man who had worked in mental health over 20 years with children and military veterans and I truly wish this video, and others that’s been done by this wonderful woman (on stomas, disabilities, sexuality, et al) in real world education! Because I was a nurse I was education on this subject, but I gained my knowledge from the women and their experience that transcended academia’s concepts! You are right, we need to listen to the true experts on this topic - the women!!

[@vickisigh2674]

omg i love these roundtable videos SO MUCH! thanks so much for another educational and invigorating discussion on your channel hannah! :D

[@hannahwitton]

Thank you!!

[@GKForwhatisworth]

Watching this while in bed cause i am in too much pain from cramps to go to work. It feels so right and I love this content!

[@megan6552]

😍😍😍😍😍 love these roundtables soo much!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@AlthenaLuna]

To try to follow along with the video points: started at 10. 1st school talks at 11, separated sexes, just basics about periods (a bit too late for me, but I didn't share that). 2nd talks (at another school, had moved) at 13, in a science class, just facts about STIs (with images). Same year, bled for 1 1/2 months straight, very heavily, blacked out from anemia, got ultrasound, put on pill (and had to stay that way because my periods were so problematically unruly). At 26, premature menopause from cancer treatment...but bleeding eventually came back (zombie ovaries, it's weird and fascinating but they should have stayed dead). Figured out I'm NB after 30, Mirena (installed while under general anesthesia having uterine polyps contributing to bleeding problem removed) stopped bleeding (and more polyp formation) and since no estrogen, didn't interfere with being on testosterone.

[@lottajarvi2907]

This is amazing and so refreshing, thank you

[@AlwaysEatingDeath]

I loved this, so nice to get different perspectives. And had no idea about those two diseases!

[@martydarty]

Just found your channel, love these round tables !

[@ninimeggie4771]

I love cycle tracking! I used to use clue but since it isn't accurate all the time I switched to Kindara. Kindara works with the Fertility Awareness Method, which is a great birth control. And also great for trying to conceive. I wish this was taught at schools!! Not that everyone needs to use it, but I think we should all be taught about it! It tells us so much about our bodies!

[@samkelly8600]

Hey Hannah, I love the round table period discussions, they are super interesting and informative! Could you do another one in future with people who don't have a regular cycle? Bleeders with PCOS, recurring dermatoid ovarian cysts, and other as yet unidentified medical mysteries. That's where I fit in (I have all of the three things I mentioned) and I would love to see a round table discussion talking about growing up with never regular periods, understanding the weird things are happening, diagnosis, managing pain, recurrent surgeries, the effects of hormonal birth control etc :)

[@hogwild5844]

I really enjoy these videos of your Hannah. Thank you so much. Massively educational and thought provoking for me as a guy. I always knew womans bodies were overly complex but this is just another level.

[@ralph17p]

Well - I learnt a ton! Yesterday it was chafing - today periods and hormones. Not exactly sure what use I'll be able to put this new knowledge to - maybe just stuff to bring up during those breaks in conversation at dinner parties. Having a renewed appreciation for the variety of human experience is no bad thing. Thanks, bleeders.

[@marthahawkinson-michau9611]

I had an especially memorable first period. I was thirteen and a half when it started, and I bled continuously for forty days straight. Heavy bleeding, continuously forty days. About the same time my doctor started to be concerned that I might get anemic from the bleeding, it dried up, stopped and I wen two months without bleeding. AAAAnd that began my life of having really unpredictable irregular periods. I've gone years without having a period, and I've also experienced spotting that felt like it would last forever(6 months). In the 22 years since my first period, the only time I've ever had a regular period--I was on birth control pills. Yes, I have PCOS. And yes, I am aware that super irregular periods are a super common symptom.

[@sethb-h4127]

This deserves so much more attention! Separate from all the really lovely, valuable learning I did as a guy, it was also a brilliant, interesting video with some great personalities :)

[@lizziearthur6114]

I work for Brook on the Let's Talk Period project in Cornwall. Can I just say that you're a hero in our education office. I knew about the brilliant stuff you and Gabby do, but great to hear from Katie and A who I didn't know before now. Goes without saying that I'm looking forward to getting my mitts on your new book, as I know my colleagues will be too! Thank you for what you do. X

[@gabbyjahanshahi-edlin3102]

😘

[@sunshineflicker6120]

Thank you for using such inclusive language about all this 💕💕

[@danika5649]

As a teenager I'll say that the education system has gotten better (at least where I live (in a super liberal part of Canada)) I learned about healthy relationship at school

[@graziacurcuru9130]

I identified with A’s story so much. My period started when I was 11 and it immediately was 14 days of really horrible, painful, heavy bleeding and then 14 days of a break before it started up again. I started going to see doctors when I was 13 for this and they suggested that I go on birth control but my mother was uncomfortable with this idea because she thought that if I went on birth control then I would immediately start having sex. About a year later I actually started the pill and I tried several different ones and they didn’t really work for me and then I had nine straight months of this heavy horrible bleeding, seemingly without an end, and even after it stopped, I had chronic cramping and had to go to physical therapy for my pelvic floor at age 16. Soon after that my gynecologist put me on Nexplanon, which is a rod that goes in your arm and dispenses progesterone into your system for three years with the goal of it stopping my period. The only problem with this, is that progesterone stops your period by making your uterine lining much thinner so that it can’t shed and bleed, but mine got too thin so now I have Nexplanon and I also take a very small dose of estrogen daily to keep my uterine lining “sticky” enough that I don’t continue spotting all the time. I have many other chronic health issues so getting my period under control was crucial for me to diagnose and start treating my other pain.

[@SimplyMayaBeauty]

I would love a video that's just a really extensive talk with a professional about all relevant developments and options when it comes to contraception - How exactly different pills work, the hormones at play and how it's typically matched to specific people. I feel like a lot of the material online is very surface level (at least in video form) and I'd love to hear more!

[@claradouglas825]

I went on the pill after needing to take the morning after pill. When I took the morning after pill was sick and fainted in the middle of an exam at school and so when I went to get to “cookie cutter” pill with the 7 day break, I was told I’m basically allergic to oestrogen so went on progesterone only. But that meant I had a period every other week so now I’m fine and got the implant and period free which is a nice and easy break after using 3 types of hormonal contraception in the space of a year. ♥️

[@you92847r]

GREAT video!!!

[@bl1776]

Thank you for talking about endometriosis

[@dorissaclaire]

I got sex Ed and period education at 12/13 through the grace of one determined, rebel teacher in her last semester. By the time all the girls had already either had it or knew about it, but the boys were actually really fascinated and had more questions than the girls! Now that I’m a young adult I make a point of talking about periods and hormonal contraceptives in front of male friends. The boys I actually tolerate are fine with it, they realize real quick if they want to spend extended time with any women they need to tolerate it and be open about it. I recently I had really good discussion about IUD’s with a male friend in a group of girls. It turns out, he had a lot more experience with them, as his partner has one but none of us did! Definitely stay in the room!

[@phoebemichael2895]

I would just like to say that I have the copper IUD and insertion was unpleasant but really quick! Pain afterwards only lasted for a few days for me, too! So although it can be painful as described in the video, it varies for every person! The copper coil wasn't mentioned but I think it's an excellent alternative to the hormonal options

[@ojiverdeconfleco]

This was great! Can we have another round table?? ❤️

[@ginime_]

Didn't think I would ever click on this video but so glad I did. This is the most information about all of the topics I have ever received

[@imke.b1123]

Hearing you all talk about your sex ed makes me realise how lucky we are in this country (Belgium), we learnt so much more than you did! We got sex ed around the age of 12, which was mostly about puberty, then again in year 10, discussing menstuation and all kinds of contraceptives, and in our last year of high school we had the complete scientific explanation of the reproductive system and periods, with all the specific hormones and what they cause! Also boys and girls were never separated, so technically all the non-bleeders should know a thing or two about it as well 😊 Great video Hannah, I really enjoyed it!

[@mochimochi7669]

I started my period at 8... they showed only the girls a video about menstrual cycles when I was 12. 4 years too late. Luckily my aunt sat me down to explain the science behind it when I started.

[@ellieallison3836]

I'm non-binary and seeing A on this panel was so comforting. Thank you guys!

[@thatjillgirl]

For people considering an IUD (aka coil): The pain from insertion is, like so many body things, different from person to person. I've had two put in. Both insertions were uncomfortable but not at all unbearable. The first one I just took 800 mg of ibuprofen beforehand (per my doctor's instructions) and then just took a little as needed afterward, which I didn't really wind up needing any. I had the occasional brief cramp and some bleeding, but otherwise I felt totally normal. The second time, I think it was a little more crampy, but I still didn't need much in the way of pain meds and was able to just go about my day as normal. It's just different for everyone. (Also, if your strings are too long, you can have your doctor trim them. They do it all the time.)

[@alstarrmer]

Ever since my first period I've suffered from a lot of pain. It was always batted off as 'normal' and I was being 'melodramatic' (including doctors) when I was a teenager. I learned to just accept I go through lots of pain and have heavy bleeding each month. I've got good at handling the pain i.e. making myself go to work and looking fine from the outside. I went back to the doctors on and off in my late teens/early twenties, still told it was normal. It was only when I went to the docs last year to complain about new pain I was getting throughout my cycle - specifically from around ovulation up until the end of my period, that I got anywhere. Got scans, nothing was found, told it was nothing. I kept pushing for endometriosis to be considered. I was offered a diagnostic laparoscopy but was told 'we're unlikely to find anything' because my pain wasn't severe enough (i.e. I've learned to minimise it and swallow it well). Went for it anyway. Endometriosis was found with my surgery and was treated. The surgeon said afterwards 'you were right' and sounded surprised. I felt vindicated and hopeful. That surgery was a couple of months ago, and I've found my pain is still here. Hearing about the difference between excision and ablation from this vid is useful info, but BOY has it made me angry. I've checked my doc notes, I received ablation. Why wouldn't they treat it properly? All surgery has risks, so why would you subject a patient to surgery and not properly treat them so they don't have to undergo further surgery in the future?? I was also discharged with a 'see you in 4 months' and that's it. No info given, no support, nothing. I had no idea that you may need to have multiple surgeries throughout your life for Endo.

[@morganbrown710]

I never had education in school or health class about periods, only a quick talk from my mom and dad when I was in probably 4th or 5th grade. Thank goodness I was calm enough and had the knowledge to know what to do when the time came. But I have really never had a sex talk or anything like that outside of school telling me that abstinance is the only option and nothing else is safe. If you have sex you could get pregnant and if you do there's no options, your life is ruined. Thank goodness for the internet because people like you guys, Sexplanations, and many others have taught me about my bodies and how to take care of myself mentally and physically more than anyone else in my life. My identity as a member of the LGBT+ community has been represented and talked about, and I am learning more every day. Love you Hannah, thank you ❤️

[@hannahwitton]

Thank you! And love Sexplanations! ❤️

[@plestrange511]

Love this!! So chilled & interesting & they should show this in sex ed classes!! ❤

[@anagriffith7489]

As an American, I find a lot of this relatable, we didn’t get much sex education besides don’t have sex (Massachusetts) but my husband who is from Texas got an amazing sex education. I’m 28 and have been on the pill since I was 15 because of acne and pain/heavy flow, wasn’t even sexually active for a few years after. The thought of going off of it is stressful because it’s been so regulated for so many years. Also, now that my husband and I want to start trying for kids, I’m having to work so hard to retrain my mindset about getting pregnant. It has been drilled into my (our) heads for years and years that getting pregnant was basically the worst thing that could happen to you as a female. It’s all so complicated and stressful!

[@bethany30]

I love this Hannah! I don’t even remember when I got my first period and I’m so disappointed haha

[@lucyimogen1022]

Hi Hannah, love these round tables! Made me remember that a myth floating around my school was that if you have very painful periods that you should just have a baby young and it will stop. Could you debunk/discuss this in a future episode? Keep it up!

[@rfldss89]

Really enjoyed this, was very informative and I appreciate that you brought in people with various conditions and even included non-binary folk. Edit: I wrote the part in brackets before finishing the whole video, soz. Thanks Hannah for having men's backs though and correcting Katie about the results of the male contraceptive study. You're right to still be angry about carrying that burden alone, but I don't think men are the ones to blame here, really, and I appreciate it very much that you pointed out the nuance of the issue. [A quick correction though: from my understanding, the male contraceptives that have been tested didn't make men just "a bit moody". The mood swings and instability were much more intense than is generally the case for female hormone contraceptives (depression was a common side effect, which is why the notorious study had to be stopped prematurely).]

[@helenamblx]

This was fascinating to watch. It’s always good to hear about other people’s experiences, and I think there should be a lot more education about periods in general. There’s always going to be a taboo around it, but it’s great to see people talking about it so openly. After all, it’s just a natural and normal thing that is happening to people all the time.

[@mousercat]

I got my period at 10, I didn't understand at first. Talked to my grandma (I was at her house), she got me a pad and helped calm me down. She called my mom and we chatted (my mum was a nurse). I then got "jr" kits for tampons to understand how to use them and read the pamphlets on how to. I had a male friend that always kept a tampon in his backpack just in case after I explained what was up. The support I got was really sweet, him and I used to talk about stuff like that a lot even more than some of my female friends. Also to the non-binary major shout to Carmilla yaaaas

[@EllenJones]

A!!! Soz am just happy to see my friends thriving

[@apeschanski]

Ellen Jones 💜💜💜💜💜

[@camillehaviland3729]

Loved hearing the part talking about fertility and cervical mucous and everything! I was so embarrassed about my mucous discharge when I was younger, I wish I had heard someone say it was like a super power back then. lol. I didn’t know any of that until I started trying to get pregnant. I wish they taught more about that in school. It’s so interesting and important.

[@Abi-ASMR]

When I got my period I message my mum and she ran upstairs to my bedroom and shouted "this is exciting". The day after I got my period for the first time I had to go kayaking in a swimming pool so that was fun for me.

[@juliettehamelle1747]

OMG Carmilla being mentioned. Yes! It also helped me 💘

[@strangekat2840]

I got my period at 10/11. I was still playing with dolls and I was definitely not a woman. Never liked menstrual cups. I found them really uncomfortable.

[@rNeyshabur]

I felt the same after trying multiple cups until I found the Lily Cup One! Not sure about you, but for me all the generic cups were too long & their pointy stem would stab at the entrance of my vagina... But the Lily Cup One by Intimina is compactible & can be worn with the lowest section compressed up! Making it shorter & way more comfortable

[@strangekat2840]

@@rNeyshabur I found that one uncomfortable too. I can't remember why, it just hurt.

[@marsrigger2641]

I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THE SAME, A. I never quite felt connected to being a woman, but also never quite a man either. I've recently come out as nonbinary and it's taking family a bit to get used to... But surprisingly, work has been super accepting! Which I'm very thankful for.

[@SamWest96]

My fiancé wants to know so much about my period. He’s made such an effort to learn, and now even changes my pad for me sometimes (I get clots with my endometriosis and I find it quite triggering) without even batting an eyelid

[@Sophie_Cleverly]

So great to hear people talking about this stuff. I feel much less alone knowing that there other people struggling with all this as well! Like I wish I'd known that it was possible to just not be able to use menstrual cups before I wasted a bunch of money and put myself in a ton of pain trying different ones 😅 and that there are other eco friendly alternatives that are also great!

[@lilistevens9263]

I really want to get this out there more. I first started using contraceptives when I was about 13 because my periods were just awful. They were painful and heavy and long, and I would get super super moody for 2 weeks before. Basically I only felt normal about 1 week out of each month. So, like so many other bleeders, I went to my general doctor and asked to be put on the pill. Cut to 4 days later, and I realized that the pill I was on (and nearly every contraceptive pill to my knowledge) contains lactose as the first inactive ingredient. I'm severely allergic to dairy. No one thought to mention that ingredient to me, and when I called my doctor, she said that I couldn't possibly be reacting to such a small amount of dairy. I had had terrible nausea and stomach aches for those 4 days. After that, I immediately went off of it, and went to see an OBGYN at the local children's hospital. She's amazing and prescribed me the patch. After about 3 years, that wore off and I now have the hormonal IUD. It is REALLY painful getting it put in, but frankly, it wasn't any worse than the cramps I had been having previously. Thanks for doing these amazing roundtables Hannah! I've loved them so much and they're such important topics to get more recognition of.

[@Beatrice91724]

Love the round table! We had every contraception in class (every one was between 14-16) and boys had to stay! We leard about all de different pills, coils and other stuff. Our male teacher teaching us this class even got the coil with the thing they use to put it in and we were touching every thing and „playing“ with the coil-insert thing 😅 2 boys even had to go to the pharmacy to get a femidom for us to see and understand. realy informativ but also awkward because he was our regular history teacher😂 He even tried to explain the ovulation and period thing with boys in class but they were just giggeling and not listening.... I‘m nearly 30 and still remember every thing from this class just because it was fun and informativ. I‘m from Switzerland and my school maybe special because we had fun teachers ready for jokes and taking stuff litely, we even leard how to do taxes in class. (don‘t know any other school who does that 😓)