The Coil Update &

Such a pleasure to be working with Always again and on the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign in this #TheHormoneDiaries episode! Always are aiming to donate 5 million pads and you can check out the rolling total so far here: www.always.co....
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[@lucillerenard9019]

was anyone else ridiculously happy to get another episode? I'm so glad Hannah is gaining back her strength, but I seriously didn't think we would get another episode of the hormone diaries anytime soon!

[@plunkybug]

Me!

[@abi_rose]

My university has free sanitary pads and tampons in the women's bathrooms. I think it's something the SU had been pushing for for a while and I'm so glad it's there

[@alaineneuburger2830]

My mums work have them free in every building. Steps forward!

[@sexyscientist]

SU = syracuse university?

[@sophiehannahatherton]

Sexy scientist students union

[@eve2752]

i thought soviet union first

[@gwynneio]

Same at my university in the US. I have just started seeing it the past year or so

[@toerag572]

I've posted an old photo on twitter, but I'm male, so I don't know if Always will count it. But as the single father of 2 teenage daughters, I wanted to help if I could.

[@cats4love]

Very random, but the bathrooms in the montreal airport have free pads and tampons. I thought it was the coolest thing (which is kind of sad since they should really be free everywhere).

[@yearningjon]

I, like many transguys, avoided hormonal contraception for years because of the immediate association with women and fear of worsening dysphoria but finally took the plunge in a bid to better control my body. I know I never would have been able to do it without your openness in your videos and this series, in particular, has inspired me to share my experience with the patch and hopefully raise awareness of the issues of transmen in regards to sexual health.

[@mestevep]

"I feel like if periods were a thing that happened to males, we wouldn't have period poverty." PREACH!!!

[@hannahtooher5101]

louder for the people in the back!!!!

[@Victoriaward]

I'm not sure about this statement. There are plenty of men across the world going hungry...I'm not sure about the premise that men sharing in a type of poverty or even sexual health issue makes it more likely to eradicated/solved/tackled. I wonder if framing the issue in this way distracts from the real issue, which isn't one of gender discrimination, but one of social inequality.

[@StarMintaka]

Was about to comment the same thing. Like, for real

[@0111-d6y]

👏🏿 SAY 👏🏿 IT 👏🏿 AGAIN!👏🏿

[@only1tacynne]

Victoria Ward idk man, they’ve tackled erectile distinction pretty well

[@rodhasmana7306]

okay so while this video is awesome, i just wanna say one more thing - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR SUBTITLING YOUR VIDS. with hearing issues, it just means everything

[@x10101Lauren10101xox]

Norethisterone can be used to delay periods as well as the combined pill. Ask your doctor to see if it's suitable. So glad this series is back!

[@AmandaKriti]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this series... It's just the best.. I try talking about taboo topics with friends in college and from what I've seen, so many of them don't know how periods even happen... And these are like 22 years olds..

[@imogenleather5124]

In my brother's college at uni there is one bathroom that has a mountain of different types of pads and tampons! Saved my life when I went to see him and unexpectedly started my period

[@youcancallmeflo]

For the person who asked about delaying your period! Before I was on the pill I used to get a medication from my doctor called Norethisterone when I knew my period was due and I would be on holiday/sitting exams etc. You take it 3 times a day, starting a few days before your period is due (I can’t remember exactly how long) and it delays your period until you stop taking it. I remember the period I did get once I stopped being extra heavy and painful, but it does the trick!! Xx

[@mouseluva]

Some of the libraries in the Norfolk network (usually those in larger cities) offer free sanitary products as part of the campaign! I've seen adverts for it in ladies public bathrooms around Norwich, and I think it's really cool.

[@claire4234]

Another thing you can do to help is donate sanitary products to local food banks. I volunteer at a food bank and we make bags up for local schools and also give out items to women in need. Thanks for highlighting this Hannah is just unbelievable that we have this problem in 21st century Britain.

[@Amy-mg2um]

Might be worth checking for those strings at different times during the months. Depending where the cervix sits it affects how low down the strings are. Just saying since I once freaked out over it cause I couldn't feel strings. Lol, not good :')

[@thatjillgirl]

Yes, or different times of day, even. (Or in relation to when you've had sex--I can't reach my cervix at all if I've just had sex because the vagina is still too extended.) And often the strings get wrapped up around the cervix, so if it's a time of day/month/whatever when the actual cervix is hard to reach, it can be tricky to find the strings up there. Just keep trying back at different times, and you'll probably find them eventually. I find the strings easiest about midway through my menstrual cycle, and I can reach them best if I am squatting. (Also, speaking as a person who has accidentally dislodged my IUD before, you will almost certainly notice if it becomes partially or totally dislodged. That plastic poking through your cervix is pretty hard to miss, and it does not feel normal. For me it made a cramping sensation when it came out. I knew something was wrong even before I reached in to check on it.)

[@SamarkandChan]

I wish it would be possible to give these girls period cups (if they have access to water and are able to use them) so it wouldn't create so much waste and they could use that one product for 10+ years.

[@rebeccawiens4224]

Keyholder there are some organizations who are doing this already. Ruby cup is one I think.

[@mollyluckett5315]

i agree however they could be harder for younger girls to use for obvious reasons

[@Crazypanda12321]

I was just suggesting this to my mum after seeing the advert on tv!

[@StarMintaka]

I thought about it too, but it's awesome that they're at least donating pads

[@the3pic1_mspandourworld]

Keyholder Yeah, but always sells pads so.. I completely agree that that would be better though

[@imaginationlord]

It's brilliant you're able to do another hormone diaries! And I'm glad you're working with the end period poverty campaign, it's very important.

[@thetheatricallinguist]

ASDA pharmacy definitely offers a period delay service, which is basically just a short course of the contraceptive pill. It's not something I'd want to do, but even if you're not taking the combined pill, you could get it for the sake of delaying your period.

[@marenq4138]

I know you talked about this in a previous video and I didn't hear it then, but now I feel like your voice has actually changed in that it is now a little higher and clearer kind of? Idk but I think I like it

[@chocolatemilkcharly]

Maren Q I think it’s where the mic is? Idk but I agree!

[@darciekitchener2325]

My university (Cardiff Uni) have free tampons in the foyer of our Student Union. There is also a place where we donate period products to food banks/women’s crisis centres etc. I think it’s so great, but as a further step I think donating reusable products like the menstrual cup or washable pads would be an even better step forward for girls and women who maybe could do with a backup for when they can’t afford products in the future. Just a thought!

[@naomilb_95]

Hi Hannah, you're looking so well! I'm so happy your back making videos, especially the hormone diaries because that's how I first found your channel! This is nothing compared to period poverty but I thought I'd shed some light on a new problem arising with period pads because I think you might find it interesting. So as someone with rather sensitive skin (I can't use any perfumed soaps etc. or my skin goes red, cracked and blistered) I can't use scented pads, all kind of gross stuff happens but the overall effect is that I walk round like the hulk for a week because I can't close my legs 😂 This is a problem quite a few women are having now as nearly all pads have some form of perfume added to them and we now can't buy pads from our supermarkets because gradually one by one our unscented brands have changed over to this new fad of scenting, like come on no one (well not many people) sprays their vagina with perfume so why put it on a pad! After getting bored with the dodgy looks I get from sniffing all the pad packagings I now only order ridiculously expensive pads online. If anyone knows of any other brands still available please let me know. (I would use my mooncup but I also have the marina coil... I miss that thing so much) Hope you found this interesting, I just feel it's really important that I make as many people aware of this as possible because it affects loads of women and we shouldn't have to suffer in silence anymore!

[@Char10tt3_]

You could always ask your bf to check for the strings if that’s something you’d both be comfortable with 👌

[@greensteve9307]

Good point.

[@miadifferent7306]

To reach your cervix with short fingers, try it on the last or first days of your cycle. During these days your cervix naturally lowers itself. (And then of course „push“ your pelvic floor to lower the cervix even further)

[@StarMintaka]

I was so excited to see new Hormone Diaries episode! We don't have free pads anywhere in Russia. It would be so freaking helpful to have them at least at schools Also, Han, I'm on my second pack of combined pills and I take them without breaks (28 pills in a pack)

[@laurenrose1948]

At my all girls school we had a designated locker that we all kept stocked with pads, tampons and chocolate. It was something I really appreciated but understand was from a place of immense privilege.

[@evamarial.7908]

Hey Hannah! My gynaecologist told me that feeling if the strings are still in place is bullshit, she says most gynaecologists cut the strings too short for that and being able to feel the strings doesn't guarantee anything. You really should get one scan of your womb after a few months to see if everything is in place. It only took me 10 minutes at the gynaecologist and she said I was good for 3 years :)

[@noerchen29]

Sorry, but that is very irresponsible from your doctor. :/ Even when the chances to lose the coil are the highest during the first three months after insertion, you can still lose it anytime, especially if the doctor didn't measure your uterus. Feeling the string is not a 100% guarantee that the coil sits perfect, but (with enough practice) it can be sign of shifting or loss when the string is much longer than usually/not there. Cutting the string so far that it disappears in your cervix is not advisable. It's only a low risk that the coil will shift after this time, but you don't want to be the exception in the stats..

[@Zohey98]

I believe my uni student union give out free pads! Also my mum used to work in what was called a pupil reception at my school and she would buy pads and tampons to keep in her cupboard to give out to anyone who needed them and I think that’s something that should be much wider!!

[@AprilSlocombe]

As I mentioned in my comment on your PCOS video with Leena Norms and on Twitter I have PCOS and I take the POP to help regulate my cycle. At a gynaecologist appointment I attended for my PCOS the nurse asked me if I wanted the coil but I told her I didn’t because I was worried and unsure about how it would be put in (I don’t know if surgery would be performed on me to insert it or if it would be put in like a tampon) but she told me that it would removed in a similar manner to a tampon. Hannah it is good that you’re backing the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign and I like the sound of one free pad being donated to a schoolgirl in need whenever a pack of Always pads is purchased.

[@Jessica-os8tc]

I was given a medication by my doctor to delay my period by a week because I get hormonal migraines when I'm on my period and I was meant to have exams that week. These medications can mess up your cycle for the next few weeks or month however so they generally aren't recommended unless you need them.

[@abby-zp5ky]

the hormone diaries is one of my favorite series on KZbin!! educational and entertaining

[@nicetsukki]

Hello Hannah! I commented this on instagram too, but I was just wondering if you could perhaps use more inclusive language or if this is something you have to say as part of the campaign? Being a trans guy, I have periods and it's very frustrating to hear ONLY school girls/women have them. I hope this doesn't diminish the actual point of the campaign because it's a very important cause! x

[@nicetsukki]

no problem! I figured it wasn't necessarily your words

[@StarMintaka]

You are cool

[@Hannah-vp6eq]

By "quoting the research" she means Always requires her to use transphobic language in order to sponsor her. I would like to think people absolutely, unequivocally dedicated to gender equality and trans issues would refuse to work with a company that so blatantly disregards the experiences of trans people by entirely erasing them from the conversation.

[@SallyWaters24]

Hannah I'm interested to hear what evidence there is for Always making her use trans-exclusive language? I trust Hannah and believe her when she says she was quoting the research, but I'm happy to consider your evidence to the contrary.

[@raevickers2333]

It can be simple to put a disclaimer then in the video to say "I'm using this inclusive language in place of saying girls which is what the research uses".

[@rose360x1]

Pads weren't free at my high school. I'm from Mississippi (US) and we had to pay the school nurse 25 cents to get a pad if we needed one.

[@MeganSmithers]

Ours were a dollar & they were the bulkiest things I've ever seen

[@rose360x1]

Damn, a dollar??? They had to have been making a profit. That's insane. Ours were those shitty bulky pads too! When I was in middle school, I heard the school nurse tell a girl that she should be responsible enough to bring her own pads to school so that the girl didn't have to keep missing extra class time to go to the nurse's office.

[@MeganSmithers]

Hayley Schrock the nurse at my school wouldn't even give you a bandaid unless you got hurt at school. So like if you cut yourself at home & it opened back up at school, she wouldn't give you a bandaid. Public school sucks

[@rose360x1]

well damn. freaking public schools.

[@gwynneio]

What the heck! Sorry to hear that

[@charlottesreadsthings211]

My high school used to have a big thing with girls going to the matron for pads/tampons when they unexpectedly got their periods during the school day. About a month later the matron starting charging for them: £1 for a tampon, 50p for a pad.

[@VictoriaaWyattt]

hi hannah! so mega proud of you for being the boss we always knew you are. i was wondering, is the stoma forever? or is it 'put back in' after a while? hope recovery is continuing to be kind to you xx

[@TerriWhyton]

Hi Hannah, I just wanted to comment on the fact you can’t feel your coil strings with your short fingers. I can’t feel my strings either and have super long fingers lol. I’ve never been able to feel them and neither has the boyfriend. I had my doctor check them a week after having it inserted and she couldn’t feel them either using just her fingers. She managed to feel them in the end using one of those things for a smear test. She told me that I have a deep set vagina and my strings had kind of gone back into my cervix but it was all still where it should be. Just a bit of added info for you as to what could be happening

[@bailey4605]

Love your videos. I really hope you are doing well! 💛💛

[@mookieatsix]

Now that you mentioned it, I don't know where to get free sanitary products from either... But, I do have something to tell you that I think you might enjoy - half of the people I work with are girls and I cannot tell you how many times I was asked if I have a tampon or even a painkiller to relieve cramps. So, I made a period bag with pads and tampons and Naproxene to keep at work so no girl is ever left stranded lol. Also not only girls at my work know about it, I did make an effort to tell the guys as well. You know, just in case I guess.

[@kirstenrubberducky]

I once saw a girl talking to women who were living on the street and she was offering them sanitary products. I'd never really considered how big an issue this would be. So now I carry an emergency sanitary pack in my bag when I can. It has some pads, tampons and wipes in, ready to help anyone who might need it.

[@edenjhowells]

as much as i think always’s campaign is a good idea, i can’t help thinking it would be more sustainable and actually more helpful to donate menstrual cups to people who cant afford sanitary products. because a cup could last someone like 5 years whereas a pad only lasts a few hours..

[@rebeccawiens4224]

Ruby cup does it shop.rubycup.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw1-fVBRC3ARIsAIifYON4yyramv40QqjPpoZLdESKuozhDuJEgC_zMyYqf4LtP5W8KiBkQsYaApO-EALw_wcB

[@GeekGames73]

not everyone knows how to use/is comfortable with cups though. pads are necessary for the immediate problem of making sure that everyone who needs it has SOMETHING.

[@mollyluckett5315]

mensural cups are so much more expensive as well

[@StarMintaka]

I thought about it too, but it's awesome that they're at least donating pads

[@edenjhowells]

menstrual cups are more expensive because they last a lot longer, so they’re the same if not cheaper in the long run! also, reusable pads are also a thing too, but i see where you’re coming from. just an idea though :)

[@mieliboo1]

It’s not in place yet but the Scottish government is currently setting up a system that will allow sanitary products to be available to anyone who needs them. Including free sanitary products in the loo at educational centres. Last July there was a pilot announced for low income households to have sanitary products readily available in Aberdeen for 6 months as a trial. As it stands there isn’t a way to access sanitary products for free in the UK. So much so that some teachers were purchasing them out of pocket to give to students who needed them.

[@katiehayward5752]

I can’t think of anywhere where you can get free period products! At our school, you have to pay £1 for a wingless pad! Something needs to change!!

[@thebugbear]

The pill delay only works some of the time / for a limited amount of time. Eventually, you will start bleeding (I think). I've only tried to delay mine by a couple of days at most but I have friends that tried to delay it for longer and it didn't work.

[@lolafiiona7014]

There is a mall in my home town that had a despensor that hadfree for period products

[@yddam33]

Ahh you’re so lucky you only had 2 hours of bad cramps!! I had around 2 weeks and it was absolutely horrible!

[@bigjockknewheknew3882]

Take ibroufen

[@yddam33]

John Moffat yep took the strongest painkillers I could get over the counter and they didn’t help much. Thanks though!

[@amy3971]

John Moffat thanks random man for your shitty, badly spelled, unsolicited advice.

[@luciedvorakova2167]

I don't see how can coil be legal. It works by inducing chronic irritation/inflammation to the uterus. That is why it can cause bad cramps and prolonged bleeding. I especially don't see why Hannah opted for coil. Because of the ulcerative colitis she must know really well what it is to live with chronic abdomenal inflammation.

[@maschafestival]

It's not an answer to your question of where to get free sanitary products but I just thought about the menstrual cup I'm using. It has allowed me to have free periods for more than a year. I had to buy liners the other day but apart from that, in that time, I've not bought any sanitary products and the cup has, by now, paid back itself. Maybe someone will find this useful.

[@daphneallen5952]

Love these vids and you! You’re a huge inspiration for me💗💗💗

[@sophieowen7972]

Hi Hannah, do you know by any chance what the selected shops are that count towards the donation? Don’t want to be buying the pads thinking it will go towards the donation and then doesn’t 😄 p.s. always love your updates on the hormone diaries ❤️

[@iLied12]

Food banks I think! I have a similar theory about men and the menopause

[@JoMakerOfMovies]

Hi hannah! just regarding the 'can you delay your period' question, there is a pill you can get prescribed from a doctor that will 'postpone' a period for a while! I used it as a 12-13 year old on holidays, I'm not sure what the name of the pill was, but you can definitely do it.

[@rfldss89]

but... wouldn't Dan be able to *lend you a hand* to search for the coil?

[@man99helm99]

Hope you’re feeling better

[@shelbyharville927]

Could you do a video about your experience with the pill? I know you aren’t on it anymore, but as someone who has recently started the pill I would be very interested in a video about it!

[@raevickers2333]

Hi Hannah! Don't forget that period poverty extends to trans and non binary conforming individuals. I tend to use the phrasing "people who bleed" "people who have uteruses" "people who menstruate" etc to be more inclusive :)

[@HelleUlvestad]

I went to my doctor once to ask about something to delay my period, as I had an important thing to do that I really didn't want to have my period whilst doing. I got some pills that postponed it for a week or two, but I don't remember what they were called

[@nicolefok7307]

Try squatting whilst bending forward a little bit to fill for the string, it takes a few go but you'll find it!! I've short fingers too ;P

[@CharlotteMulcahy]

pads weren't even free at my secondary school (it was an all girls as well) - they cost 20p but thankfully most ppl were happy to share x

[@julesmx0]

I've had the Mirena for 4 years and only get my period every couple of months. Even then it's super light. I do still get the boob pain and sometimes cramps in between, but it's totally normal for your periods to be super spaced out and really light.

[@mzhoneybunchesofoats]

Why don't they donate menstrual cups?

[@ryantrue4844]

You said the coil you have releases a small amount of hormones? How does it do this? They really should teach everyone everything about the human body when at school

[@SamarkandChan]

google

[@ryantrue4844]

Keyholder I have done, I have found what it does, how it is inserted, what it's made out of, the effectiveness of it but not how it actually releases the hormones, this is the part which I am wandering

[@CaitThinks]

Hey Ryan. The hormonal IUD works similarly to a contraceptive implant - there's a reservoir of the hormone in the device (in the Mirena IUD the hormone is levonorgestrel), surrounded by a membrane that's designed to allow small doses of hormones through. For instance, in the Mirena there is a reservoir of 52 milligrams of levonorgestrel, and initially around 20 micrograms pass through the membrane every day. Over time, that slow release depletes the reservoir, and a lower hormonal dose is received. A Mirena IUD is supposed to be used for a maximum of five years, at which point the daily hormonal dose has decreased to 10 micrograms a day. (NB: I am not a doctor; information sourced from FDA documentation on Mirena and my own conversations with my gynecologist.)

[@ryantrue4844]

Cait the Curst that is actually amazing! Thank you for telling me! I'm just trying to get my head around the size of it now as all of that in something so small is just incredible. Thank you again

[@littlegrabbiZZ9PZA]

Ryan True Biologist here. It's basically diffusion. The plastic contains the hormones, and they sort of bounce around in there. Every once in a while, a molecule bounces out of the plastic and into the surrounding tissue. The amount of hormones in the plastic, the size of the plastic part, and it's permeability are chosen/designed into the device in such a way that the rate of release is in the right range for effective contraception, and lasts as long as possible.

[@RoisinsReading]

Periods can cause diarrhoea or constipation though, cause it does affect your intestines. I know you don't have a large intestine but I don't know maybe it would cause some digestive/ loud stoma

[@therebex23]

I didn't have a period for 2.5 to 3 years after getting the Mirena. Good times!

[@emilyanne9513]

it doesn’t last the full 7 years? is that normal?

[@CazAvery]

I had a really bad experience with the Mirena because it wasn't in the right place but my strings were fine (though if you can't feel them, your boyfriend might be able to check). In my case changing to the Jaydess (like the Mirena, but smaller) was the answer. You can also request an ultrasound, which is how we figured mine out. But even in the incorrect position it was still working as a contraceptive and preventing periods etc. it just caused bleeding at other... inopportune.. times. On the jaydess I bleed roughly every 2-3 months for a couple of days - the bleeding is super light but the boob ache is real for about 2 weeks before that. I wonder if you'll be similar. I have absolutely no idea where anyone can get free sanitary products. Honestly I'm not sure you can? (outside of the school nurse)

[@KatesAdventures]

In terms of delaying a period, a couple of years back a friend of mine begged me to go to the pharmacy on her behalf because it was coming up to her birthday weekend and she realised she was about to have her period. I'd never heard of anything being able to delay it coming, but when I spoke to the woman in Boots she was able to give me over the counter....something. I can't remember what because this was a couple of years ago but from memory it was designed to delay the period. If you ever find yourself in that situation (or know this is coming up ) I suggest speaking to a pharmacist, they may be able to help.

[@alysskoyles7912]

My church has free pads and tampons in the bathroom and my school has pads that you can get from the reception/office and the ladies in there are super sweet about it.

[@abby-zp5ky]

early!!! love you hannah x

[@neymeyfeyhey9511]

I have NEVER heard of free sanitary pads. I was once in a bathroom mall in a big city and I saw this machine for tampons and pads. 2 pads- 1.25$ same as three tampons. The only free pads I ever got was when I forgot my own and I had to ask about ten girls and hope one was going through the blood mother as well. Also, screw my friend who uses the smallest pads ever. Why were you the only person that had the same cycle as me for about three months.

[@KellieValentine]

I'd recommend the Mirena coil to anyone. I've had mine in for 2 and a half years now and it stopped my periods completely which is an absolute blessing to me. The only problem I really have is that it makes me worry about pregnancy a lot more because I don't have my period to warn me. So I take bi-monthly pregnancy tests just to make sure all is well :)

[@AshArAis]

I haven't had to spend money on any pads or tampons in 4 years because I bought a Mooncup. The €30 paid itself off within 4 months, and it has been all profit since then. So unfortunately I won't be able to contribute to the Always campaign (I was also trying to reduce the amount of single use products I was throwing into the landfill.) I know inserting devices doesn't work for everyone, especially without access to clean running water, but it would be great to have better access to them to those who can use them.

[@kimberlyp51]

Ashley Feawen you spent 7,50€ a month on your period?

[@Whitetomato27]

Ashley, some people get really heavy periods and pads can cost up to 5 euros per package so I can see someone could end up spending so much money every month.

[@rdodgegibsonable]

Hi Hannah, I do have a question. Why can women work out for two hours at the gym, however, men sex is initiated by a man they are to tired? I very firmly believe people do what they want to do, with the exception “of the script they have learned from their parents.” It takes counseling to reflect back on the script that has already been written for one’s like. Do you think this is the reason young adult men are increasingly running away from a marriage commitment? Do you think the question above gives men the wrong reason to have affairs? Does this reason affect the divorce rate (almost 50% in some states in the US). Thanks my bright, Margaret Sanger friend, Ron

[@su5512]

What a great video to see when i just completed my period today😃😃

[@PriscaL]

I got the Kyleena IUD (smaller Mirena) a little over 6 months ago. I recently have gotten the WORST break out on my face. It's on my forehead and chin area. I've never had acne this bad or persistent. I'm trying to treat it as if it isn't my IUD causing the flare up because other than that I enjoy my IUD. But it sucks sooo much. Anyone else experienced this?

[@annabelyates5219]

My English teacher in sixth form had an entire draw full of sanitary products, along with tissues and hand sanitizer for people to take whenever they need to. I think it's a really good idea and definitely helped a lot of desperate girls. She always criticised any boy who found them and started laughing or messing around with them. She was definitely up for breaking down the taboo!

[@mMeFlora]

st john's wart (for example in the form of tea) can make your period come 1-2 days early!!!! dont mix it with birth control tho, that's risky huge amounts of tarragon can also induce cramps which would technically make your period come sooner but i wouldn't recommend it for obvious reasons

[@StrongImaginationA]

RE starting periods earlier or delaying them: to my knowledge only high end athletes do this? There are hormones etc you can take but I don't think it's recommended for people who don't need to pysically perform a certain way because the only way that would works is by blocking/preventing ovulation.

[@marion9847]

I think in the uk you can get free sanitary products from your local food bank? Bit admittedly, not everybody even knows where that is...

[@Tazziii]

There’s so many reusable sanitary products now days as well. They need to be more available and talked about!

[@karlimaerie]

In my Michigan high school we do not have a nurse. We have to pay 25 cents to get a maxi pad (they don’t have any thinner ones) and that’s it. They don’t offer tampons because in sex Ed we are taught that you can only use tampons after you have sex for the first time (I’m in 8th grade) and I use tampons so it’s no use for me anyway.

[@rzonmrcury]

Karli Marie gotta love inaccurate Sex Ed. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@karlimaerie]

rzonmrcury I know right!

[@rebeccahaglund4633]

There is this thing called primolut nor (at least it is in Sweden), which could be used to start or delay your period. I don’t know anything about how to get it in the UK, but at least in Sweden, you have to get a prescription. I have it as a part of my pcos treatment, so I’m not sure how to go about it if you want to delay a period. It’s a bit of a weird experience, at least for me, because my periods aren’t what they usually are when I get them on my own (worse mood swings, sorer boobs and 6 days instead of 5), but other than that, it works well.

[@samanthamalone2464]

Wow I’ve honestly never thought about girls not being able to get sanitary products?! And wow I wouldn’t have a clue where to get free ones from? So good what you’re doing Hannah!

[@sssophie9292]

I went to a local British Legion a couple years ago and was surprised to see a basket of free pads and tampons in the toilets. :) Unfortunately the next time I went the basket was no longer there. I assume either some people took advantage of them/vandalised, or the place stopped the funds for providing this.

[@RyonRykal]

9:30 TRUE! Many, many problems would not exist, if we men were involved OR if gender equality was everywhere. We would have no wars (or way less wars), better work spaces, better health systems, a fairer money distribution... The list goes on! (I'm 26 years old, male, living in Germany.)

[@makskniwe5959]

What about the parents? Don't British parents speak with their daughters about their period? I mean, if parents buy food for their kids why don't they also buy them tampons or pads? Or in other words: "Dad, if you go to the supermarket, could you bring some tampons for me? Thanks!" ("Dad" is just a place holder for a random parent which can be "Mum" as well. Just to make clear that I don't want to sound sexist.) Or did I miss something? EDIT: Now I remember, that's why you wrote "Doing It", didn't you? So the problem is not free sanitary products, it's the taboo of sexuality and thus the lack of communication about it.

[@ghostlyamy]

at my university, the women's department has their own room and in that room there's a seemingly endless amount of free sanitary products (along with lube, condoms, hair ties, and bobby pins)

[@Minnigirl1]

ABOUT DELAYING YOUR PERIOD. My mum actually told me about this years ago, there is a pill you can take which will delay your period by like a week. it only works if you have regular periods tho. Other then that you can ofc take the pill and skip the week you're not supposed to be taking anything

[@rdodgegibsonable]

Hi Hannah, here’s the choice- one protects you from STD’s and unwanted pregnancies- many men hate condoms because of reduced sensitivity-the other is like bandaids. Which one would you rather get free? Wow, will I be in trouble. You have done so much to help people, I really think your going to win a Noble prize at some point in you life. Could make a good case you are current Margret Sanger (forgive me for the spelling errors I had a stroke last week). Still think you are lay Social Worker. You might as well get the credentials (although you probably don’t need it) at some point. It just opens resources, alternatives, and broadens your entire knowledge base and expands your perspective. Think of it as research. Plus, I don’t know your boyfriend, however, if he sticks with you during your major tragedy, he has my vote.😍 Keep improving my bright, caring, lovely KZbin friend, Ron

[@Lioness99a]

I wish exercising helped my cramps. Usually it makes them worse just sitting/standing up, let alone actually doing anything else..! They just write off a day where I curl up in bed and catch up on Netflix/KZbin and cry a lot 😕

[@amygibbons2297]

I got the coil recently but before I was on any contraception I took a pill whilst on holiday which delayed my period. So the postponing period question: Ask your doctor about it. It worked for me, and it's basically just taking a tablet every morning and evening for the duration. Hope this helps someone!

[@jeromeramassamy8955]

Hannah wittone The Hormones DiARES and very important for me I adore to be able to dice guy with you Hannah wittone darling love babies darling I kiss you very tenderly my heart I love you my heart I am very happy to be with you Love you teperdoi AND Very inportan for me I love you very much

[@beccamcdouble]

I've had an IUS for about 18 months now and experienced almost exactly the same after results as you - sounds like your emergency surgery hasn't messed with your period too much. I have PCOS so my periods were never normal to begin with, but I had spotting for about 6 weeks, and then one or two very light periods and I've had one random period since then. I still find myself getting cyclicly moody, acne etc. just without the bleeding

[@eimearrosenicholl3734]

Actually, running would set my cramps off and I would start vomiting and having diarrhoea at the side of the road if I didn't get home in time! The cramps would go right down my legs so much that even walking back home was too difficult and I'd usually have to phone my husband to be rescued😬 So, exercise may not work for everyone especially if you have severe period pain and/or endometriosis.

[@emilyfarrugia1611]

for what it's worth: it can a take a llloooonnnggg while to get your reproductive system back on track after a big physical issue (in terms of it involving weight loss at least). when i started properly eating again and regaining weight after a bad ED episode, it took MONTHS after getting very close to my healthy weight to get a period. i think my bod was like "are you sure? are we good? you're SURE?" before it blessed my uterus with the gift of blood

[@lizzieb3816]

You always upload the hormone diaries while on my period Lol, I quite like it like that

[@skulduggerypleasnt]

Ask Dan to look after the coil. For a few weeks after I got´my coil inserted I was really nervous and I checked literally every hour if it's still there :'D And sometimes I asked my boyfriend, because I was unsure is it the coil or something else inside my Vagina :D Plus Boyfriends mostly do have longer fingers. So good luck with the coil hunt :)

[@yomaze2009]

TBH if you and your boyfriend are comfortable he should check if your strings are in place (probably as important to him as to you). He can get into a much better position to check...he may have longer fingers as well. Know so much more (and still so little) about women's period/birth control struggles because of your vids. Wish you the best Hannah.

[@blixiestar1371]

So, I have Crohn's disease and I lost my entire colon 4 years ago. To those that wanted to know. Basically, your period is pretty much the same as before. If it sucked before, it will continue to do so. The only difference I have really noticed is when I suffer from a serious lack of iron. I spent most of January in hospital this year (hernia just below my stoma became twisted and cut itself off for a bit) and I didn't eat anything (unless you could iv fluids) for weeks. As it turns out, if your colon is gone, besides being dehydrated on a fairly regular basis, you can have issues absorbing enough iron. This can really throw you for a loop and it messed my period up for about a month or so. Once I got my iron transfusions (which I will need to get regularly for life) then things have been getting better. If you have a stoma and you are super exhausted all the time, make sure to check in with your doctor and get a CBC to check your iron levels. It's a common issue with gastro patients that no longer have a colon. Hannah, thank you for your videos. My husband is a big fan and told me how I had to watch all your videos because he knew I could really relate to your personal experience with your colon trying to kill you and whatnot. Glad you are getting better. PS. If you want recommendations on stoma gear and simplifying your life with that stuff, I've got 4 years of knowledge and dealing with an ileostomy and no colon. Hugs

[@pepperwings]

A lot of people stop having periods with the Merina coil, but I understand it's tough to feel comfortable that everything is working properly when you don't have one. Particularly since you've had a lot of "excitement" in your body lately.

[@kimberley7302]

something I have noticed (whether it's just my body or other people have a similar thing i dont know) but whenever my period is coming up and my partner and I have sex, I generally begin my period the next day. Take last week for example, I was supposed to start my period on the friday 11th May, my partner and I had sex on the monday night (the 7th) , on tuesday I woke up and period had started.

They donate one pad... wow so humane... cutting prices and de-luxurizing sanitary products for women is not an option? Oh well capitalism it is.

[@luciedvorakova2167]

I don't see how can coil be legal. It works by inducing chronic irritation/inflammation to the uterus. That is why it can cause bad cramps and prolonged bleeding. I especially don't see why Hannah opted for coil. Because of the ulcerative colitis she must know really well what it is to live with chronic abdomenal inflammation.

[@Allylaurel]

Period poverty is a huge issue in my home country, South Africa. There have been a lot of campaigns for free sanitary products and, finally, I saw the other day that the government has now issued free sanitary products (much in the way they do condoms). Really hope that this will become widespread!

[@jazzaling]

I’m not sure of anything which can make your period come earlier, but you can get tablets from the doctor to delay your period. I’ve had them twice for when I’ve been due my period on a beach holiday - I have vaginismus so can’t use tampons/a moon cup, so I wouldn’t have been able to wear a bikini etc. the tablets have to be prescribed to you but you start taking them a couple of days before your period is due and stop taking them when you choose (though I think they’re only for short term use!), then your period comes back a few days afterwards. I don’t think many people know about it - I have a friend who’s a doctor and I only know because she told me! Xx