How to talk to your daughter about her period
Last year I was introduced to Alisa Vitti’s book In the Flo. She’s a fellow female hormone expert so I instantly felt a connection to her work. In the first chapter of her book I was not only feeling that connection based on our similar professional careers but also as mothers of young daughters. I knew exactly how I wanted to talk to my daughter about our amazing bodies and what she can expect when it comes to puberty - and even be proud and excited about it!
Alisa shared her experience of learning about the female reproductive system in her eighth grade biology class. She was disappointed in the way sperm production was described as brilliant design while the section on women’s reproduction glossed over the magnificence of what women’s bodies are capable of - you know things like preparing every single month to grow a human person and then actually being able to do that!
She wrote her own version of what her text book description would be and THIS is what I want to share with my daughter as well.
The female reproductive system is the crowning achievement of human evolution and reproduction. Efficient and highly adaptable, seven hormones work in symphonic relationship to cause four highly refined processes to take place in a given monthly cycle: the development of multiple follicles, ovulation, the building of the lining of the uterus (to prepare for possible conception), and the release of that lining when conception does not occur. When conception does occur, the process of gestation is absolutely breathtaking.
I wrote earlier about why having a period is a good thing. When I read this, I think about how lucky I am to be a woman and to have a period. And while I would love for my little girl to stay a little girl forever, I am excited to go through this next phase in her life with her and equip her with all the knowledge she needs to be just as excited about having a period as she should be!
We recently put together a First Period Kit that equips girls with everything they need to have a positive first period experience. We developed a fun guide that encourages girls to cycle chart (something we all should do!) to get to know their cycle and changing bodies.
We believe that with knowledge comes empowerment and we want our girls to be empowered individuals and that begins with knowing their own selves. In addition to the First Period Kits we have individual products for sale as well as books. We will also be offering education about the phases of the cycle to adolescents and young women in the future so be on the lookout for those events! Plus, you and your daughters can always talk to me and our other fantastic pharmacists about any questions you may have - we are here for you!
TANYA MANONI is a Chattanooga-native but earned her BS in chemistry and PharmD at the University of Utah. She brings with her years of experience in compounding and pharmacy corporate management. Tanya's professional interests include not only BHRT, women’s health, and dermatology, but also nutrition and fitness, in which she became interested while playing NCAA Division I college soccer. While living in Utah, Tanya earned her level 1 certification in avalanche search and rescue, and she continues to enjoy snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. She lives in Chattanooga with her husband and two kids, so you will find her running between soccer fields and dance studios in her free time.