The Time Of The Month and ways to help you get through it.

This is one of those posts where the boys may want to stay clear of as it is all about The Time Of The Month  or to those who may not be clear on that, PERIODS.

Periods are something all woman will go through eventually , Some go through it earlier than others and in my own experiences it has not been as bad as we may have thought before starting them although some people are effected in different ways.

What is a period?

A period is our bodies way of telling us that we have turned into a woman and by doing so it prepares our body to produce more of our kind for when and if we ever feel ready enough to do so. 

Every month a new membrane lining is formed in the Uterus and some time around half way through your monthly cycle , an egg also known as the Ovum will be released from your ovaries.

A monthly cycle usually lasts around 28 days .

Pregnancy occurs when the Ovum is fertilised by a sperm which is produced from the male of the species but if there is no fertilisation , then the Uterus will bleed and start to get rid of the un-needed membrane and exit the vagina This is what is called a period.
This usually occurs around 14 days into the monthly cycle and can last from anywhere between 3-8 days , some people have different cycles meaning they have shorter or longer periods than others .

Every female will have one at some point in their lives , most every month for years and years to come and although it is most definitely annoying at times having to deal with periods , it is healthy for our bodies and helps to rinse your body from the membranes, particles and any fluids that may have formed in the uterus.

How can we get through our period -

Do not worry-
First of all , do not worry, it is perfectly normal and it happens to us all .

Stomach cramps-
Some people suffer with what is called stomach cramps (stomach ache) , again nothing to worry about , this is just your uterus contracting and cleansing itself . The best way to deal with this is by ejoying a nice soak in a hot bath or if you do not feel up to it , use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel and lay it on your stomach . 
There are other ways to deal with it or reduce the cramps. Some people find that mild exercise such as swimming or even just a walk can help , this can also reduce the time of your period .

Eating well-
Prior to every period , my cravings urge me to eat things such as chocolate and salty snacks but try to avoid them as much as possible , instead try to incorporate fruits into your diet especially high potassium food such as bananas.

Be prepared - 
Before your period is due , you may be best to wear dark clothing just in case it comes early as it can sometimes happen. 
Always carry a sanitary towel or tampon in your handbag and a pair of spare pants just in case .
Make a note in your diary .

Stay clean - 
Always ensure you change your sanitary towel or tampon regular. Ensure you take regular showers and carry wipes with you if you venture out to stay clean.

Wearing tampons, sanitary towels or panty liners -

All products available to help you get through your periods are available in most stores in many different shapes and sizes for light and heavy periods.


I for one never go to the shop, instead I send my husband or buy them on line .

What is the difference ?

Panty liners-
If you have a light period or daily vaginal discharge , I would recommend using a Panty liner . 
These are thinner and more narrower than the sanitary pads and these are worn by placing them inside the gusset of your pants .

Sanitary towel or pad-
A sanitary towel is worn during your period . Sanitary towels are thicker and wider and can be bought with what are called wings (not the type that fly) but the type that wrap around the gusset of the pant to secure in place ensuring their is no movement to catch the menstrual blood and absorb causing you less discomfort during your period.
You can get them for during the day and also night time which are a little thinner due to the fact that because you are lying down , gravity helps to stop the menstrual bleed from being released as much.

Non Applicator tampons-
Applicators or tampons as you may have heard them as is a cylindrical mass of absorbent material. 
Tampons are designed to be easily inserted into the vagina during menstruation and absorb the ladies menstrual flow.  You can get them in many sizes .
Non applicators come without a sleeve and have to be inserted into the vagina by gently pushing it up leaving the pull string outside of the vagina enabling you to take it out for regular change . Always ensure you clean your hands before and afterwards to reduce any risk of infection.

Applicator tampons-
These are very similar to Non applicator tampons except these have a sleeve which guide the tampon into the vagina without the need of inserting it manually.
The sleeve is made from very thin cardboard most of the time but sometimes a very thin plastic .
The tampon is placed at the entrance of the vagina and you then push the end which has a string attached until it is completely inserted inside the vagina leaving the string hanging outside of the vagina. The sleeve ensures the tampon is inserted correctly . You must ensure you wash your hands before and afterwards to reduce any risk of infection.

If you are just starting your period I would recommend a sanitary towel , I a 31 years old and still use them , I rarely use an applicator unless I am going swimming .

Having to deal with periods now for 20 years, I have got to be honest in saying that there are many different brands out there but one stands out like no other and that is 

TOTM - Short for , (you guessed it) Time Of The Month!


Who are TOTM?

TOTM are a female menstrual product brand that supply you with panty liners, sanitary pads, applicators and non applicators .

The difference with this brand unlike others is that their premium range is certified 100% organic cotton.
Their Eco friendly products are supplied in  sleek, discreet white boxes and can be delivered straight to your door .


Where can I get TOTM from ?

TOTM.com


Here are the promises that TOTM give you and the environment -

• TOTM do not use cellulose pulp, which is obtained from felling trees in rainforests
 
• TOTM products are Perfume, Viscose and Rayon free

• TOTM products are 95% biodegradable and dissolve naturally in landfills
 
• TOTM do not use Chlorine or Dioxin to bleach our products
  

• TOTM products are hypo-allergenic to reduce the risks of vaginal irritations
  and allergy and are compatible with your bodies natural PH
 
• TOTM only use 100% Pure Certified organic cotton - a naturally breathable fibre which is healthier for your body

• All TOTM products have been certified by the ICEA (Environmental & Ethical Certification Institute) and GOTS (Global Organic Standard) Associations.

Here are the products available from TOTM -

My Experience with TOTM - 

It does not matter how old you get , I have to be honest with you and yes ,you still get embarrassed by picking up those Sanitary items and not looking the lady at the counter in the eye on that monthly stop at your local for those menstrual cycle supplies.

TOTM have a unique ordering system that allows you to choose the product/s you desire and have them delivered to a specific date chosen by you .
You simply choose your product , choose the date you want your first delivery then tell them how many days in a cycle you wish for consequent replacements to be sent out to you . 

TOTM will ensure your sanitary items are delivered to you every month in time for that dreaded period , taking care of it for you .

TOTM deliver your product for you, when you want it and discreetly , straight to your letterbox.
I have on numerous occasions had my period and forgot to buy supplies or not realised I had ran out so having TOTM take care of it for you is a fantastic idea.

The price is not as you would expect either, with as little as £1.95 and free shipping for delivery , it makes it affordable for everyone .

TOTM are completely organic and 100% cotton, this means that you are receiving the best quality with naturally breathable fibre which is healthier for your body.

The products are soft and gentle and this is what matters most to me. No uncomfortable harsh materials and being hypo-allergenic there is no risk of vaginal irritations.

For me, I like to know that my sanitary towel is secure and the sticky side of the towel that sticks to the gusset of the pant has to be strong and hold well.
TOTM towels have a great hold on the pant and I have had no issues with them moving away from the pant while moving around.

The sanitary wear is discreet just like it says and I have had no feeling or fear of over leakage or spills .

I felt comfortable wearing the products, I had in fact completely forgot I was wearing one at one point it as I could not even feel it . Just showed me how natural they felt on the skin.

TOTM are in my opinion the top Sanitary brand to use and I would give a high recommendation to everyone , young and old.