Menstruation Frustration

Since coming to college, I realized how lucky I was to not have to buy my own menstrual products growing up. My mom would always pick some up for me when she bought some of her own. So this year when I got my period I went to the store to quickly grab some tampons, pads and a small bottle of Advil (the necessities). When I went to check out, my total was $20.40, I was shocked because never had this cost came out of my own personal bank account. I was not prepared to drop $20 right then, but I looked down trying to decide if there was anything in the three products I had that wasn’t necessary. But the thing was, menstrual products really wasn’t something I wanted to skimp on. 

That got me thinking, my period is something that happens regardless if I want it to or not, yet I have no choice but to spend money on it every month. Because I’m so used to casually buying these products, I’ve never taken the time to add up what exactly it is I’m needing. First, you need hygiene products such as pads, tampons or maybe both. Then there’s the cost of Advil or Midol, anything for the cramps or headaches. There’s the cost of underwear you need to buy because you got your nice ones all bloody. There’s acne medication, chocolate maybe, or birth control. Regardless of how many items on that list you choose to utilize, most mensturaters will find themselves needing at least some. It adds up being a person with a period and for some reason that’s never been a big topic of conversation, especially with women already being on the wrong side of the wage gap already. 

The majority of states in the U.S. tax feminine hygiene products, people are being taxed for something they have no control over. In America, items deemed “necessities” aren’t taxed, it varies from state to state but this list mostly consists of groceries, medical prescriptions, agriculture supplies, sometimes clothing etc. Yet something a huge percentage of our population needs, isn’t a necessity in the eyes of our government. This is just another sign something big needs to change, and the way we perceive menstruation needs to shift as well. But I have hope, a large part of solving this problem is bringing it to more mensturators attention, which is what I wanted this post to do.

Lastly, here are some cost effective tips to help during that time of the month!

• Instead of buying expensive heating pads, wet a hand towel then put it in a plastic bag. Next, stick it in the microwave for a little bit and you’re done. Make sure to re-wet every time you put back in the microwave to reheat. 
• To help with migraines, use some peppermint essential oil and rub some on the temples, or over the whole forehead. A diffuser or even peppermint gum should help as well!
  By: Eliza Kern