Lets Talk About ‘TOM’ – Eleven Facts About That Time Of The Month

Sadly the 'TOM' we are referring to is not an attractive male.

It is no surprise that the word MEN is found at the beginning of the word menstruation, every woman knows just what a royal pain in the ass both of those can be.

Here are eleven facts you may or may not have known about the lovely time of the month...  

1. There Will Be Blood (Damn You, Winter).

Some of us are blessed with ‘light’ periods that last a standard 3 to 4 days, however we’re afraid to inform you ladies, that periods tend to be heavier and longer in the winter months… A ‘heavy’ cycle is said to be one that lasts more than seven days.

2. You Never Know When You Have Him

Irregular periods are extremely common in young women, up until the age of 18 the body’s system is still trying to regulate itself, causing less frequent flows. Stress or extreme weight loss can also affect the body’s cycle. If you are concerned about irregular periods it is always advised to consult a doctor.

 

3. Tampons Are Not The Enemy

There are many myths about tampons. Tampon is derived from an old French word meaning, ‘piece of cloth to stop a hole,’ and contrary to belief of a few it cannot ‘de-virgin’ a girl. Some cultures view an unbroken hymen as the sign of virginity, although a tampon may damage, it will not break it. Tampons do not cause a woman to bleed more.

4. BBFs - Bloody Best Friends

Is it true that women who work or live together can become in sync with one another? Menstrual synchrony, a.k.a the ‘Mc Clintock effect’, named after author of the first study ever published, Martha Mc Clintock, is a real thing.

How it works - pheromones are released by skin glands situated under the arm, these are airborne chemicals which are odorless and are sensed in the nose by vomeronasal organ (VNO). When a woman is menstruating she releases this substance into the air, which stimulates the VNO in females close by, signalling hormonal changes and inducing menstruation.

 

5. Clots Of Fun

The average period releases just a little less than one cup of blood, and just like the different period types, some women pass heavy clots. These chunks of coagulated blood, come from uterine contractions and as cramps become more frequent, the blood is unable to thin out before passing. A few small clots during each day during your cycle is normal.

 

6. In The Bloody Spotlight

Studies show that artificial lighting, (such as city light), can influence the menstrual cycle and scientists believe that pre modern women ovulated with the full moon and menstruated on a new moon.

7. MENopause

They never leave us alone, do they? Premenopausal symptoms can begin in a woman’s early 30s, with the average age of period ending in early to mid 50s. Symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue and memory lapse.

 

8. Frisky Business

Woman universally crave chocolate throughout the days of their cycle (and the days in between), however something else that can be on our minds is sex, or the lack of it.  An increased sexual desire can be explained as the uterine lining thickens in preparation for menstruation, and may be stimulating nerve endings in the lady garden region.

Every couple differs, some women and men do not mind having sexual intercourse when the lady is in the middle of her cycle, others are completely disgusted by the idea... each to their own.

9. Pregnancy and Periods

Pregnancy IS possible when having sex during your period. Sperm can survive up to seven days in the body.  

10. We Don't Give A Cramp

Unfortunately a period doesn’t just bring painful cramps. Migraines, dizziness, and insomnia are all due to the levels of estrogen dipping. When this hormone level decrease, it brings down pain barrier endorphins and also serotonin levels, that help you sleep.  

11. You Didn’t Know What TOM Was

If you have never heard of the time of the month referred to as, TOM, educate yourself with some other useful nicknames and code words, to disguise when you and the gals are discussing the messy subject.

Rag - “I’m on the rag,”

Chats - “I’m having the chats.”

TOM -  “Tom can be an awful bloody nuisance.”

Auntie Flo - “Has Auntie Flo visited you, is that what’s wrong with you?”

Others acceptable phrases include, ‘red light district’, ‘surfing the crimson tide’ and ‘jam sandwich’.

 

As it turns out, that famous Tommy Tiernan ‘Women and Emotions’ skit, was quite accurate... at least we can laugh about it.