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Period Underwear

(also: period panties)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Generally speaking, periods are something that most transgender men will have to deal with at some point in their lives for varying lengths of time. For many trans men, it is not only the periods that are a source of gender dysphoria - but the products surrounding the period. Period products such as tampons and pads are heavily associated with femininity. Period underwear, often helps many transgender men during this very dysphoric monthly part of their lives.

The menstural cycle ia a fairly common source of gender dysphoria for transgender men (and some nonbinary people) due to this strong association with femininity. For many transgender men, GAHT will result in no longer experiencing a menstural cycle. However, there are some transgender men for whom this cycle does not cease, even with masculinizing hormone therapy. Some men will seek out hysterectomies, or certain types of birth control to make their periods stop.

Not all men want to or are able to seek out surgeries and medication to stop the menstrual cycle. Children and teens who experience periods are certainly unable to have hysterectomies, and are rarely able to access medication to stop them. Many doctors are hesitant to perscribe medications unless the patient has a disorder that cause an abnormally painful menstrual cycle.

Regardless of the path taken, people who menstruate still, well, menstruate. This page serves as a resource for those who do, so that they are aware of the options available. If you experience confusion regarding certain terms that are used, feel free to click on the hyperlinks that lead to other portions of this website; which explain the relevant terms and concepts in more detail. Feel free to also seek out the pages manually by using the alphabet menu buttons at the top of this page. As the table of contents indicates, external links with further reading materials on relevant topics can be found at the bottom of this page.

General Information

In a combination of both efforts toward being inclusive to the transgender community and being more environmentally conscientious, there has been a push for both reusable and gender neutral period products. Underwear cut in various styles are useful for anyone who menustrates, regardless of gender.

Period underwear refers to absorbent undwear that can be worn when one is on their period. They are a reusable, washable, and more environmentally friendly alternative to pads and tampons (which are generally speaking, single use and disposable). Pads and tampons can expire after 5 years if not used.

Period underwear comes in a variety of different levels of absorbancy for those with different menstrual flows. They come in different styles, cuts, and patterns depending on personal preference. Depending on variables such as your flow and the brand you choose, a pair of period underwear can be worn for as little as 4 hours at a time, to 12 hours before having to be washed. Regardless, period underwear can be worn for the normal length of time you would wear any underwear if you are not on your period.

Period underwear has the same lifespan as any other normal pair of underwear that is kept clean and stored properly. Period underwear should be soaked or rinsed in cold water in a sink or washer. Setting a washing machine to "delicate" and placing the period underwear in a mesh bag before tossing it in the washer is generally a good idea to prolong the lifespan of the garment. Handwashing is probably the best way to preserve a pair for as long as possible, though it is understandable if you don't, as not everyone has the time to do that.

Period underwear are comfortable, aren't bulky, are safe to be worn alongside IUDs, have a low risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (compared to some other period products), are easy to use, can be worn as a backup/when you are unsure if you are on your period or not, are cheaper in the long run, are more environmentally friendly than other options, are safe to use when you have an IUD, and don't have to be changed frequently.

For those with heavier flows, there can sometimes be a risk of soaking through period underwear if they aren't changed frequently enough. They can also be inconvenient while traveling.

Other Types of Menstrual Products

Menstrual Cups

Made out of medical grade materials such as silicone, rubber or latex, menstrual cups are reusable tiny funnels that are inserted into the vaginal canal for 6 to 12 hours. They can be messy (for those without practice or with mobility issues) when removed for emptying and cleaning.

Menstrual cups can last 5-10 years with proper care.

Menstrual Discs

Coming in both reusable and disposable variants, menstrual discs can be made out of medical grade silicone or polyethylene materials. These discs are placed deep within the vaginal canal, up against the cervix, and can stay up there collecting period blood for 8-12 hours at a time.

Sanitary Pads/Panty Liners

Pads come in a variety of sizes/thicknesses depending on one's flow and needs. There are some reusable pads, but most are single-use disposables made of cotton and/or rayon with a plastic liner. Most single-use pads have an adhesive to easily attatch the liner to underwear. Many pads come with 'wings' which are used to further secure them to underwear.

Pads can be left in underwear for 3-4 hours, though thinner panty liners can be worn for much longer if one is not on their period while using a panty liner.

Unused pads can expire due to bacterial growth after 5 years.

Tampons

White, cylindrical, and typically consisting of absorbent cotton and/or rayon; tampons are one of the most popular menstrual products coming in a variety of sizes/absorbency depending on the buyer's flow. Tampons are single-use tools that are inserted directly into the vagina and stay in there for 4-8 hours to collect period blood before being thrown in the garbage. Leaving a tampon inside of oneself for too long is associated with a life-threatening condition known as toxic shock syndrome.

Some tampons come with plastic applicators to help with insertion.

Unused tampons can expire due to bacterial growth after 5 years.

Diagram of How to Insert a Tampon

The Menstrual Cycle

A menstrual period refers to the monthly shedding of the uterine lining. The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, which will be discussed below. These phases are directed by rising and falling levels of hormones released by the pituitary gland (located in the brain) and the ovaries. The standard length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days, though a cycle can be anywhere between 21-35 days and still considered normal.

The menstrual cycle is the body's way of preparing for pregnancy on a monthly basis, and breaking down those preperations when pregnancy does not occur. Most people start menstruating at the age of 12, though it can occur as early as age 8 or as late as age 16. A person's first menstrual cycle is typically around the same age that they begin to grow breasts and pubic hair.

Irregular period cycles are cycles that are shorter than 21 days, longer than 35 days, menstrual flow that’s much heavier or lighter than usual, not having a period for 3 months (or 90 days), bleeding or spotting in between periods, bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days, or periods that are accompanied by severe pain, cramping, nausea or vomiting. Irregular cycles can be caused by various things, such as PCOS, endometriosis, being perimenopausal, or being a teenager. Menstruation stops around age 51, when a person experiences menopause, and no eggs are continuing to be released. Once someone around this age has not experienced a period in a year, menopause has been reached.

Please note that the following explanation of the menstrual cycle is under the assumption that the person menstruating is not pregnant and has a standard cycle. Menstrual cycles typically start being regular when someone is in their 20s.

Beginning of Cycle/Period Phase/Bleeding/Menses/Menstruation

Menstrual blood consists of a combination of blood and tissue that flows from the uterus, through the cervix, through the vagina, and out of the body. The first day of blood in one's underwear marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle. The body's levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone drop, resulting in the shedding of the uterine lining. On average, this period of the menstural cycle lasts 3-5 days, however it is not unusual for it to last 7 days. On average, 2-3 tablespoons of blood are lost during a period.

Common symptoms during a period include but are not limited to; fatigue, bloating, irritability, headaches, lower back pain, cramping, breast soreness, and mood swings. Period symptoms can be managed in various ways such as, getting 8 hours of sleep per night (7-9 hours of sleep is recommended for adults), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain, engaging in moderate-intensity exercises (such as walking or yoga) for 30 minutes per day, and hormonal birth control. Medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and diuretics can help with symptoms such as symptoms such as moodiness or bloating.

Smoking can worsen period symptoms.

Iron is lost during one's period, which is why it is advised to eat foods that are high in iron during and around this time. Foods that are high in iron include spinach, chicken, eggs, lean beef, and broccoli.

Some signs of irregular period bleeding include bleeding through a tampon or pad every one to two hours, bleeding longer than seven days each time you have your period, or passing blood clots larger than a quarter. Having an irregular period can be a sign of a problem.

To track your period, mark your calendar for the first day of bleeding. Mark every day that you are bleeding. Stop marking your calendar when the bleeding stops. When the bleeding starts again, mark the calendar again. There are also apps that can be used to track this information. This information is useful when it comes to determining the regularity of one's menustral cycle.

Follicular Phase

This phase starts on the first day of the menstrual cycle and continues until ovulation (lasting for about 14 days). In preperation for ovulation and possible fertilization, eggs mature in the ovary during this phase. The hypothalamus in the brain releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that house the growing eggs are known as follicles.

Every month, there is one dominant follicle that releases estrogen, which results in the thickening of the uterine lining in preperation for a possible pregnancy. The rise in estrogen levels results in the decline of FSH levels, causing the nondominant follicles to shrivel up. After, the pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH), which readies the now mature egg to leave its follicle.

Due to the overlap in the follicular phase and the period phase, the same methods to manage symptoms also apply. Eating foods that are high in iron (as previously mentioned) help provide the body with energy. Most people start to experience higher energy levels towards the end of this phase due to rising estrogen and progesterone levels.

It is possible to get pregnant during this phase.

Ovulation

Ovulation occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, typically on day 14 of a standard 28 day cycle. This is the time when pregnancy is most likely to occur, as the body's surge in LH has caused a mature eff to be released. Some people choose to track their menstrual cycles to be aware of this time (either to promote or discourage pregnancy, depending on personal preference).

During ovulation the temperature of the body at rest (also known as the basal body temperature) increases slightly (0.5°F to 1°F).

Some symptoms experienced during this time include sore breasts, bloating, increased sex drive, mild cramps, light bleeding and cramping, mood swings, and changes in appetite. Ovulation pain (known as mittelschmerz) is commonly experienced as discomfort in the lower belly during ovulation, which can be treated with NSAIDs to help releve discomfort.

Ovulation may be irregular or skipped (anovulation) in those who are experiencing certain conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), breastfeeding, menopause, and primary ovarian insufficiency.

The time when someone is most likely going to get pregnant is 1-2 days before ovulation and during the day of ovulation.

Birth control pills, birth control patches, and IUDs prevent ovulation.

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase lasts from day 15 to day 28 of the menustral cycle. The name of this phase is derived from the corpus luteum (the group of cells that forms in the ovary after an egg is released). During this phase, the corpus luteum releases progesterone and some estrogen. These hormones thicken the uterine lining in preparation to nourish a growing embryo.

During this time, the egg travels down the fallopian tube. An egg can only survive for one to two days (though sperm can survive in the uterus for 3-5 days), and if the egg is not fertilized during this time, the corpus luteum dissolves, hormone levels decrease, and the menustral cycle repeats again.

Symptoms experienced during this phase include appetite changes/food cravings, mood changes, sore breasts, bloating, acne, and trouble sleeping.

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