Periods, dysphoria and getting through the days

You do not have to be a woman to have periods. Many trans men, non-binary people and others bleed each month, and for some of them a period can bring on or sharpen gender dysphoria: feeling distressed or uncomfortable for a long time because the gender you feel you are is different from the gender you were registered with at birth.

If that is you, it is not silly and you are not alone. The NHS says these feelings can make everyday life hard to enjoy and can affect your mental health, for example making you feel depressed or anxious, or like harming yourself.

Small things people find helpful

• Choose the products that feel least intrusive to you. Pads, period pants, cups and tampons are all fine, and there is no right one.
• Turn on Splash’s neutral wording and discreet mode, so the app talks in words that sit well with you.
• Plan the hard days ahead. Seeing your likely dates in the calendar can take the sting out of the surprise.
• Use heat, comfy clothes and a calm place to retreat, the same things that help with cramps.
• Log how you feel, not only what bled. Over a few cycles you may see which days are hardest.
• Tell one safe person. It can help to have someone who knows why some days are harder.

Getting support

• A GP can talk about support while you wait for a gender service, and can refer you. The NHS says waiting times for gender clinics are currently very long, so ask the GP what help is available in the meantime.
• If you are 18 or over you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies for things like depression or anxiety. If you are 17 or under, a GP can point you to children and young people's mental health services.
• The NHS strongly recommends not buying or using hormones that have not been prescribed for you. If you are already taking some, speak to a GP, who will not judge you.