Many myths, stigmas, and misinformation surround menstruation, often to the detriment of those who encounter it month after month for most of their lives. No matter what we call it - “the curse,” “my friend,” “Aunt Flo,” “on the rag,” or “your period” menstruation is a rite of passage and a fact of life.

Yet, throughout history, menstruation has been viewed negatively, deemed shameful, impure, or dangerous, leading to adverse consequences on reproductive health, gender equity, and the economy. It’s important that menstruating people, and those that care for them, understand the realities of menstruation to dispel its myths and stigmas, and the misinformation that often surrounds it.

Please join the Wellness Center for “The P Word: Understanding Your Period” on Wednesday, February 5th at 3 p.m. in the Gilman Center.

In this workshop, you will:

• Learn how to take control of your health
• Learn how to educate & advocate for yourself
• Understand the phases of the menstrual cycle and cycle charting
• Explore women's hormones and their effects
• Understand estrogen and progesterone, and what highs and lows may look like
• Learn about dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea
• Discover herbal treatments
• Know the benefits of midwifery (not just when you're pregnant)
• Explore common complaints and problems
• Understand what affects or delays a period?
• Explore PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Discuss stress effects
• End with a Q&A session

Presenters:

• Nancy Chase, RN, a labor and delivery nurse for over 30 years and a doula, is a Nurse Manager for My Choice Pregnancy Centers. She has years of experience teaching on this topic.  

• Amy Filep RN, a graduate of the SUNY Orange Nursing program, is a Nurse Manager at My Choice Pregnancy Centers.

This workshop is open to the entire campus community.

Reserve your seat here: https://machform.sunyorange.edu/view.php?id=902594

Walk-ins are welcome.

Snacks will be provided.

Here are three informative videos on the history of menstruation:

• 100 Years of Periods
• How did women deal with their periods in history?
• The Story of Menstruation (1946), a Disney program

The Wellness Center provides hygiene products and over-the-counter medications when needed. Find us in the Shepard Center, Middletown Campus.

For more information, please call the Wellness Center at (845) 341-4870 or email wellnesscenter@sunyorange.edu.