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Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation
What do you know about your menstrual cycle?
A woman’s cycle is considered her fifth vital sign, telling you as much about your health and wellness as your blood pressure or pulse. Yet, from a young age, girls around the world are taught the minimum, if anything, about their own bodies and this important function.
Instead we are taught to expect periods to be painful and gross, that hormones will turn you hysterical every twenty-eight days, and that good girls definitely don’t talk about menstruation.
This book examines the history of period shame and stigma and the far-reaching effects it has had on women’s health and wellness today, while providing a self-care guide to understanding menstrual cycles and reclaiming your fifth vital sign through holistic nutrition, lifestyle advice, and self-advocacy.
A woman’s cycle is considered her fifth vital sign, telling you as much about your health and wellness as your blood pressure or pulse. Yet, from a young age, girls around the world are taught the minimum, if anything, about their own bodies and this important function.
Instead we are taught to expect periods to be painful and gross, that hormones will turn you hysterical every twenty-eight days, and that good girls definitely don’t talk about menstruation.
This book examines the history of period shame and stigma and the far-reaching effects it has had on women’s health and wellness today, while providing a self-care guide to understanding menstrual cycles and reclaiming your fifth vital sign through holistic nutrition, lifestyle advice, and self-advocacy.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2019
22 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 24, 2019
Amanda Laird is a holistic nutritionist who specializes in menstrual health. She has witnessed the widespread shame associated with menstruation and recognizes how this impacts women in all areas of their life, but most importantly their health. Shame prevents open discussion with health care providers and it encourages avoidance in terms of monitoring, tracking, and overall awareness. This “fifth vital sign of bodily health” is being ignored and it is hurting women everywhere.
In her book Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation, Laird gifts her readers with a wealth of knowledge so they may be better empowered to change the narrative of menstruation for themselves. After all, it's as natural as breathing. In addition to priceless education, Laird reviews historical views on the subject, she sheds light on who benefits from negative attitudes towards periods, she gives practical suggestions on how to make the experience more comfortable (for us, not them), and she ends with encouragement so that we may embrace our physiology and break the cycle of shame for future generations.
I loved this book. I was surprised by the amount I learned through this reading experience! My favorite elements included the ancient views of menstruation as something magical, powerful, and worthy of reverence, and I was especially grateful for the education about hormonal health. Laird debunks myths, answers common questions, and breaks down the entire menstrual cycle from onset to menopause. There are no big words to sift through; it's a very real conversation that is easy to understand.
I so appreciated the opportunity to learn, to find strength and validation through the gentle feminism threaded throughout, and to gain beautiful perspective that “our bodies are elegantly designed and smarter than we give them credit for.” Heavy Flow is a stellar resource that will benefit women, trans men, and non-binary individuals as well as those who are the primary caregivers for our young girls. Knowledge is power so take it, share it, and let's break the curse together. Check it out.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Amanda Laird
Publisher: Dundurn
Genres: Health, Mind & Body, Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date: February 23, 2019
In her book Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation, Laird gifts her readers with a wealth of knowledge so they may be better empowered to change the narrative of menstruation for themselves. After all, it's as natural as breathing. In addition to priceless education, Laird reviews historical views on the subject, she sheds light on who benefits from negative attitudes towards periods, she gives practical suggestions on how to make the experience more comfortable (for us, not them), and she ends with encouragement so that we may embrace our physiology and break the cycle of shame for future generations.
I loved this book. I was surprised by the amount I learned through this reading experience! My favorite elements included the ancient views of menstruation as something magical, powerful, and worthy of reverence, and I was especially grateful for the education about hormonal health. Laird debunks myths, answers common questions, and breaks down the entire menstrual cycle from onset to menopause. There are no big words to sift through; it's a very real conversation that is easy to understand.
I so appreciated the opportunity to learn, to find strength and validation through the gentle feminism threaded throughout, and to gain beautiful perspective that “our bodies are elegantly designed and smarter than we give them credit for.” Heavy Flow is a stellar resource that will benefit women, trans men, and non-binary individuals as well as those who are the primary caregivers for our young girls. Knowledge is power so take it, share it, and let's break the curse together. Check it out.
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Heavy Flow: Breaking the Curse of Menstruation. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing.
Source: NetGalley
Author: Amanda Laird
Publisher: Dundurn
Genres: Health, Mind & Body, Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date: February 23, 2019
February 14, 2019
I've noticed that when it comes to books for review, I often enjoy nonfiction the most – and Heavy Flow by Amanda Laird was no exception. I think this is an absolute MUST READ for every woman (in this case, I mean biologically). There are so many things we don't talk about that make up the experience of being a woman, and periods are part of that. Or rather, periods are talked about, but the narrative is so incredibly cherry-picked that it affects our whole view on something that is completely natural and has been there in the lives of women basically since the dawn of time, and it affects it in certain, most often negative, ways.
Heavy Flow is a book meant to not only open up this conversation, but speak about it as should be spoken about – on women's terms, as well as educate its reader about the myths associated with this part of women's lives,
while explaining and promoting natural ways in which you could influence your cycle for your own wellbeing and health. The book promotes understanding and educating yourself, and l'm sure it will teach you at least a few things you didn't know about your own body.
To find out what you might not know about periods, read the full review on my blog here:
I thank Dundurn for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.
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To find out what you might not know about periods, read the full review on my blog here:
I thank Dundurn for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange to my honest opinion. Receiving the book for free does not affect my opinion.
Read Post On My Blog | Themed Bookstagram | Quick Update Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
January 4, 2019
Just finished this review copy received from netgalley and it is a compelling read highlighting a load of issues that women have about not really understanding our bodies due to shame, taboos and lack of unbiased information. I like the way the author deals with some of the less scientific suggestions with an open approach and doesn’t advocate anything untoward or unrealistic. This is the kind of education young women need rather than the unhelpful and underwhelming video sponsored by a tampon maker that we received in high school.
#HeavyFlow #NetGalley
#HeavyFlow #NetGalley
January 3, 2023
Going into this book (and reading the first part) I fully thought this was just going to be a book about periods and how society views them (taboo) as well as the issues with womens healthcare. Being someone who suffers from a chronic illness and has been dismissed by OBGYNs for YEARS and honestly knows more about my condition than doctors, I was LIVING for part one. She came in with FACTS about the problems with healthcare, the problems with what we aren’t taught in health class, the taboo view of having a period, female vs male treatment of health issues, and also the history of periods. This information was exactly what I was looking for! I actually assumed the entire book was about this. Turns out the other parts of this book are about anatomy, hormone and health problems, details about menstrual cycles, and nutrition and diet information. I did know all this information because after years of issues I have self taught myself EVERYTHING and I’m also a bit of a health freak. So although this book isn’t 100% for me- I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND to anyone else because it is shocking how little we know and learn about our bodies. Knowledge is power and THIS is what we should be learning in school! (Also the ACCURACY about endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, and PMDD etc is spot on and so appreciated)
January 15, 2019
What an astonishingly necessary book. It is never too late to learn new things or learn more about your body, especially when it's a function largely ignored, if not denigrated in culture. I can't recommend it highly enough of you ever had a period. PS. This book is pretty trans inclusive. WIN.
February 26, 2019
Amanda definitely knows, what she's talking about, an empowering, eloquent woman who dares to talk about menstruation straight to the point - which is what we should all be doing, as this mechanism is the very reason we all exist.
This is a book every woman, who wants to know more about her own body and hormones should pick up - no matter which hormonal phase she finds herself in. It truly changed my view, my understanding and my opinion on the menstruation and its position in our society.
This is a book every woman, who wants to know more about her own body and hormones should pick up - no matter which hormonal phase she finds herself in. It truly changed my view, my understanding and my opinion on the menstruation and its position in our society.
January 24, 2019
When I read the blurb for this book - Heavy Flow by Amanda Laird - and it mentioned how the shame some may feel in talking about menstruation should end, and that we should be looking at our cycles as indicators of overall health, I knew I had to read it.
I have for some time thought the same thing - that we should be talking to each other more about our menstrual cycles. When you discuss symptoms you have with friends, you may find out that a symptom is very common and normal, or that a symptom is atypical and should be checked out. Without dialogue, knowledge cannot be gained or shared.
I was also intrigued by the idea of looking at our cycle as a vital sign, just as we may do with our blood pressure, for example. That was an idea I hadn't really thought about before.
The book is in 3 main sections - first, an essay on historical views of menstruation, period shaming and why this should end. Second, a thorough explanation of the menstrual cycle. And third, what we can do to make sure that our whole body is healthy, so that our menstrual cycle can function optimally.
When I read the first section of the book, I felt infuriated at the way that people menstruating have been looked down upon in the past (and present), when it is something that literally half of the world's population goes through, and is vital for us to continue as a species! The author also brought out how comparatively little research is done into reducing period pain and symptoms. One example mentioned was how endometriosis, which causes extreme pain to many (including a close friend of mine) and has no cure, can only be truly diagnosed through invasive surgical procedures; yet a recent study was done, not on what can be done to help sufferers, but on how it affects the sex lives of their male partners.
I have felt this same bias a few years ago when my menstrual cycle went crazy, and became 14 days on, 14 days off. When I went to my family doctor, to make sure this wasn't a sign of something serious, and to see what could be done to recalibrate my cycle, he said, "That must be annoying for your husband." I was thinking, what? I am spending half of my life bleeding, it's annoying for me! The family doctor agreed to refer me to a specialist, who spent 3 minutes with me and then gave me a prescription for birth control to, as he said, "control heavy periods." But that wasn't the problem, they weren't heavier than normal, they were just way longer. And if he had asked any questions about my medical history, he would have found out that when I had taken birth control pills before they had not agreed with me and given me many side effects, so it was not something I wanted to take again. He didn't do any examination or order any tests. Okay, thanks for the help! After finally being able get some testing done, I found there was nothing wrong, just perimenopause, and the cycle eventually went back to normal. That's why I feel this book is important - to help educate people so they don't display this bias, and to bring attention to the fact that more research needs to be done on this topic.
The second section of the book examined in detail the menstrual cycle, including all the phases - menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. It also discussed the different hormones produced, some of which I had never heard of, such as luteinizing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Several months ago, I read a different book on menstruation, but the information was pretty slight, and didn't go nearly as in-depth as this book did. I enjoyed the thoroughness, I actually learned a lot I didn't know before.
The last part of the book had advice on nutrition, diet, stress, pain relief, and much more to contribute to whole body health. One concept mentioned was seed cycling, where you eat certain seeds at various points of your menstrual cycle to balance your hormones. This is something I definitely wish to explore further.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and finished it in 2 days. I think it is essential reading for everybody - to reduce stigma, to educate and to enable us to be as healthy as we can.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book for review through Netgalley.
I have for some time thought the same thing - that we should be talking to each other more about our menstrual cycles. When you discuss symptoms you have with friends, you may find out that a symptom is very common and normal, or that a symptom is atypical and should be checked out. Without dialogue, knowledge cannot be gained or shared.
I was also intrigued by the idea of looking at our cycle as a vital sign, just as we may do with our blood pressure, for example. That was an idea I hadn't really thought about before.
The book is in 3 main sections - first, an essay on historical views of menstruation, period shaming and why this should end. Second, a thorough explanation of the menstrual cycle. And third, what we can do to make sure that our whole body is healthy, so that our menstrual cycle can function optimally.
When I read the first section of the book, I felt infuriated at the way that people menstruating have been looked down upon in the past (and present), when it is something that literally half of the world's population goes through, and is vital for us to continue as a species! The author also brought out how comparatively little research is done into reducing period pain and symptoms. One example mentioned was how endometriosis, which causes extreme pain to many (including a close friend of mine) and has no cure, can only be truly diagnosed through invasive surgical procedures; yet a recent study was done, not on what can be done to help sufferers, but on how it affects the sex lives of their male partners.
I have felt this same bias a few years ago when my menstrual cycle went crazy, and became 14 days on, 14 days off. When I went to my family doctor, to make sure this wasn't a sign of something serious, and to see what could be done to recalibrate my cycle, he said, "That must be annoying for your husband." I was thinking, what? I am spending half of my life bleeding, it's annoying for me! The family doctor agreed to refer me to a specialist, who spent 3 minutes with me and then gave me a prescription for birth control to, as he said, "control heavy periods." But that wasn't the problem, they weren't heavier than normal, they were just way longer. And if he had asked any questions about my medical history, he would have found out that when I had taken birth control pills before they had not agreed with me and given me many side effects, so it was not something I wanted to take again. He didn't do any examination or order any tests. Okay, thanks for the help! After finally being able get some testing done, I found there was nothing wrong, just perimenopause, and the cycle eventually went back to normal. That's why I feel this book is important - to help educate people so they don't display this bias, and to bring attention to the fact that more research needs to be done on this topic.
The second section of the book examined in detail the menstrual cycle, including all the phases - menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase. It also discussed the different hormones produced, some of which I had never heard of, such as luteinizing hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Several months ago, I read a different book on menstruation, but the information was pretty slight, and didn't go nearly as in-depth as this book did. I enjoyed the thoroughness, I actually learned a lot I didn't know before.
The last part of the book had advice on nutrition, diet, stress, pain relief, and much more to contribute to whole body health. One concept mentioned was seed cycling, where you eat certain seeds at various points of your menstrual cycle to balance your hormones. This is something I definitely wish to explore further.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and finished it in 2 days. I think it is essential reading for everybody - to reduce stigma, to educate and to enable us to be as healthy as we can.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book for review through Netgalley.
August 24, 2022
5 Stars
**I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
“Go a little further and you’ll see how menstruation is a sister to the conversation around hormonal birth control; cousin to female sexuality, fertility, pregnancy, and abortion. It’s about what we as a society think is okay to do to female bodies.”
For those of you who shy away from feminist books, do not fear. Heavy Flow covers all certain kind of topics and there’s something for everyone in this book: history, biology, self-advocacy, nutritional advice, and feminism.
I can’t express how much I loved this book. I recommend this one to every girl and every woman out there. It’s a must-read for me. And this is not only the feminist in me speaking. This is me as a person and woman speaking. I can honestly say that in my 29 years I have never learned so much about periods and the menstrual cycle as from this book. Not even school and we had sex-ed class in elementary, junior, and high school! Up until a couple months ago the whole cycle was more or less a mystery to me. Of course I knew what was going on but I never quite “got it”. Does that make sense? I don’t want to blame my biology teachers for failing to explain the menstrual cycle (sex-ed is part of biology class in Germany!) because I’m pretty sure they did a good job but Heavy Flow explained it in much more detail and so differently than my biology teachers ever did.
“There’s nothing inherently shameful about menstruation. It’s a perfectly normal, healthy function of a body–tissue mixed with blood and mucus, exiting the body.”
Heavy Flow definitely left a lasting impression on me. Even before reading the book I tried to embrace my period more than I used to. I tried to be more positive about it. But reading this book helped me to strengthen my positivity about it even more. I see my period and the menstrual cycle in a completely different light now. It’s not a monthly, recurring and annoying burden anymore. The period and menstrual cycle is also more than only a sign of fertility. For us women and girls it is a sign of health and wellness. Who would have thought because no one taught me that little fact.
“Your menstrual cycle is a vital sign that’s both an indication and promoter of your overall health and wellness.”
Even though some of the self-help tips mentioned in the book to improve your period experience were a little too natural and holistic for my taste, there were definitely some other things I’d like to try.
Heavy Flow was an amazing book and is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. It was informative, interesting, and so helpful. As much I loved reading it on my kindle, I’m certain that I will buy the print version also, just to re-read certain parts, mark them, and to rummage through it again.
“Once you understand the role of the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, beyond fertility, and you start to feel relief from menstrual-related symptoms, perhaps you’ll begin to feel that it’s not such a curse after all.”
**I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
“Go a little further and you’ll see how menstruation is a sister to the conversation around hormonal birth control; cousin to female sexuality, fertility, pregnancy, and abortion. It’s about what we as a society think is okay to do to female bodies.”
For those of you who shy away from feminist books, do not fear. Heavy Flow covers all certain kind of topics and there’s something for everyone in this book: history, biology, self-advocacy, nutritional advice, and feminism.
I can’t express how much I loved this book. I recommend this one to every girl and every woman out there. It’s a must-read for me. And this is not only the feminist in me speaking. This is me as a person and woman speaking. I can honestly say that in my 29 years I have never learned so much about periods and the menstrual cycle as from this book. Not even school and we had sex-ed class in elementary, junior, and high school! Up until a couple months ago the whole cycle was more or less a mystery to me. Of course I knew what was going on but I never quite “got it”. Does that make sense? I don’t want to blame my biology teachers for failing to explain the menstrual cycle (sex-ed is part of biology class in Germany!) because I’m pretty sure they did a good job but Heavy Flow explained it in much more detail and so differently than my biology teachers ever did.
“There’s nothing inherently shameful about menstruation. It’s a perfectly normal, healthy function of a body–tissue mixed with blood and mucus, exiting the body.”
Heavy Flow definitely left a lasting impression on me. Even before reading the book I tried to embrace my period more than I used to. I tried to be more positive about it. But reading this book helped me to strengthen my positivity about it even more. I see my period and the menstrual cycle in a completely different light now. It’s not a monthly, recurring and annoying burden anymore. The period and menstrual cycle is also more than only a sign of fertility. For us women and girls it is a sign of health and wellness. Who would have thought because no one taught me that little fact.
“Your menstrual cycle is a vital sign that’s both an indication and promoter of your overall health and wellness.”
Even though some of the self-help tips mentioned in the book to improve your period experience were a little too natural and holistic for my taste, there were definitely some other things I’d like to try.
Heavy Flow was an amazing book and is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. It was informative, interesting, and so helpful. As much I loved reading it on my kindle, I’m certain that I will buy the print version also, just to re-read certain parts, mark them, and to rummage through it again.
“Once you understand the role of the menstrual cycle as a vital sign, beyond fertility, and you start to feel relief from menstrual-related symptoms, perhaps you’ll begin to feel that it’s not such a curse after all.”
February 16, 2019
This is such an amazing book - I learned so many things!
Which in itself is a sad thing, because that means the education I got from my parents and schools is bad, at best.
Amanda Laird talks about menstrual cycles. But also about the shame that comes with them. She questions the reasons we think a perfectly natural bodily function is something to be ashamed of and who is profiting from that.
"The feminine hygiene industry is big business, raking in about $ 15 billion worldwide."
The book is well structured and easy to follow. It certainly is educational. The important message is to recognize menstrual cycles as a vital sign for health and wellness. You will also find a crash course in menstrual selfcare, understanding your own cycle, means to track and chart it and by that make the first step to body literacy.
The second part of the book sheds some light on practical applications for improving menstrual experiences, how to use food to have better periods and the benefits of working with health professionals.
There are also chapters on the history of menstrual myths and taboos and the alarming status quo:
"When you walk into a public washroom you'll find toilte paper and soap there for you to use. Why? Because it was decided that we all have the right to these items when using the washroom. So why not pads and tampons? [...] Half the population can help menstruating , yet the products what we need to manage them are taxed, often as luxury items, and kept out of reach for many marginalized individuals who need them."
The last pages focus on self-care (beyond bubble baths) and recommendations for specific period problems.
I really liked the tone and neat structure of the book. You can read it in a few hours. A recommendation I gladly give to all gender types, regardless whether you are menstruating or just want an informative read on this topic.
Which in itself is a sad thing, because that means the education I got from my parents and schools is bad, at best.
Amanda Laird talks about menstrual cycles. But also about the shame that comes with them. She questions the reasons we think a perfectly natural bodily function is something to be ashamed of and who is profiting from that.
"The feminine hygiene industry is big business, raking in about $ 15 billion worldwide."
The book is well structured and easy to follow. It certainly is educational. The important message is to recognize menstrual cycles as a vital sign for health and wellness. You will also find a crash course in menstrual selfcare, understanding your own cycle, means to track and chart it and by that make the first step to body literacy.
The second part of the book sheds some light on practical applications for improving menstrual experiences, how to use food to have better periods and the benefits of working with health professionals.
There are also chapters on the history of menstrual myths and taboos and the alarming status quo:
"When you walk into a public washroom you'll find toilte paper and soap there for you to use. Why? Because it was decided that we all have the right to these items when using the washroom. So why not pads and tampons? [...] Half the population can help menstruating , yet the products what we need to manage them are taxed, often as luxury items, and kept out of reach for many marginalized individuals who need them."
The last pages focus on self-care (beyond bubble baths) and recommendations for specific period problems.
I really liked the tone and neat structure of the book. You can read it in a few hours. A recommendation I gladly give to all gender types, regardless whether you are menstruating or just want an informative read on this topic.
March 12, 2019
Heavy Flow changed my life. I only recently started becoming more comfortable with my body's functions, but I'd decided (before reading) that I wanted to eventually become a midewife. The prerequisite to that, of course, is understanding the reproductive system. While this book doesn't provide enough knowledge to make me an expert (no one book can do that), it gave me an excellent jumping board. Laird confirms a lot of the hunches I had about periods: they don't necessarily need to be painful and bodily awareness, as well as some lifestyle changes, can go a long way to helping us manage them.
In the book, Laird explains what the organs are and how they work, then details the entire menstrual cycle step-by-step. She does so in an easy-to-understand way, so don't be alarmed. She's also very cognizant of the fact that some people may have trauma related to periods, childbirth, fertility and sex. Towards the end of the book, Laird covers some common ailments related to periods and uteruses and offers suggestions. In my opinion, she offers enough information for menstruating people to go to the doctor and start getting the right tests (and diagnoses). I requested this book at the suggestion of another book blogger (Evelina at Avalinah's Books), and now I cannot recommend this one enough!
In the book, Laird explains what the organs are and how they work, then details the entire menstrual cycle step-by-step. She does so in an easy-to-understand way, so don't be alarmed. She's also very cognizant of the fact that some people may have trauma related to periods, childbirth, fertility and sex. Towards the end of the book, Laird covers some common ailments related to periods and uteruses and offers suggestions. In my opinion, she offers enough information for menstruating people to go to the doctor and start getting the right tests (and diagnoses). I requested this book at the suggestion of another book blogger (Evelina at Avalinah's Books), and now I cannot recommend this one enough!
maybe-read
February 13, 2019Recommended by Evelina @ Avalinah's Books.
February 16, 2022
Muy conciso y te explica todo muy bien, no se va por las ramas y también habla sobre alimentación durante la regla y como mejorar la experiencia de desangrarte a través de la comida y los minerales y esas cosas muy útil lo recomiendo 😃😄
January 27, 2019
**Received an eARC through NetGalley from Dundern Press.**
The advance copy I received suffered from a general lack of charts and infographics that were implied but not seen. Unfortunately, much of the surrounding text seemed to be missing as well. So the following review is based on the complete chunks, with the assumption that the missing pieces will fit in along the same vein.
I’m a sucker for a book that tells me more about myself. Period health isn’t something I’ve focused much on in the last 20+ years, but I still wasn’t expecting a ton of surprises. I bleed once a month, more or less, sometimes there’s discomfort, sometimes it’s messy, it’s almost always an inconvenience, and there’s a kind of privileged secret club made up of covert passing around of supplies and pain meds. Not much new to see here, right?
But there was a lot of interesting stuff in here. Not all of it new, but definitely pulled together well. I appreciated the author’s sense of humor and keen sensitivity to balance and shades of gray. There’s some medical history, skewering of current attitudes, mechanical overviews, a few “crunchy” bits (such as seed cycles and vaginal steaming), but the author isn’t claiming to have a solution to your problems or answers to all your questions. Instead, she primarily encourages self-familiarity and self-care.
Included are tidbits on menstruating for introverts (scheduling your social engagements around appropriate times in your cycle); recognizing menstrual gaslighting (your symptoms are probably *not* all in your head); and self-parenting (because someone needs to be the grown-up around here, and sometimes that person is yourself). After all this great information, however, I am, left with the question of why we don’t simply absorb our uterine lining like many other large mammals, and if this is something that could be accomplished by science.
I’ve always felt that pregnancy, childbirth, and death should be better understood and appreciated (after all, those issues literally affect everyone on the planet). And now I would consider menstrual health pretty high on that list. It’s a mechanism that affects a substantial portion of our population, and one that is frequently glossed over or misunderstood, even by the people who experience it firsthand. This book sheds some light on something that shouldn’t be so mysterious in the first place.
#HeavyFlow #NetGalley
The advance copy I received suffered from a general lack of charts and infographics that were implied but not seen. Unfortunately, much of the surrounding text seemed to be missing as well. So the following review is based on the complete chunks, with the assumption that the missing pieces will fit in along the same vein.
I’m a sucker for a book that tells me more about myself. Period health isn’t something I’ve focused much on in the last 20+ years, but I still wasn’t expecting a ton of surprises. I bleed once a month, more or less, sometimes there’s discomfort, sometimes it’s messy, it’s almost always an inconvenience, and there’s a kind of privileged secret club made up of covert passing around of supplies and pain meds. Not much new to see here, right?
But there was a lot of interesting stuff in here. Not all of it new, but definitely pulled together well. I appreciated the author’s sense of humor and keen sensitivity to balance and shades of gray. There’s some medical history, skewering of current attitudes, mechanical overviews, a few “crunchy” bits (such as seed cycles and vaginal steaming), but the author isn’t claiming to have a solution to your problems or answers to all your questions. Instead, she primarily encourages self-familiarity and self-care.
Included are tidbits on menstruating for introverts (scheduling your social engagements around appropriate times in your cycle); recognizing menstrual gaslighting (your symptoms are probably *not* all in your head); and self-parenting (because someone needs to be the grown-up around here, and sometimes that person is yourself). After all this great information, however, I am, left with the question of why we don’t simply absorb our uterine lining like many other large mammals, and if this is something that could be accomplished by science.
I’ve always felt that pregnancy, childbirth, and death should be better understood and appreciated (after all, those issues literally affect everyone on the planet). And now I would consider menstrual health pretty high on that list. It’s a mechanism that affects a substantial portion of our population, and one that is frequently glossed over or misunderstood, even by the people who experience it firsthand. This book sheds some light on something that shouldn’t be so mysterious in the first place.
#HeavyFlow #NetGalley
January 8, 2019
This book isn't just about everything that happens during the menstrual cycle or details of all the genitalia and hormones the female body consists of, it's also a funny compilation of instances where the medical industry privileges male experiences over women's. Amanda Laird trained as a dietician and is the producer of Heavy Flow Podcast, so she is imminently qualified to provide nutritional guides and remedies, plus all the product options available from the mass marketed to the non-toxic, environmentally friendly.
As mom to two pre-adolescent girls, I am so glad I read this book when I did. As Laird puts it, "positive early menstrual experiences yield more positive body image and better general health behaviors". I so much prefer being able to emphasize positive aspects of menstruation (such as stronger bones and muscles, increased athletic performance, and heightened creativity! protection against future breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis!) rather than just having to tell my kids they'll be putting up with a potentially painful monthly mess for the next 40 years.
There is a lot of repetition that should have been edited out, and liberal mis-use of the word literal. But the list of resources at the end is glorious.
As mom to two pre-adolescent girls, I am so glad I read this book when I did. As Laird puts it, "positive early menstrual experiences yield more positive body image and better general health behaviors". I so much prefer being able to emphasize positive aspects of menstruation (such as stronger bones and muscles, increased athletic performance, and heightened creativity! protection against future breast cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis!) rather than just having to tell my kids they'll be putting up with a potentially painful monthly mess for the next 40 years.
There is a lot of repetition that should have been edited out, and liberal mis-use of the word literal. But the list of resources at the end is glorious.
February 26, 2019
AMAZING!!! I cannot recommend this book enough to menstruators or anyone who wants a truly informed understanding of menstruation. This book takes decades of menstrual activism, feminist thought, women's wisdom and ways of knowing, and health/nutrition perspectives into account to create an approachable, easy to read text. The information covered comes from a holistic perspective of body literacy to create a better menstrual cycle (and therefore general life and health) experience. Amanda Laird has a talent for merging her expertise in research and nutrition science-based information with activism and revolutionary thought to convey the information that all menstruators should have. The graphics, humor, and style make information that has long been out of our reach understandable. The book and its information is truly a transformative experience and will no doubt join the ranks of revolutionary feminist health texts which define modern activist and women's health thought.
February 3, 2019
I wish I had this book at so many points in my life as a young woman. Amanda is like that trusted, kind, knowledgeable girlfriend who dishes on all things menstruation in the most supportive and non-judgmental way. This book is full of info and yet very clear and not overwhelming.
I was really struggling after coming off hormonal birth control, which I had been on for 10 years. I was trying to get back on my natural cycle, and I really wish I had this book as a resource back then.
I was really struggling after coming off hormonal birth control, which I had been on for 10 years. I was trying to get back on my natural cycle, and I really wish I had this book as a resource back then.
March 23, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Dundorn, and Amanda Laird for an ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.
My rating is 4.5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Like:
- Discusses why feminists don’t talk about menstruation more
- Its the adult version of the period book, but with tons of positive health information not just focused on fear and embarrassment
- More natural approach not because the author believes Western medicine is evil, but because there are many easy healthy ways you can take control of your health
- Mentions TSS and menstrual cups - yes! There’s so much misinformation out there about these.
Love:
- #PeriodPositive
- The discussion of how stress can negatively affect hormones, health and the menstrual cycle
- Focuses on the period as the fifth vital sign - sounds weird but actually makes a lot of sense
- Gets more people talking about menstruation
- Menstruation doesn’t not equal being a woman (discusses trans men and women, gender non binary people, menopause, medical reasons for not menstruating, birth control, and more)
- Overall atmosphere of the book - not preachy but she’s giving the information so you can do what’s best for you
Dislike:
- Nutritionist is not the same qualifications and education as a dietitian, but the author’s knowledge seems well researched, science based and logical. She’s not going to recommend too many weird things that won’t work or are harmful.
Wish that: —-
Overall, a wonderful book all about menstruation. It educates, empowers and supports the people reading it. A great mix of science based Western medicine and alternative health practices to support your entire mind, body and soul throughout your menstrual cycle.
My rating is 4.5 stars, but since there aren't half stars I always round up.
Like:
- Discusses why feminists don’t talk about menstruation more
- Its the adult version of the period book, but with tons of positive health information not just focused on fear and embarrassment
- More natural approach not because the author believes Western medicine is evil, but because there are many easy healthy ways you can take control of your health
- Mentions TSS and menstrual cups - yes! There’s so much misinformation out there about these.
Love:
- #PeriodPositive
- The discussion of how stress can negatively affect hormones, health and the menstrual cycle
- Focuses on the period as the fifth vital sign - sounds weird but actually makes a lot of sense
- Gets more people talking about menstruation
- Menstruation doesn’t not equal being a woman (discusses trans men and women, gender non binary people, menopause, medical reasons for not menstruating, birth control, and more)
- Overall atmosphere of the book - not preachy but she’s giving the information so you can do what’s best for you
Dislike:
- Nutritionist is not the same qualifications and education as a dietitian, but the author’s knowledge seems well researched, science based and logical. She’s not going to recommend too many weird things that won’t work or are harmful.
Wish that: —-
Overall, a wonderful book all about menstruation. It educates, empowers and supports the people reading it. A great mix of science based Western medicine and alternative health practices to support your entire mind, body and soul throughout your menstrual cycle.
September 24, 2020
This would have been a 5 star read if not for the pseudoscience.
The book’s strength is its political message: a period-positive, body-positive feminist reclaiming of menstruation, without the traps of exploitative capitalist “feminism”. The idea that the menstrual cycle is a vital sign, that menstruation is important for overall health and not just for someone who wants to get pregnant is so very important. Reducing menstruation to a sign of fertility reduces menstruators to breeding chattel and results in missing important opportunities to improve our overall health by improving the health of our menstrual cycles —whether we want to get pregnant or not.
Much of the advice is sound, and Laird’s dislike of the way the medical system treats people who menstruate is valid, but some claims are made that are not supported by scientific evidence. I would recommend reading the sections on treatments for menstrual issues only if you will fact check the claims. A relatively easy way to do that is by comparing Laird’s claims on a subject with the relevant section of “The Vagina Bible” by Dr Jen Gunter. In fact, I recommend reading “The Vagina Bible” first so you have real science in your brain to help you recognize the pseudoscience when you come across it (like recommending vaginal steaming: no. Just, no.) If you you don't plan to fact-check, skip the chapters that make treatment recommendations.
Laird is trans-inclusive, recognizing that not all women menstruate and not all menstruators are women.
Overall, I found the credible information to be interesting and useful, loved the political messages, and would recommend to everyone if not for the pseudoscience. Recommended to anyone willing to fact-check or skip the pseudoscience parts.
The book’s strength is its political message: a period-positive, body-positive feminist reclaiming of menstruation, without the traps of exploitative capitalist “feminism”. The idea that the menstrual cycle is a vital sign, that menstruation is important for overall health and not just for someone who wants to get pregnant is so very important. Reducing menstruation to a sign of fertility reduces menstruators to breeding chattel and results in missing important opportunities to improve our overall health by improving the health of our menstrual cycles —whether we want to get pregnant or not.
Much of the advice is sound, and Laird’s dislike of the way the medical system treats people who menstruate is valid, but some claims are made that are not supported by scientific evidence. I would recommend reading the sections on treatments for menstrual issues only if you will fact check the claims. A relatively easy way to do that is by comparing Laird’s claims on a subject with the relevant section of “The Vagina Bible” by Dr Jen Gunter. In fact, I recommend reading “The Vagina Bible” first so you have real science in your brain to help you recognize the pseudoscience when you come across it (like recommending vaginal steaming: no. Just, no.) If you you don't plan to fact-check, skip the chapters that make treatment recommendations.
Laird is trans-inclusive, recognizing that not all women menstruate and not all menstruators are women.
Overall, I found the credible information to be interesting and useful, loved the political messages, and would recommend to everyone if not for the pseudoscience. Recommended to anyone willing to fact-check or skip the pseudoscience parts.
February 26, 2019
Heavy Flow is a wonderful read. It's evidence-based, yet has an easy laid-back vibe (an inviting vibe). It's a great read and resource for those working in sexual and reproductive health, but it's also written with an ease and simplicity that makes it a great resource for client, friends, and family. I read a few of the sections together with my adolescent daughter, including the menstrual cycle awareness section. It's appropriate for tweens and teens too (see Ch. 15: Talking to the Next Generation). In Heavy Flow, Amanda walks us through nutritional information for supporting hormonal health. This is where this menstruation book is different. Amanda is a holistic nutritionist and the way she links healthy menstruation to nutrition, stress, self care, and joy are encouraging. I'll end this review with one of the many quotes I love from the book, "Raising period-positive kids- of all sexes and gender identities- is the key to freeing us all from shame and taboo."
Thanks,
Angie
@knowyourvulva
Thanks,
Angie
@knowyourvulva
June 4, 2019
Oh my goodness. Can we just make this required reading in every school and home education program for teens & young adults with a uterus (or without for that matter)?!? This book is SO good. You won’t only learn about what is and isn’t normal in a period. You’ll learn about anatomy, taboos & social myths, menstrual hygiene products, holistic lifestyle tips, and more. I have already suggested this book to many friends. I learned a lot from it and realized just how lacking my education was in this area. I’m grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley to share my honest review with you.
February 18, 2021
An informative and thorough review of menstruation, the menstrual cycle itself, and the culture and taboo surrounding periods. This is NOT a new agey celebration of womanhood or periods. It's an examination of the process and function of the menstrual cycle and how it affects those who menstruate. It is trans-friendly and does not equate womanhood with periods or anything else like that.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who menstruates, or anyone who wants to better understand the intimate ins and outs of menstruation.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who menstruates, or anyone who wants to better understand the intimate ins and outs of menstruation.
July 14, 2020
I haven't read many books on this topic so I don't have a source of comparison, but I found this book illuminating and interesting. Laird covers everything from anatomy and physiology of menstrual cycles to the various problems and disorders that can arise from it. As a menstruating person myself, I have to admit that I didn't know as much as I thought I did. I think it's well worth adopting the position of menstrual cycle as a vital sign and to consider natural and dietary approaches to improving the overall experience. I appreciated Laird's to-the-point and honest explanations. IAs someone who has struggled with painful periods most of my adult life and been shrugged off by doctors repeatedly, I found Laird's book validating and useful as I approach my own health and well-being.
March 28, 2022
This book had a lot of interesting information that I wish I had known way way before now! Atleast I will be able to pass this new knowledge on to my daughters and attenpt to put an end to the taboo. This author uses gender inclusive language.
April 1, 2019
Heavy Flow is the book I wish I would have had when I first started menstruating and it's the book I am overjoyed to have experienced now. This book is vital to the cause of flipping the narrative that has surrounded menstruation for centuries. Not only does Amanda fight stigma associated with periods (at least in our culture), but she takes it an important step further by discussing the positive aspect of periods. She includes important information about working alongside your period and paying attention to your body. There is also an awesome final chapter that provides a framework for talking to the next generation.
This is a book that belongs on shelves to be referenced over and over. You can also bet that I just subscribed to this podcast as a result!
This is a book that belongs on shelves to be referenced over and over. You can also bet that I just subscribed to this podcast as a result!
March 18, 2020
Very educational and informative. Read like a research paper, but one that was written very well and conversation-like. 😂
This nonfiction book focuses on the science of periods - everything from the physical aspect of it to the pain to the health benefits of it, etc - as well as glimpses into the way menstruation is treated in society, with all the taught shame and secretiveness and censorship. It’s important to spread to society that it should be the norm to see and talk about menstruation because it is REAL and there’s nothing shameful about it.
Also. As a supporter of the miracle of cannabis, it brought me joy to see it mentioned as an option for possible pain relief in the section about relieving menstrual pain.
I want to read more nonfiction feminism in the future, definitely!
This nonfiction book focuses on the science of periods - everything from the physical aspect of it to the pain to the health benefits of it, etc - as well as glimpses into the way menstruation is treated in society, with all the taught shame and secretiveness and censorship. It’s important to spread to society that it should be the norm to see and talk about menstruation because it is REAL and there’s nothing shameful about it.
Also. As a supporter of the miracle of cannabis, it brought me joy to see it mentioned as an option for possible pain relief in the section about relieving menstrual pain.
I want to read more nonfiction feminism in the future, definitely!
January 20, 2020
This book has lots of good information and a refreshing alternative attitude to menstruation. It also gives good tips for dealing with a medical system that undervalues a menstruator's experience and pain. However, it does lightly advocate for some unproven practices, and these should certainly be taken with a grain of salt.
March 24, 2019
This book should be read by all women, as it highlights the importance of being upfront and honest with girls about their bodies and the importance of menstruation. The history discussed in this book provided insight into how far we have come in this area, but also how far we have to go.
May 14, 2019
DNF. Tone, content, and style all drove me nuts.
February 23, 2025
The United Nations Human Rights Council says the same thing in no uncertain terms: "The lack of access to adequate water and sanitation services, including menstrual hygiene
management, and the widespread stigma associated with menstruation, have a negative impact on gender equality and the human rights of women and girls."
To put it in no uncertain terms, for centuries men have given zero shits about figuring out how the female body works and how it may be different from - not just inferior to - male bodies.
Many of the diseases that females are at risk for later in life, like breast cancer, heart disease - the leading cause of death for women - and osteoporosis, are the very things that consistent ovulation protects against.
It's never too late to get to know your own body.
Medicine is also steeped in patriarchy, and many body parts, reproductive or otherwise, are named after the men who "discovered" them. For example, fallopian tubes are named after Gabriel Fallopian. And Ernst Grafenberg is the one who
"discovered" the infamous, elusive G-spot. Some feminist health practitioners and linguistics experts argue that continuing to use these names perpetuates medical gender bias, and body parts should instead be renamed with descriptors that are meaningful and useful to the body's owner.
The Sanskrit word for the vulva, yoni, means "portal to the cosmos."
We are not taught to "read" or understand our own bodies. On the contrary, we are taught to distrust our bodies and
accept various artificial means to "manage" them.
We ignore our bodies at our peril. At the same time, perhaps one of the reasons why we learn not to take our own intuition about our bodies seriously is because no one else does. I have heard countless stories of women going to doctors not feeling well or concerned about their health, only to be dismissed. An online poll by the National Pain Report found 65 percent of survey respondents felt doctors took their pain less seriously because of their sex.
Pleasure is an essential nutrient.
If you ignore what your body is telling you when it's whispering, you'll have no choice but to listen when it starts to yell.
Fertility is a friend to our health and wellbeing at all times.
management, and the widespread stigma associated with menstruation, have a negative impact on gender equality and the human rights of women and girls."
To put it in no uncertain terms, for centuries men have given zero shits about figuring out how the female body works and how it may be different from - not just inferior to - male bodies.
Many of the diseases that females are at risk for later in life, like breast cancer, heart disease - the leading cause of death for women - and osteoporosis, are the very things that consistent ovulation protects against.
It's never too late to get to know your own body.
Medicine is also steeped in patriarchy, and many body parts, reproductive or otherwise, are named after the men who "discovered" them. For example, fallopian tubes are named after Gabriel Fallopian. And Ernst Grafenberg is the one who
"discovered" the infamous, elusive G-spot. Some feminist health practitioners and linguistics experts argue that continuing to use these names perpetuates medical gender bias, and body parts should instead be renamed with descriptors that are meaningful and useful to the body's owner.
The Sanskrit word for the vulva, yoni, means "portal to the cosmos."
We are not taught to "read" or understand our own bodies. On the contrary, we are taught to distrust our bodies and
accept various artificial means to "manage" them.
We ignore our bodies at our peril. At the same time, perhaps one of the reasons why we learn not to take our own intuition about our bodies seriously is because no one else does. I have heard countless stories of women going to doctors not feeling well or concerned about their health, only to be dismissed. An online poll by the National Pain Report found 65 percent of survey respondents felt doctors took their pain less seriously because of their sex.
Pleasure is an essential nutrient.
If you ignore what your body is telling you when it's whispering, you'll have no choice but to listen when it starts to yell.
Fertility is a friend to our health and wellbeing at all times.
May 4, 2021
Hmm. I personally didn't love the book, so I considered two stars but I added one because I do feel like there is a lot of very pertinent information to someone who has little knowledge of cycles (ie: a young girl with a lot of questions) but for most of us, there isn't a lot that I felt I didn't already know.
On that note, I felt that a lot of the content was repetitive throughout many chapters. Laird is a nutritionist who is applying her skillset to the issue at hand. I do feel that she may have some valuable suggestions to add, but did not at all feel like it was relatable information for me. At one point she recommends using a sea sponge or reusable/homemade cotton pads to absorb your flow. As she also points out that sea sponges can be unsanitary because they might have bacteria or sand in them. Um what?
I was hoping to get some more insight on endometriosis, and while it was mentioned it told me very little of anything, least of all anything new. I don't think eliminating dairy or gluten from my diet is going to help the soul crushing pain that comes with Endo...but thanks.
Bummed I paid for this book, but thankful I only paid $10 via Kobo and didn't pay $30 for the paperback copy on Amazon.
On that note, I felt that a lot of the content was repetitive throughout many chapters. Laird is a nutritionist who is applying her skillset to the issue at hand. I do feel that she may have some valuable suggestions to add, but did not at all feel like it was relatable information for me. At one point she recommends using a sea sponge or reusable/homemade cotton pads to absorb your flow. As she also points out that sea sponges can be unsanitary because they might have bacteria or sand in them. Um what?
I was hoping to get some more insight on endometriosis, and while it was mentioned it told me very little of anything, least of all anything new. I don't think eliminating dairy or gluten from my diet is going to help the soul crushing pain that comes with Endo...but thanks.
Bummed I paid for this book, but thankful I only paid $10 via Kobo and didn't pay $30 for the paperback copy on Amazon.
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