WTF is this?

I got my period, and what a humbling experience. I'm pretty sure that has so much to do with how I've been doing mentally and emotionally lately. I've had my IUD for 5 years now so I haven't had a period in 5 years, and I've loved every month that has gone by and I don't have to deal with the ridiculous amount of blood and symptoms.

It literally knocked me out this past weekend. I felt fatigued, my back was aching, my face broke out, and I had period diarrhea - if you know, you know. I also felt so heavy and groggy and cramp-y. Running this week was challenging and I had all the cravings. I controlled my cravings for the most part but one day, I just said fuck it. I honestly don't know how women / folks with uterus do this shit every month. I've completely forgotten about it and I am highly irritated that the universe wanted to remind me.

Of course, my sister said I should go to the gynecologist for a checkup since it's not normal for me to get my period. And I will once I move and get settled. However, some Google research told me that it's pretty normal for bleeding to happen after a couple of years because the hormones are wearing off. I got the Liletta IUD at the time when they said I would need to replace it after 5 years, and now it's been approved to stay in for 2 more years. How difficult is it to tell a gynecologist to take that out and replace it with a new one?

Then, my ADHD brain took over and I had some questions and thoughts. Why is our menstrual cycle referred to as menses? I hate that men is a part of both of those words. Why are folks with uterus / women still have to work when we're on our periods? The whole thing is TERRIBLE. I couldn't get up because it felt like my body was holding me down. I felt like absolute SHIT. Why do pads still feel like diapers? Why are tampons still uncomfortable? I tried the whole free bleeding thing and now I'm sure I've ruined a pair of shorts that I love to wear around the house. SIGH.

My body is beautiful and fascinating. Monthly cycles are magical AND I hate it. That's it. That's my rant.