A series that talks about sexual health, periods, AND contraception? We can’t complain!
When Hannah Witton first announced she would be making The Hormone Diaries, we were pretty curious, to say the least. And when she uploaded the first episode, Why I’m Coming Off the Pill, we found ourselves intrigued, educated, and eager for what was to come.
As one of the few British YouTubers to discuss sexual health – a subject many see as taboo – it’s always refreshing to see another episode of the series pop up in our sub boxes. And in case you weren’t familiar with just how insightful The Hormone Diaries is, here are seven thing it’s taught us. Prepare for information overload.
The adventures of the menstrual cup
As internet dwellers, we’ve all heard the word “period cup” thrown about… Wait, you’ve never heard of it?! Never fear, because Episode Nine of The Hormone Diaries has got your back! (Or should we say your uterine lining?)
As Hannah documents her first experience with the menstrual cup, we gradually learn that a small little silicon cup may just be the next popular method of saving the planet, and with a little practice (and lots of determination) your new go-to method for period management.
Another bonus of the menstrual cup? Not having to unwillingly buy period supplies each and every month, which means you can spend more money on YouTuber merch! What’s not to like?
The true pain of period cramps
A debate that’s lasted years and has ended many a good mood, friendship, and painkiller packet: are period cramps actually that bad? Thank goodness we have Hannah to answer that question for us!
Hannah shares her own experience with period cramps, opening the eyes of many to the situation most people with a uterus must face each month. Yes, it’s true periods affect each person differently, but it’s certainly nice to know that none of us are alone in our suffering.
The importance (and reality) of getting smear tests
In Episode Five, Hannah shares with us what it’s really like to get a smear test. She also informs viewers why it’s so important to get one done. If you’re 25 and have a cervix, watch this episode, call your GP, and set up an appointment. Hannah’s experience should put your nerves to one side and allow you to face the swab head-on!
What the morning-after pill is and how it works
In Episode Seven, Hannah runs us through the ins and outs of emergency contraception. We learn that, if things go wrong, panicking won’t help the situation, and we’re told what to do if a situation in which we need to use the morning-after pill arises. Hannah discusses the subject in a way that’s super easy to understand and we’re once again made to feel like we can deffo talk about this topic if we ever need to.
Not having a period is an option
At the start of the series, Hannah explains how she hasn’t had a period in nearly seven years (SEVEN YEARS?!) and tells us about her experience with taking the mini Pill. She then goes onto explain that she’s ready to let her body do its own thing and go contraceptive pill free.
In this episode, we realise there’s an option for those of us who no longer wish to experience a period each month and that it doesn’t damage our bodies in any way. However, that option might not be for all of us and that’s 100% okay.
It’s totally okay to talk to people about your sexual health
During one episode, Hannah sat down with her mum to discuss birth control. Throughout the video, the pair discuss the various options that are available and detail their experiences with them. (Honestly, who knew half of these existed?!)
This episode is super educational and we definitely finished it knowing WAY more than we did beforehand. Once again, Hannah shows everyone that, if we want to talk about it, there are people who will listen and offer their own two cents, and that’s a really comforting thought.
Having a period isn’t the end of the world (even if it feels like it is)
Throughout the series, Hannah has shown us that, although periods are SUCH a pain and can be really frustrating, they’re not the end of the world. Even when we’re wallowing in self-pity, we can still go out and live our lives.
The whole of The Hormone Diaries is like someone holding up a giant (and probably glittery) banner that reads “You’re not alone, you’ve got this”, which we think is totally fab.
So there you have it…
Seven things The Hormone Diaries has taught us. Whether she knows it or not, Hannah has been steadily empowering women across the world with this series and we’re incredibly thankful to her for sharing her knowledge and educating everyone on the importance of understanding their sexual health.
Want to keep reading? It’s a good thing we’ve got you covered:
- Hannah Witton: Breaking Taboos
- Five of the Best: Let’s Talk About Sex
- Eight YouTube Veterans Who Are Still Killing It
- Nine Ways Dodie Clark Is Taking Over The World
- Fans React to New Zoella Beauty Range
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