To really understand how fibroids have shaped my day-to-day life, I feel like I need to tell you something upfront:

I’ve had to plan my life- my whole life- around my period.

It’s changed how I socialise, how I work, how I travel, and how I do the most ordinary things like going for a walk, or sitting in a meeting.

The breaking point

I remember being at the height of my symptoms and not knowing what was going on with my body. I felt confused. Misunderstood. Unheard.

I was constantly making myself available for others- even when I was in pain. Planning trips knowing I’d be on my period. Showing up to work, knowing full well I wasn’t okay. I remember one day clearly: I was sitting on the underground, fully aware that I was bleeding through my pants. I was just trying to hold it together until I got home. That day, I silently thanked myself for wearing a long coat.

I didn’t have boundaries. I wasn’t listening to my body. I was showing up for everyone but me.

That moment- on that train- was when I realised I had to start saying no.

No to pretending I had the capacity to people-please.

And yes… even no to work.

Cycle planning: My new normal

I now live with an awareness of my body I didn’t have before. I use the Flo App to track my cycle and lean into what each phase brings- good or bad.

Here’s what that really looks like for me.

Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): “I disappear”

This phase is brutal.

My uterus is shedding. Estrogen and progesterone are low. My fibroids make everything worse- heavier bleeding, deeper cramps.

I bleed heavily for 5-7 days. I pass clots. I leak. I flood.

Sometimes I vomit from the pain.

I wear black clothes. I cancel everything. I lay in bed between meetings. I’m grateful for working remotely because I honestly couldn’t handle the shame of being in public during this time.

Sleep? Disrupted. Energy? Non-existent. I’m just trying to survive.

“I’m not being antisocial- I’m honouring my health.”

Follicular Phase – (Day 6-13) “Coming back to me”.

This is time my energy starts to creep back in. Estrogen is rising. The bleeding slows down, and I can start moving again.

But emotionally, I’m still in recovery mode. The heaviness of what I’ve just been through doesn’t just disappear. Sometimes I’m still bleeding on Day 7.

I use this time to gently return to the world- short walks, checking in with friends, a light workout if I’m feeling brave.

I eat better. I try to rebuild my iron levels.

This phase feels like I’m rebooting. Not quite myself yet- but getting there.

Ovulation Phase – (Day 14, +|- 2 days) “This is my glow”.

This is when I feel my most magnetic.

Energy is high, I feel creative, confident, even sexy. I want to go out. I want to love on my husband. I want to finish my goals.

But fibroids don’t completely disappear- even here, I feel bloated, and the abdominal pressure can creep in.

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): “The build-up I dread”

This is the phase I fear the most.

Progesterone rises, then drops, PMS starts. And fibroids… they make everything louder.

Mood swings. Tender breasts. Constipation. Bloating. I get triggered easily- sometimes by the smallest thing. I find myself snapping, feeling overwhelmed, crying over nothing.

The pelvic pressure comes back. My sleep gets worse again.

And I know … the bleeding is coming.

This phase tests me. Every. Single. Month.

I try to rest more. I don’t overcommit. I try to speak kindly to myself.

Letting go of guilt

I’ve had to make peace with cancelling plans. Saying no. Going quiet.

And I am blessed- really blessed- to have people in my life who get it. They don’t make me feel like a burden.

I’m not antisocial.

I’m not lazy.

I’m not unreliable

I’m just trying to manage something that no one sees.

“It’s not a normal period if it’s stopping you from living your life.”

Travel and the period that follows me

I’ve been on group trips where I’ve bled through my clothes.

I felt like a burden the entire time. I was anxious, in pain, and not present.

That was the last time I travelled with anyone other than my family, while on my period.

And now I’ve learned something else- my legs and feet used to swell when I traveled. This was due to iron deficiency and fluid retention (edema), linked to my heavy bleeding.

These things are all connected- and people don’t talk about it enough.

Work and the hidden struggles

Working from home has saved me. I have easy bathroom access. I can lay down when I need to. I can be in my own space without worrying if I’ve leaked.

But when I’m asked to go into the office, and it lands during my period? I just can’t.

The fear of having an accident on the train or in the office is too much.

I’ve felt guilty- but I remind myself: I’m not being unreliable. I’m being human.

Mental and Emotional toll

Fibroids haven’t just hurt me physically. They’ve affected my heart, my mind and my spirit.

I’ve felt ashamed. Isolated. Like the only one going through this.

The hormonal shifts heighten anxiety and sadness.

I cried asking myself “Why me? Will this ever stop?”

I’ve been fighting this for 8 years. It’s exhausting .

And yet- I’m still here.

How I’m healing/coping

I’m on a journey of healing- one that touches my mind, body and soul.

• I’m adjusting my diet
• I’m taking supplements
• I use castor oil packs
• I’m exploring what trauma needs to be released

I share my journey because it helps me- and I know it helps others too.

I feel a sisterhood forming. Quiet but strong. We’re all rooting each other on.

Let’s talk

If you’ve gone through something similar, I’d love to hear from you. What’s helped? What hasn’t? Have you had to plan your life around your cycle, too?

I believe we can all learn from one another. No judgement- just love, support, and healing.

Thank you for stopping by.

Until next time… happy healing.

Mon x