Befriending Your Menstrual Cycle (Part 2)

In this second part of our conversation with public health researcher Felicity, we explore how to transform our relationship with menstruation from one of secrecy and shame to one of awareness and appreciation. Felicity shares her insights on befriending our cycles, breaking through cultural barriers of shame, and developing meaningful rituals that honor our bodies' natural rhythms. This episode offers practical wisdom for women seeking to reclaim their menstrual experiences as sources of power and self-knowledge.

This Episode

Building on the foundation of cycle awareness from Part 1, Felicity shares:

• How secrecy has limited women's understanding of their bodies and cycle health
• The process of "befriending" your cycle rather than merely enduring it
• Practical approaches to cycle-based self-care and meaningful rituals
• How cycle awareness can positively influence partnerships and family dynamics
• The transformative potential of embracing our cycles as sources of wisdom and power

Quotable Moments

"Would you believe I've been in this space for must be about 25-30 years and I still experience shame. I still feel discomfort raising it with someone I don't know, especially if there's a male around. So what I would say is it needs, we need to be courageous." - Felicity

"The magic is that as women, we embody life. You know, we carry within us the past, the present, and the future. It's all contained within us." - Felicity

"Just reflect on what is there... one small action that does bring you joy and it's gonna be just for you... pick a point in your cycle that you know you're going to remember." - Felicity

"My wish is the realization that each of us is unique. And each of us is worth getting to know ourselves better." - Felicity

Resources Mentioned

• The Red Tent movement - a community approach to honoring menstrual cycles collectively
• Evidence-based lifestyle change approaches for improving cycle health
• Dream journaling during menstruation as a way to capture insights and intuition

Connect With Us

• Catch up on Part 1 of our conversation with Felicity if you haven't already
• Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies
• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

Connect with Felicity

Dr Felicity Roux is a Public Health researcher at Curtin Medical School. Her interests lie in menstrual health literacy which began during her clinical work as an accredited fertility awareness method educator. She developed and trialled a program called My Vital Cycles to equip schools to provide evidence-based menstrual health education and care. Felicity currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Australasian Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine. 

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical support. If you're struggling with menstrual health issues, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified healthcare practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.