‘Don’t blame your body for how you feel’ This girl got real about PMS
Ah, PMS. Around half of the world's population suffer from it, and yet we're still known to discuss it in hushed tones from time to time.
Malin Olofsson has survived anorexia and is now a vegan weight-lifter and a body-positive Instagrammer.
However, like many of us, she suffers very heavily from PMS.
Bloating, mood swings and unbearable cramps are part of her life once a month, but she stayed silent about it because people think it's "weird."
Last weekend, Malin shared a photo of herself on Instagram, along with an explanation on her intense PMS symptoms.
"Some of you have seen this before. Some of you haven’t.
"Some of you experience and go through this yourself once a month. Some of you will be disgusted.
"Some of you will sigh with relief and think – Omg I’m not alone. Some of you will not read this caption and presume that I’m pregnant."
She then told her followers that these are the things she goes through once a month.
"This is the visual signs of PMS for me and many other women. For some it's less extreme, for some it's more.
"Water retention is a very normal and common symptom of PMS. Some women will hardly notice it and some go through immense discomfort for a couple of days a month.
"It can start anytime between ovulation and your period.
She ended her post by saying that we shouldn't punish or blame our bodies because they put us through these things. It's more important to take care of ourselves than worry about what people think.
"It is never your body's fault. It is never anything wrong with how your body looks. Yes – your body might experience discomfort due to hormonal changes – so instead of making it worse through shaming your body, try doing the opposite.
"Realise that this is when you need extra self-care and self-love. Realize that you don't have to be ashamed and hide.
"You are perfect and your body is just doing it's job."
We all need to remember that last line.
