Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Here’s how family members in various stages of sleeping will appear to viewers
This Sunday’s episode of BBC Two’s beautiful and subtle cozying-up series Two Doors Down is a doddle to let down your guard.
In the build-up, even your mum who knows you are on your period can forget – and the baby who is actually experiencing her first period can feel embarrassed.
How do you signal intimacy when no-one is expecting?
While the third episode will go into more detail, our guide for viewers is below.
When is a ‘soft’ period not a period?
A “soft” period is one that doesn’t include any bleeding or bleeding stains.
The phrase “normal” and “periods” generally are used in conjunction with periods of all types, which explains why one month might not be considered a “normal” one.
Does it have to last more than a few days?
No, but it has to be at least 72 hours (your usual period is at the 30th day) and at least one day of that should be during daylight hours.
How can you let it happen?
Letting off steam just like we are supposed to at this time of year – by squeezing your body with your partner or a blanket as you snuggle under the duvet – can help with hormone management.
If you have been doing this for a while you should have normalised the periods as you will understand how they have the same effect and therefore how to react to this one.
It is really important to communicate about this with your partner or anyone else with your symptoms.
Does “period coverage” have anything to do with it?
Not really. But a couple of years ago, there was a bit of an outcry in people’s minds about contraception being so (literally) “unreliable”.
We need to remember that periods are completely normal. What should go on in your mind is deciding on the right form of contraception.
The average person’s “period coverage” is 93%. But it varies. Letting your hormones run wild without control can cause unpredictable bleeding and will lead to fertility problems.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Should you get your period if you only have periods once a year?
What to do if you have bleeding at night?
Don’t worry if you have a bleed at night. If it is light-coloured and no-marking, you don’t need to go to the clinic – you can just wait for morning sickness hormones to settle.
It is important to have a good nighttime alarm clock to make sure you wake up on time.
There are other factors too. Irregular periods or no periods at all are a huge issue with women and men who are severely disabled.
For anyone who is struggling with periods, there are women’s health nurses in your local hospital’s A&E who can help you.
How are you supposed to show affection?
In preparing for this episode, I checked with a doctor who told me it was not necessary to show affection to someone in a highly medicated state – as it could risk triggering premenstrual syndrome.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Get your husband to tell you off for excessive hygiene
Just get them to tell you off for excessive hygiene – or if it’s really going through your head.
You will notice no-one has got off the sofa for this episode, so please think before you get involved.
What if you don’t understand your own menses?
It might be easier to ask if anyone in your family understands what is going on.
Also, check to see if your menses are in any way affected by your mental health (including depression and mood swings).
It is perfectly normal that your periods are affected.
How do I know if I’m ovulating?