Thank you for this article! Even as a 40 year-old that self-consciousness has never gone away. I got my period when I was 14. I was so ashamed, I didn't ever tell my mom and handled it myself. 3 years later at a pediatrician visit the doctor asking if I had gotten my period yet and I nervously said "yes," with my mom in the room. She was furious at me for not telling her, but I didn't feel close to her in that way and felt more embarrassed than anything. I also think there was a part of me that feared what it mean - growing up. I love your perspective. Thanks again!