I only refer to menstruation as "AF" online, as it's part of the lingo here. I don't mind the female name as I don't want any more than one male near my private parts ATM LOL! Plus if you think about it,, the egg is X, the sperm is X or Y, so technically what's coming out each month is X = female. Oh crap, that could SO be interpreted another way and contradicted. Way TMI. Ahem.

Like Jane for me AF means terrible pain so every month I am on tenterhooks, revising whatever I have planned and constantly checking to see if there is any sign so I can take medication before the pain floors me. And most of the time I get the pain first before any other signs! So yes, in that sense, I truly hate it. However, having a period also means an end to PMS & bloating and like some others have said gives a sense that my body is working.

But as for TTC and getting your period when you'd so desperately wanted otherwise, that must be truly devastating. I'm new to this and am full of hope - in this way I am lucky, but I know deep down only time will tell. My heart goes out to all of you who have been through this.

Plus I suppose the talk about AF brings a bit of humour into what must be a raw emotional situation.