When I was in my early twenties, I worked beside a 400-degree oven for eight hours at a time. I also was not on birth control. I cannot count the number of times I was on my period and had to cling to the counter in order to avoid passing out due to the combination of cramps and heat.

It was only when I started going on birth control that I felt more in control and more safe. I was completely abstinent at the time, and I needed birth control just so I could continue working in safe environment.