An utterly natural and inconvenient part of life for 50 percent of the planet's population, periods are not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. Learning more about them and the struggles that come with Mother Nature's gift once a month can only be beneficial to the other 50 percent of humans that do not experience the mood swings, breakouts, and cramps that stop by for a week. (So yes, even if you've never had a period, I urge you to read further so that you can have some empathy for your fellow humans that have to endure the joys of menstruation).

1. Pre-cramps

You're casually minding your own business, maybe you're in the middle of class or doing some exercise, when suddenly you feel it. That little twinge right below your stomach that makes you stop in your tracks. You try to ignore it but you know exactly what that little twinge means.

2. The bloodstains

Alas, but one that requires a bit of clean up. Luckily, you know that cold water, when applied immediately, should do the trick. Hopefully, your cute pair of underwear can still be salvaged!

3. The real cramps

Yep, they're here to stay and they want you to know it. The feeling is no longer a small twinge, but rather you feel as if someone is stabbing you repeatedly in the gut and are practically doubled over in pain. If it's a weekend, then congrats, you can stay home with a hot water bottle and pillows. If not, you better pop some ibuprofen and carry on with your day with as much enthusiasm as you can muster.

4. The roller coaster of emotions

Did someone take your favorite seat in class? Not get a text back quick enough from your significant other? Well, guess it's time to cry about it for the next ten minutes! Even the smallest things can set you off from one extreme to the other and there's nothing you can really do about it except ride the wave and let it pass.

5. The need for sweet/salty foods

You completely throw any notion of eating a healthy and nutritious meal out the door and lunge for the closest chocolate, popcorn, anything that satisfies your immediate taste.

6. Lack of ability to focus

Maybe you're distracted from having to run to the bathroom every hour, or you're too tired to pay attention to any task at hand, but today is just not the day you're going to successfully finish all of your work in record time.

7. Sore breasts

Granted, this doesn't affect everyone (personally, I'm a small-breasted gal, so my experience with this is minimal), but for those of you that feel the pain once a month, it remains a struggle.

8. Seeking comforts from a friend who gets it

No place is more comforting than the arms of a friend when you're just not feeling your best, and they'll encourage you to hang in there until the whole ordeal is finished (at least until next month...).