Period Problems

SAMEEKA PRABATH – Pain. That’s the word many associates with their periods. Whether it’s physical or mental pain, there are many who dread that time of the month. It’s become somewhat normalized that periods are not fun. But when does it become an illness? 

The truth is that most girls have no idea. Most of us remember the awkward sex education unit in middle school. Mine was taught by a health teacher who looked more uncomfortable than the students. Although it varies from school to school, most classes include a biology lecture on what a healthy period looks like and how to use feminine products. What they didn’t teach were all the things that could go wrong.

Endometriosis, PCOS, Ovarian Cyst.

These are some common menstrual disorders. These were also some of the possible diagnoses the gynecologist listed when I went for my visit. I’d personally never heard of these disorders until the doctor explained them to me. Even though about 75% of menstruators face menstrual irregularities, schools do not educate girls on possible problems and at what point they should seek a doctor. In fact, only twenty-four states have required sex education in schools. 

Many menstruators have to face their health conditions alone since society has deemed menstruation a personal burden rather than one allowed to be openly discussed. Menstruators’ health is taboo in many cultures, and it has led to dangerous situations for young menstruators around the world. Menstruators are not being educated about the changes in their bodies and how to take care of themselves. Many are too embarrassed to get help while some don’t ever realize that they need it. 

Dr. Sommer describes menstrual health as the “physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to the menstrual cycle.” There are many causes of menstrual irregularities including malnutrition, drug abuse, endocrine disorders, and poor hygiene. Menstrual disorders also have potential long-term effects, such as depression, anxiety, infertility, anemia, and fatigue. Furthermore, there is a distribution issue with feminine products, preventing people from safely dealing with their periods. In a study conducted by Dr. Cordoso, it was found that about 500 million people who menstruate do not have access to hygiene facilities and/or feminine products. People living with lower incomes or in cultures where periods are highly stigmatized are more likely to face period poverty. 

Period disorders have caused menstruators to skip and even drop out of school. Schools and workplaces are usually not period-friendly. Since they don’t provide the products or days off necessary, menstruators are put at a disadvantage. This directly contributes to more mainstream issues, like the wage gap between men and women. Without the proper products and/or treatment for conditions, menstruators are put at an even higher risk. 

It all comes down to education about menstruation. To reduce period stigma, both boys and girls need to be educated. If people are more aware of how periods are supposed to work, a healthy and supportive environment can be created. Periods are nuanced and complicated, and policies in school and work environments should reflect that reality.

People deserve to be educated on their own bodies. To do that, they must be surrounded by supportive and helpful people. Schools, an integral part of communities, need to spend more time teaching adolescents everything they need to know to take care of themselves and to recognize symptoms of menstrual disorders. Without proper period education, menstruators are robbed of their right to proper healthcare. 

There is no way to make sure if we don’t know what wrong looks like. Although cramps are not uncommon, they could indicate deeper health issues. Sex Ed failed me, and it failed so many other young menstruators. It is one of the most important classes we take and deserves to be more than an afterthought. 

Copy Editor- Jessica Schumaker

Photography source – https://wellfemme.com.au/period-problems/