I would loosely term my period experience as ordinary and somewhat ‘uneventful’. It’s the kind that just passes by swiftly; just some five days that are like any other day save for the occasional cramping and the fact that being a muslim, I cannot offer my five daily prayers…but that’s okay because thanks to mum, my sisters and a supportive group of friends back in high school I have learnt to cope.
I however feel for someone I know who always has it rough during this time of every month. I will call her ‘R’. R is lucky that her problem isn’t not having sanitary items but hers are the symptoms that we ladies face during our periods for instance back aches, stomach and rectal cramps, headaches, vomiting etcetera. Well, hers are aggravated and as a result, during such days she misses class and is sometimes on IV medication. But throughout all this, my friends and I have found a way to hold her hand maybe through taking her through what we studied during her time away, constant visits and check-ins during the time or being with her as she receives her medication.
Through R’s experience, I have learnt to understand that we all experience different challenges during our period and whereas for some the problem is sanitary relief items, for others it is the symptoms that come with menstruation and I am glad that just like how I was supported back at school on that Friday in 2014 during my first period as a confused form one student, I am also able to support and be there for R in her struggles during that time even if it is in the littlest of ways.