I Was Already Educated Before my First Period - Pauline 21

“Passage from girlhood to womanhood”

I always viewed periods as a passage from girlhood to womanhood. I anxiously waited for mine to start and when it finally did, I was overjoyed. Of course, we were taught in school about various bodily changes that occur during adolescence and what to expect. I knew the basics of what would happen when I started getting my period. I was 12 years old when I had my first period. I woke up as usual to prepare myself for school when I noticed a giant red stain on my bedsheet. As I was already educated on menstruation, I quickly woke my mum and informed her. She instructed me to shower and showed me how to use a pad and also gave me the biggest hug. After putting two extra ones in my bag, I was comfortable and confident and went to school.

“Not experiencing any premenstrual symptoms”

I didn't experience any “signs” up until I was 14 years old in form one. I was used to having a smooth experience during my periods so when I woke up at 2:00am to painful cramping in my lower abdomen, I thought something was wrong. Along with it came sudden diarrhea and my breasts were also tender. I have never felt so distraught in my life. Having nothing to do I rolled around in my bed hoping to drift off to sleep and forget the pain. It affected my days at school and also my exams. When I returned home for the holidays, I researched for ways to relieve period cramps.

“Dealing with my cramps”

To be honest I was worried that nothing would help. But the painkillers helped me. I try not to over use them so I also opt for a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to relieve my cramps. Sometimes I also lie on a cold floor with the hopes of numbing the pain. I reached out to 1190 and they assured me that what I have been doing is great but they would like for me to visit a doctor because it is always important to know whether these were usual cramps or not. I am hoping to go to the gynecologist as my cramps are getting worse and I would want to make sure that everything is ok. I would like a professional approach to dealing with my period cramps just as instructed.

“There is nothing to be ashamed of”

I am glad that I was taught early about menstruation and that when the time came, I was not scared or worried. This, I believe, helped me even reach out to my mom when I needed support because I learned early that periods are natural. I believe that periods are nothing to be ashamed of and all girls should never need to feel embarrassed when talking or asking about their periods.