It comes every month, a stark reminder of the bodies we inhabit. It’s not just a “little discomfort”; for many of us, it’s a battle waged within. The world does not pause for us, nor does it soften its edges. Instead, we walk, we run, we climb—our bodies aching, yet our will unshaken. We call it “our period,” but for some, it feels like “the day we girls die.” This isn’t hyperbole; it’s the reality of period pain, a condition that’s shrouded in stigma, fueled by harmful social norms, and often dismissed despite its debilitating effects. The first drop falls like a silent war cry, a reminder that we are both the battlefield and the warrior.
Our days begin with extreme emotions and severe mood fluctuations. We suspect, but aren’t sure, what will really happen. Exhaustion whispers doubts into our ears, yet we still rise. We still fight. We still dream. We have to stay, sit for hours, and do the work. We’re obligated to attend classes and give presentations. Go to work and attend all the meetings. Even at home, we must accomplish our domestic chores. We can’t really handle everything, but we’re assigned to do it anyway! Nobody is willing to pay attention to our claims, and our options for excuses are always very limited. They call it a burden. We call it proof. Proof that we are alive, that we’re powerful, that we’re woven from something unbreakable.
It’s so hard to talk about periods. We whisper about “that time of the month,” use euphemisms, and hide our sanitary products. This silence perpetuates the idea that menstruation is shameful, dirty, or something to be endured in secret. We’re taught to be discreet, to not burden others with our “female problems.” This silence is deafening. It affects our access to information and care.
No one understands how that hellish burn consumes us, but in words, we can try to describe it. It’s a time when all painkillers seem totally ineffective. It’s a scenario where every strong lady feels pathetically weak and vulnerable. It’s time we girls secretly wish would last only an hour instead of a week or longer. It’s a moment we hope everyone would understand and feel the sting of our complaints. It’s something we truly hate, and yet worry about not having. Nobody is conscious of the arms constantly fighting within our abdomens. It’s something that simply means the uterus is taking revenge for not getting pregnant. Even though this is a common and important part of womanhood, we would really like to erase our reproductive cycle. And yet, we worry if it doesn’t come.
The pain isn’t the only torment. Hormones surge, casting a shadow over our moods. One moment we’re laughing, the next, tears are streaming down our faces for no apparent reason. We lash out, then feel a wave of guilt. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and we feel like losing control. This emotional rollercoaster can be isolating. We are often unsure how to manage these changes, and the lack of understanding from others can make it worse.
Social norms often dictate how we experience and respond to menstruation. Even in more “progressive” societies, there’s often a lack of understanding and support. Girls are expected to “just deal with it,” to push through the pain and carry on as if nothing is happening. Some believe period pain is “all in your head” or that it’s a normal part of being a woman that must be suffered. Harmful practices can further complicate menstruation and lead to severe pain and health problems.
Many women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with symptoms ranging from irritability and anxiety to depression and mood swings. These emotional changes are often dismissed as “just PMS” or used to invalidate women’s feelings and experiences. In all the times where all men around the world were known ‘Berisamaad/good days’ are the days of hellishness for every woman, since around today, girls lose one trillion RBCs for every pay period, and it’s still considered taboo by seeing a girl complaining about it and instead of having caring environments girls are still trying to just not express their feelings and concerns.
Beyond the bleeding, periods are distressing for any and all women, but what sucks more than anything is the sad thoughts and humiliations that women encounter from their communities as a result of menstrual periods. It is a cycle of pain and power, a quiet storm that rages within, unseen by the world. They call it weakness, but we know the truth—it is the pulse of resilience, the rhythm of an unyielding spirit.
We’re girls, we suffer, and it is not our end. It is not a curse. It is the blood of the future, the ink with which we write our own destiny. Yes, we are exposed to many things: gender stereotypes, violations, and more. We are not asking for permission. We are claiming what is already ours. Do not, however, misunderstand and underestimate the power of a girl; you never know about her situations. She may even be losing blood while she’s smiling!
