Sharon Zaaruka

“It must be nice to be God’s favourite” is a statement that I will often hear when ‘it’s that time of the month’. Unlike many of my friends and over 70% of women who experience Dysmenorrhea globally, I don’t have painful periods. 

This was until recently when I experienced a pain like no other: my stomach was in knots. I felt like my abdomen was being struck by lightning, and I was bloated and couldn’t pass any gas because razor blades found a home in my intestines. 

I almost blacked out when I tried walking, and I crumbled in pain because it felt like my uterus was being kick-boxed with any movement I made. I have never been so confused and in pain. I could not call the ambulance because I had an important appointment that could not be missed, but committed to going to see a doctor after. 

I started my period the next day, and still did not make a connection to the pain as this was foreign to me. My friend helped me make the connection as she has been experiencing period pain since the beginning of her menstrual cycle. She said “sometimes I feel like blood is boiling in my womb, and I can literally smell it from the inside, and my intestines are being pulled in different directions at once, or are stuck in one position and I can’t move for over 30 minutes.”

Dysmenorrhea is the medical term used for a painful period or menstrual cramps. This is categorised in two: primary (common menstrual cramps range from mild to severe pain in the lower abdomen, thighs and back, and include symptoms like nausea, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea). Secondary is painful periods due to a disorder or an infection in the female reproductive organs e.g., Endometriosis. It is advised to get checked by a doctor should you experience severe symptoms. 

What is not foreign to me, though, is that once a month, I don’t recognise myself or the rationale behind some decisions I make. I am not referring to the mad food cravings or wanting somebody’s son on a call for 24 hours because I want attention and crying at the slightest inconvenience. 

I am talking about questioning my whole existence, worth and purpose, regardless of what great things are happening in my life. I experience anxiety attacks and am filled with loathing despair that sometimes I just spend the days in bed. I, sometimes, have no will to do anything. Suicidal ideations become frequent, or I am filled with a wave of consuming anger so prominent that I am ready to snap somebody’s head off. 

It was until I mentally quit school during exams that I came across a discussion on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and how if untreated, it can lead to depression and, in severe cases, suicide. 

According to statistics, a staggering 30% of women with PMDD attempt suicide. It is highly recommended to consult a doctor to determine whether you experience PMDD, as there are overlaps of symptoms with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).  

Common Symptoms of PMS and PMDD are: 

Breast tenderness and swelling

Acne or other skin changes

Bloating and weight gain

Headache or joint pain

Food cravings

Irritability, mood swings, crying spells and depression

The symptoms of PDMM include:

Exaggerated changes in mood or emotion that can occur suddenly

Irritability, anger or increased relationship conflicts 

Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, or being overly critical of yourself

Anxiety, tension or increased feelings of nervous excitement

Decreased interest in usual activities

Noticeable difficulty while trying to concentrate

Severe fatigue or lack of energy

Drastic changes in appetite, including overeating or specific food cravings

Changes in sleep patterns, including excessive sleeping or the inability to sleep

Feeling overwhelmed or out of control

Some actions, based on a discussion with a close circle, influenced by some of these symptoms, is that most decisions like quitting jobs, turning down interviews, cutting their hair and ending relationships were done without sound reason, just for them to start their menstrual cycle a few days later, and that being their “OH, this makes sense now” moment.

Regardless of diagnoses, there is no denying that menstruation has bearings on women, which impacts their life negatively as it can lead to depression, absenteeism from school and work and more. 

*Sharon Zaaruka is a Chevening Scholarship Scholar pursuing an MSc in Digital Marketing Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, UK.