“Women’s health needs to be front and centre– it often isn’t, but it needs to be.”– Cynthia Nixon

We live in a society where menstruation is considered “impure” and anything related to menstrual health is taboo. Even in the 21st century, some women still have no access to primary menstrual health education and requirements. 

The hushing over menstruation and related topics dates way back in time. From getting death glares from mothers while enquiring about periods in front of a male family member as a child to hiding the sanitary napkins deep in your bags like smuggling drugs while going to your college or office, every woman has been a victim of this unnecessary stigmatisation.

The whole notion of women empowerment is often limited to occasional social media posts and campaigns. Women empowerment starts when a woman gets accepted for being, in fact, a woman. The fact that women are getting vilified over a biological process is indeed appalling. 

I have my fair share of experiences while getting sanitary pads from a pharmacy- waiting for a female staff member to attend to me, whispering what I want, getting embarrassed if the packet gets exposed in a transparent plastic bag, and the list goes on and on.

It took me 5 years of my womanhood to realise that I was being silenced about something natural that defines my identity. It is high time for society to stop making a big deal out of a woman's body and her menstruation. It also made me realise that most menstruation-related discomforts require proper medical attention instead of treating them with extreme secrecy.  

It was at that moment I decided to consult one of the best gynaecologists in Dubai, practising at NMC Healthcare Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, to clear my queries related to menstrual health and related problems.

Here I am sharing some of the knowledge she passed to me to ensure you are menstrually healthy and what signs (that may look harmless) to watch out for. 

Menstrual Cramps

Since menstrual cycles are different for every woman, the cramp patterns are different too. Some may experience no or mild pain during their periods, while some may experience unbearable and excruciating pain that can make their day challenging.

She cites,” Experiencing cramps 1-3 days before periods are expected, and it usually subsides after a few days. But, encountering period cramps a week before your actual period is rare and may indicate a far more concerning health issue.”

Severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding once or twice a year are quite normal, but if it occurs every time you menstruate, you should seek medical advice to avoid any risks and complications. 

PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to physical, emotional, and behavioural change, with varied symptoms that occur before a woman’s monthly period. Women usually start PMSing 1-2 weeks before period bleeding. Some common symptoms of PMS include:

• Cramps

• Sore breasts

• Bloating

• Acne breakouts

• Mood swings

• Tiredness

Studies show that almost 48 percent of women experience PMS at some point in their reproductive life. The symptoms of PMS can be mild to intense and can be controlled by treatments and adjusting your lifestyle. 

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition in which the female body develops small cysts on the ovary, making it enlarged. It may result in increased production of the male hormone called androgen and other symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, obesity, and irregular periods. 

I was diagnosed with PCOS and then got referred to the obstetrician-gynaecologist in NMC, where she gave me some tips to keep it in control. 

She says, “The main cause of PCOS is unknown. However, it can be a combination of genetics and environmental factors, such as lifestyle, stress, lack of exercise, and diet. PCOS can be controlled by adopting a diet that includes natural, unprocessed food low on carbs, adding cardiovascular workouts, yoga, and meditation to your routine.”

PCOS in extreme conditions can cause infertility, endometrial cancer, and depression. 

Pertaining to menstrual health, most women often evade consulting a doctor for their queries and concerns. No matter what society says, a woman's body and health should be her priority. Make sure you have the best gynaecologists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at your service for a healthy and happy life.