By: Lei’Lani J.
Moving through different stages of life can be fun and exciting. Going from a little girl to a tween and now teen comes with many emotions especially with physical changes. Physical changes such as having a menstrual cycle can be scary and exciting.
When I was in the Fourth grade, my mom allowed me to read the book, “Are you there God, it’s me Margaret.” This book made me feel excited yet nervous about the changes with my body that were to come in the next few years. I was looking forward to starting my cycle.
My mother prepared me with information about the purpose of a menstrual cycle known as a period. A period is a process where your ovaries release hormones and when an egg isn’t fertilized, the lining of the uterus is shed. My mom equipped me with pads, cleansing cloths and special underwear. I was ready. Even though she explained that cramps may be present, I never knew how to identify if something was not normal.
One morning, I awoke to the BIG DAY. I was so excited! My mom helped me and even prepared a cup of tea. Shortly afterwards, huge waves of cramps overtook the joyous moment accompanied by non-stop vomiting. My mom explained that some women experience cramps and different levels of cramping. She shared that my grandmother had the same symptoms until her early twenties. My mom’s cousins experienced this too until their early twenties. This pattern of vomiting and severe cramping continued over the next few years. However, when I started missing school or having to be dismissed early for violent and constant vomiting during my cycle, my mother knew it was time to talk with my pediatrician.
My pediatrician stated that I’m experiencing menstrual syndrome. She suggested that I take ibuprofen for the pain and take it a few days before my cycle was to start. So that my mother and I would be thoroughly informed about my condition, I visited with my mother’s gynecologist. I was diagnosed with a period disorder known as primary stage Dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea involves inflammation of the uterus. This condition includes severe vomiting and/or diarrhea with severe cramping. Symptoms can start 1–3 days before the actual period or immediately afterwards. The duration is 8 hours up to 72 hours. This disorder is also hereditary. While there is no cure, the gynecologist created a special plan for me which includes taking medication every 4 hours 1 – 3 days before I’m set to start my cycle.
Because studies show that more than 40% of menstruating teens/women experience symptoms, less than that are actually diagnosed. It’s due to either mistaking symptoms as normal with cycles or some teens/women are silent because they are afraid of finding out if something is wrong. There are pediatric gynecologists that can help make visits less intimidating.
Wonderful organizations such as the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. – North Atlanta Chapter and Atlanta GLOW are focusing on Period Poverty Awareness along with period disorder awareness. It is important that we dispel myths and normalize conversations about period disorders. Let’s spread the message, encourage conversations and promote seeking medical attention.
To learn more:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dysmenorrhea
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/dysmenorrhea
https://www.choa.org/medical-services/gynecology
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