Shattering the Silence: The Unspoken Battles of Menstruation and the Demand for Worldwide Support

Menstruation is not only a monthly occurrence for many women globally; it is a deeply misunderstood and frequently crippling experience. While the menstrual cycle is a normal biological occurrence, it is still heavily stigmatised, misunderstood, and tossed aside, which leaves people who need it the most without any help. Not only do women have to overcome these physical obstacles, but they also bear emotional and social responsibilities that require immediate care and changes in the healthcare system.

The overlooked battles

Menstrual battles are much more typical than what is generally recognised and can range from excruciating cramps to long-term chronic illnesses, including endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis. These medical conditions can significantly lower quality of life by causing extreme pain, uncontrollable bleeding, and burnout. However, many women endure years of incorrect diagnosis or simply being overlooked by medical providers.

Rachel Bryan, founder of Code Red Period Products, shared her personal journey with these challenges:

“I spent years going in and out of hospitals, only to be misdiagnosed repeatedly. Eventually, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, fibroids, and adenomyosis - conditions that made my periods unbearable and required multiple surgeries. To date, I’ve had 11 surgeries and am now awaiting a hysterectomy.”

(Rachel Bryan, owner of Code Red)

The saddening truth is that Rachel's tale is not unique; instead, it is a reflection of a broader issue that far too many women face. Period health is frequently neglected, and concerns related to menstruation are frequently written off as something to "push through."

Why period Education Is Necessary

A major obstacle to menstruation health is the lack of period education. Discussions about menstruation are still often frowned upon in a lot of societies and cultures and frequently disregarded by the education system, leaving females feeling ashamed and unprepared for when their periods start. Rachel Bryan recounts her personal encounters:

 “I wasn’t prepared, as we hadn’t covered menstruation in school yet. What followed were years of confusion and isolation.”

People suffer in silence as a result of this educational disparity. Even worse, legislators and educators remain mostly ignorant, which leads to insufficient resources in workplaces and classrooms.

Code Red: A step forward

Code Red Period Products was founded by Rachel as a result of her own personal struggles. The company's mission is to empower girls by providing them with innovative period products and information. 

“As a young girl, I felt unprepared and unsupported. I wanted to change that by creating a brand that’s educational, empathetic, and empowering.”

The Period Starter Kit, Code Red's main product, offers useful products like reusable pads and valuable materials like the Period Workbook, helping to make young girls feel seen as well as educating them about their bodies. There's also comforting additions like bath salts, ginger tea and animal-themed hot water bottles to ease symptoms. The brand also tackles the emotional sides of menstruation. Code Red promotes discussions about menstruation in schools by holding seminars and lectures, shattering taboos, and boosting self-esteem. 

Ending the stigma

Despite the fact that many women suffer from severe menstrual issues, their experiences are frequently ignored. With the access of social media, women can now create their own platforms to connect with others who also face similar struggles. 23-year-old Izzy, owner of the TikTok page, lifewithendometriosis_, shares endometriosis content with her almost 12k followers in hopes of empowering and educating people worldwide. 

Izzy shares her struggles with the chronic disease: 

“All my friends would be going out on their period, and I would be in excruciating pain, throwing up and just being holistically unwell," she explains. "I would be so heavy, bleeding through pants and trousers, even with multiple pads and a tampon on.”

Even though Izzy's symptoms at times were unbearable, it took nearly ten years until she was finally diagnosed. She reflects on how frustrating it was to be ignored, remarking, "I was dismissed many times by many general practitioners." 

 She is now committed to spreading knowledge and standing up for people who face similar difficulties. Her posts have grown to be a source of encouragement and strength for people who are also suffering with similar struggles. Izzy's experience serves as a reminder of how critical it is to pay attention to women's health concerns and back initiatives aimed at raising awareness of these frequently disregarded medical issues.

An Invitation for Action

The moment has arrived to talk about menstruation's silent challenges. Menstrual health education and assistance must be a top priority for governments, educational institutions, and healthcare practitioners. We can make sure that every woman, girl, and individual has the resources they need to succeed by promoting understanding and tearing down negative stigmas surrounding the subject.

Rachel Bryan and Izzy serve as a reminder that knowledge is the first step towards change, and that every advancement is a win for menstrual wellbeing.