Menstruation Is Natural, Not Shameful

I was around 15 or 16 years old, in 9th grade, when I got my first period and I had no idea what was happening.

It was early morning. I had just woken up and was playing with my siblings when I suddenly felt something wet. The lights were off, and the room was dim. I went to the washroom and saw blood. For a moment, I thought I was hurt. I checked again and again no injury. I stood there, confused and scared.

No one had ever explained this to me. I didn’t know girls bled like this, or why.

After calming myself down, I quietly called my elder sister. She was the first person I told. She gently explained everything that it was a natural part of growing up. She gave me a pad and showed me how to use it. I still remember how comforting it was to hear, “It’s normal. You’re not alone.”

A few years later, I started getting painful cramps too, and then my mom told me about some home remedies and gave me more guidance. But in the beginning there was only confusion, silence, and fear.

I also remember something that happened in 8th grade. One of my best friends bled through her clothes during class. We didn’t know what it was, and she told me she had a wound. We believed her because no one ever taught us otherwise. The other girls kept asking me questions, and I kept repeating, “She’s hurt.”

Now, when I look back, I wonder what others thought of us. That we were lying? Or just ignorant? Maybe both. But how could we know? No one ever spoke to us about periods.

Even now, menstruation is treated like a secret. I remember my mom telling me during Ramadan, “Don’t tell your brothers. Don’t let anyone know you’re on your period.” I wanted to ask “why?” but I didn’t because I already knew the answer: We don’t talk about it.

But why not?

Why are we taught to hide something so natural?

Menstrual hygiene is more than using a pad. It’s about knowledge, dignity, and confidence. We need to break the silence so no girl ever has to stand in a washroom, scared and alone, not knowing what’s happening to her.

This is why I’m sharing my story for the girls who still feel ashamed, and for the boys who still don’t know. Let’s talk about it, honestly and openly. Because the more we speak, the less scary it becomes.

Menstruation is not shameful. Silence is. Let’s break it! one story at a time.