The Silent Struggle: Exploring the Debilitating Impact of Menstrual Cramps on Women’s Education

By Celestina Sinoha Cheba

Periods cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can easily be the most dramatic part of a woman’s month, as they are the most painful ordeal to go through. Indeed, they can, and usually do, have a significant impact on all aspects of one’s life. These cramps are caused by the contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining, and they can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.

The intensity of the cramps may also vary from person to person and from month to month.

During periods, hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins that cause dysmenorrhea are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.

It’s estimated that 10 percent of all women experience significant pain due to high prostaglandin levels during their menstrual cycle.

Like a tenth of our readers, I am one of the 10 percent who suffer every month. In my case, a throbbing pain in the lower abdomen starts a few days before the periods. And then, I experience a variety of other symptoms, including aches, bloating, fatigue, and mood changes. And then there is nausea, loose stools, headache, and dizziness. These symptoms can make it challenging for any girl to concentrate and focus on living. It becomes difficult for me to even sit still for long periods or engage in physical activities due to the pain and discomfort.

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration from person to person, and from month to month. Sometimes, the severity of the cramps can be disabling, leading to decreased productivity in all spheres of life.

As a university student, school suffers unimaginably during these times. Like most girls, performance may suffer as we struggle to keep up with assignments, exams, and class participation. Feeling unwell and being in pain can even impact our motivation to attend school, leading to increased absenteeism.

Period cramps can also affect a girl’s emotional well-being. The hormonal changes that occur during menstruation can contribute to mood swings, irritability and anxiety. These emotional effects can further impact our ability to concentrate and engage in schoolwork.

My fellow L300 journalism course mate Rhoda Krah, 22, also suffers every month. Her description of her experience highlights the common dilemma many individuals face when dealing with the discomfort.

“Even if the pain isn’t severe, it can still be disruptive enough to make me want to stay in bed, yet I have to push through it to fulfill my commitments, like attending lectures”, she explains.

Wendy, 23, a Marketing student at the University of Equatorial Guinea, also experiences severe menstrual cramps that affect her education. She misses classes due to debilitating period pain, which certainly impacts her academic progress. She’s sought medical help and receives intravenous (IV) medications for some relief.

“To address this recurring issue, I am considering discussing long-term management options with my doctor”, she says.

Wendy’s doctor, Dr. Pilar Mbasogo, specializes in cases of dysmenorrhea at the General Hospital Doctor Loeri Comba in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. He explains that prostaglandins are indeed chemicals produced by the uterus that play a significant role in causing uterine muscle contractions.

“Managing these symptoms often involves using painkilling medications like NDSAID to reduce prostaglandin production or Ibuprofen”, explained Dr. Mbasogo.

Others believe that lifestyle measures can be effective in reducing menstrual cramping for some individuals, like regular exercise. It is believed that engaging in regular physical activity can help alleviate menstrual cramps by promoting blood circulation and reducing muscle tension.

“I used to go for warm baths or showers; they can help to relax muscles and ease discomfort”, explained Wendy. “These days, I’m trying yoga and acupuncture; they help with my cramps”.

Home remedies can offer relief for some individuals experiencing menstrual cramps as well. Personally, applying a heat pad or hot water bottle to the lower abdomen helps to relax my uterine muscles and reduce pain.

Relaxation and mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or meditation can also help manage stress and reduce the perception of pain.

These remedies can be beneficial for many individuals, but the effectiveness can vary from person to person. It’s important to explore and find what works best to manage your unique menstrual cramps.

Overall, period cramps can have a significant impact on our educational life, affecting the physical well-being, emotional state and ability to perform academically. It’s therefore imperative that institutions come up with novel ways to address these challenges and provide the necessary support to help girls manage their menstrual health and succeed in their education.