Abdul-Hameed Adediran, the senior programme manager for Menstrual Health Initiatives at Population Services International Nigeria, has urged greater support for girls and women during menstruation instead of stigmatising them.

Mr Adediran made the call on Sunday in Abuja at a two-day Menstrual Health Workshop for media professionals.

The workshop aimed to equip menstrual health champions with comprehensive knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene management, enabling them to effectively educate and support young people.

He said that menstruation was a normal physiological process, not an illness or a curse, but rather a part of a healthy reproductive system. According to him, the natural process should be understood and managed without stigma.

Mr Adediran noted that many of the challenges faced by girls and women during menstruation were rooted in social and cultural beliefs that limit or prohibit certain behaviours or discussions on the subject.

“These myths and social norms have negative impacts on their health and daily lives, restricting their freedom and participation in society,” he said.

He described menstruation as the monthly discharge of blood, the inner wall of the uterus, and an unfertilised egg through the vagina when pregnancy does not occur. He said it begins at puberty, usually between nine and 14, and continues until menopause, typically between 45 and 55 years.

He added that the bleeding phase lasts between two and seven days and forms part of a wider reproductive cycle influenced by hormonal changes.

“For me, stigmatising girls and women because of menstruation is not right. They also experience emotional and psychological changes such as sadness, irritability, and anger due to hormonal changes,” he said.

Mr Adediran said there were over 100 experiences attributed to menstruation, which may change over time and from cycle to cycle.

“These experiences can significantly affect school, work, and social life. Pain and discomfort during menstruation are normal for many women,” he added.

He said many women experience physical and emotional symptoms such as abdominal cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, fatigue, mood swings, and acne. He noted that such symptoms could affect school attendance, work productivity, and social participation.

To manage discomfort, Mr Adediran recommended using heating pads, taking warm baths, engaging in regular exercise, staying hydrated, and consuming foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids. He also encouraged meditation and mindfulness to manage stress and mood changes.

“Using comfortable, breathable menstrual products and changing them regularly is essential, not just for comfort but also to prevent infections,” he said.

(NAN)