End menstrual stigma to support women, girls- Expert
By Folasade Akpan
Dr Abdul-Hameed Adediran, Senior Programme Manager for Menstrual Health Initiatives at Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, has urged greater support for girls and women during menstruation instead of stigmatising them.
Adediran made the call in Abuja at a two-day Menstrual Health Workshop for media professionals.
The workshop was aimed at equipping menstrual health champions with comprehensive knowledge on menstrual health and hygiene management, enabling them to effectively educate and support young people.
He said menstruation was a normal physiological process and not an illness or a curse, but part of a healthy reproductive system.
According to him, the natural process should be understood and managed without stigma.
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 the ages of nine and 14, and continues until menopause, typically between 45 and 55 years of age.
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.
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, Adediran recommended heating pads, warm baths, regular exercise, staying hydrated, and eating 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) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
Published By
Has also recently published
Economy/BusinessAugust 11, 2025Charges: customers lament, want CBN to caution banks
Defence/SecurityAugust 11, 2025Gov. Idris seeks establishment of Air Force base in Kebbi
General NewsAugust 11, 2025Illegal mining will persist because of poverty – Stakeholders say
Economy/BusinessAugust 11, 2025New Insurance Act will promote equity – CIIN President
