My Period Story- Alexia Musau

At what age did you start your period?
I started my period when I was 10 years old.

Has menstruating gotten easier, harder, or is it the same as it always has been, with each passing year?
It’s definitely gotten easier over time.

Tell us your period story.
It was on a Monday in July, just a regular school day. I went to the washrooms and saw blood on my underwear. For a second, I was confused because the color was brownish, not red, so I thought it might be some kind of discharge or dirt. Then it hit me—it might be my period.

I wasn’t completely unprepared, though. I went to my class teacher, who was amazing, and she got me a pad. At that point, I already knew how to put on a pad because I’d watched my mum teach my sister. I put it on, finished the rest of the afternoon at school, and when I got home, I told my mum and sister.

I remember staining myself once in school, but since it was an all-girls school, it wasn’t too embarrassing. The thing that no one prepared me for was the cramps. They made my period quite difficult at first, but I’ve since found ways to manage the pain. And ovulation cramps? That’s a story for another day!

In terms of hygiene products, what works best for you?
I’m definitely a pad girl. I’ve tried tampons, but they just didn’t work for me.

What is one piece of advice that lives with you while you are on your period?
It is more than okay to listen to my body and take things slow when I’m on my period.

Share with us one affirmation you use to stay positive and empowered during your period.
I remind myself, "I am blessed. I recognize that menstruation is by God’s design, and I lean into Him even during the tough times of my period."