My Period Story- Cathy Mukora

Cathy's Period Journey: Now what is this?

For most, their menarche (first period) is exciting. There’s an eagerness and anticipation to experience your first cycle. Though confusing, there’s a buzz that you feel knowing that you’re growing up. For Cathy, this was not the case. We got to ask her a few questions about her menstruation journey, and she shared with us how she has coped with her cycle and lessons she has learned along the way. Here’s her story:

At what age did you get your period?
I started my period when I was around 11 or 12 years old.

Has menstruating gotten easier, harder, or is it the same as it always has been, with each passing year?
It seems the older I get, the harder it becomes.

Tell us your period story.
The year was 1998, I remember we were just getting into the computer era. It was December and we were having tuition classes to learn computer usage. I hadn’t felt or rather hadn’t paid any attention to my body to know that something was coming. I didn’t feel the need to. So imagine my surprise when I went to the toilet and saw blood stains. (at this point Cathy rolled her eyes) 

Now unlike most girls, I was not excited and  jumping up and down at the prospect of ‘becoming a woman.’  I just felt irritated. 

I was not prepared for it so I asked my classmate to tell the teacher that I was not feeling well and ran home. Let me tell you, I thank God that home was very close by. I got home and found my grandfather was visiting! Jeez! He wanted to sit, chat, all the works and  I just wanted to just go clean myself up before things got REALLY MESSY! Somehow, I managed to excuse myself and went to get clean. I had to swipe a pad from my mum’s closet and went about my business like nothing happened. 

I did not tell anyone. My mum is the one who came and asked me about it. And her asking was because she noticed her dwindling pads supply.  I had to finally come clean. So she then proceeded to give me ‘the girl talk’. I was mortified all through but I made it through! 

My initial feelings have been validated over the years because that week of my period is always just so much to deal with physically, emotionally and psychologically. It would have been really nice to know all this when I was starting out. Not just the physicalities of menstruation but all it entails in other aspects.

What is one piece of advice that lives with you while you are on your period?
It’s not as bad as my emotions are making it out to be.

Share with us one affirmation you use to stay positive and empowered during your period.
I am strong enough to endure this. My body was created to walk this journey.