#NineYears4Her: "Had I not pushed back against the outdated misconception that painful periods are normal, I would still be struggling"
Today's story is written by Benita Chick, a passionate sustainability advocate, Gender Studies lecturer, DEIB expert and LUÜNA AT WORK program facilitator for corporations in Hong Kong.
A decade ago, I began experiencing severe menstrual pain, which I initially dismissed as an unfortunate, but sadly very 'normal,' symptom of menstruation. However, as time went on, I started to realize that something was amiss when the pain persisted even outside of the time I was menstruating.
The intensity of the pain was so unbearable that it often forced me to miss work or take sick leave. All I wanted to do was lie down and avoid any movement whenever the pain struck.
Finally, one day, unable to bear the pain any longer, I took to Facebook and shared a heartfelt post about the magnitude of my suffering.
It caught the attention of a friend named June, who promptly took me to another gynaecologist Belinda. This time, the doctor was more reassuring and informed me that endometriosis could be treated with contraceptive pills.
Eager for relief, I decided to give this treatment a try. However, my body reacted poorly to the hormonal changes associated with the pills, causing significant discomfort.
Fortunately, June suggested an alternative approach. She recommended that I visit her boyfriend, who happened to be a Chinese doctor. Intrigued and desperate for relief, I decided to give it a chance. Twice a week, I diligently attended acupuncture sessions and underwent Chinese medicine treatments under his care. After a few months, I began noticing a significant improvement in my condition.
I consider myself fortunate that endometriosis pain no longer affects me. However, I recognise that had I not pushed back against the outdated misconception that painful periods are normal, I would still be struggling with the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis now.
I want to encourage others to seek medical advice from a gynaecologist (one who takes you seriously and who is well-versed in menstrual-related conditions so can present all the options) at the first signs of trouble, rather than waiting for the condition to worsen.
Unfortunately, there is still a widespread lack of understanding about endometriosis in the workplace and its impact on physical health and well-being. It is a chronic condition that requires months of treatment and is said to affect at least 1 in 10 people with periods. Yet taboos around this topic mean awareness is low, and effective support is rare.
I envision modern workplaces that prioritize inclusivity by acknowledging conditions like endometriosis and life experiences like menstruation as part of their commitment to creating supportive environments.
Only by doing so can we ensure that everyone receives the care and understanding they need to thrive both personally and professionally. This approach is essential to moving towards a stigma-free, gender-equal world.
Want to learn more about LUÜNA AT WORK, our award-winning program for organisations wanting to close the gender health gap? Connect here to book a call or follow us on LinkedIn.
About this Series:
NineYears4Her is a community-driven storytelling initiative inspired by a McKinsey study that uncovered a startling reality: women spend an average of nine years of their lives in poor health. By amplifying voices from across Asia, we aim to raise awareness, advocate for change, and take decisive action to address the gender health gap and its profound impact on women, marginalised people and their communities across the region.