How heavy periods trap young women in a cycle of suffering

What started as routine menstrual cramps for two young women has evolved into a relentless struggle with a condition that has shaped their lives since their first cycles. Each month, they endure prolonged, heavy bleeding and unyielding pain - a cycle of suffering that has robbed them of countless days and joyful moments. Their experiences go beyond physical discomfort, touching every aspect of their lives, from school, work to relationships, as they manage the exhausting demands of an invisible burden.

Meet a 21-year-old Josephine Echesa, a third-year communication student at Rongo University, whose struggles began with her very first period. For her, the promise of womanhood was overshadowed by a relentless condition that refuses to release its grip.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Josephine begins, recalling when she was in Form 2 and had her first period. Back then, I had very little knowledge about menstruation.   I had only heard bits form older friends but didn’t pay much attention, until my close friends. They all reassured me it was normal, so I tried not to worry,” Josephine starts off.

“The first month of my menstrual cycle eventually ended, and I hoped the next one would be easier,” she continues. But the following month came quickly, and it was the complete opposite of what I’d expected. The pain was excruciating, like being stabbed, and the bleeding was thick and heavy. Worse, instead of lasting the usual four days, it stretched beyond a week. I was stressed all over again.”

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The experience was a shock for Josephine, who soon felt that something was not right. She turned to friends, the school medic, and even her mother for reassurance, but the response was always the same: ‘It’s normal.”

As her second menstrual cycle ended, Josephine, now a third-year Communications student at Rongo University, continued with her studies, hoping that one day the heavy, painful periods would ease.

“The third month arrived quickly and instead of seeing any improvement nothing changed,” says the 21-year-old Josephine.  That’s is when I decided to consult a gynecologist, who diagnosed me with menorrhagia, a condition where menstrual bleeding lasts more than five days.”

“I didn’t understand much about it at first,” she admits. But after after more discussions with the medic, I finally grasped the situation, although it was upsetting. Some of my friends have no trouble during their period, but for me, it’s like going through hell.  It made me realise how uniquely we are made by Almighty God.’

According to Dr Sauda Farooqui, an Obstetrician Gynaecologist at The Nairobi West Hospital, menorrhagia defined as excessive bleeding during normal menstruation. Day-to-day bleeding may be heavier and may continue for longer days than normal.

Josephine is not the only woman walking this painful path. Another young woman, 21-year-old Lydia Mokaya from Kibabii University shares a similar experience.Each painful week leaves her questioning her identity as a woman.

 “I regret being born a girl because of what I endure through every single month without any relief. What really bothers me is that all my closest friends are fine, but for me, things just don’t add up. Why was I born this way? This question keeps coming back, and I never have a satisfactory answer, “ Lydia says painfully.

“It was in Form Three when I first got my period, and I was so happy to reach this new stage,” she recalls. At first, there was no pain, just a lot of blood that forced me to change my sanitary towel frequently. I asked my mother why it was happening, and she told me it was normal and would pass soon. That reassured me and I felt confident everything would be fine,” Lydia says.

“The next month, though, my period didn’t come. And it didn’t come the following month either - three months passed without anything.  When I asked my friends and my mother, they said it was normal for beginners, so I tried to stay hopeful.”

“But when my period finally returned, it was intense, with heavy bleeding that lasted nearly a week. It was overwhelming, and I honestly regret being a woman whenever I think about going through this every month,” Lydia confesses. This has been my life since puberty, but I hold on to the hope that one day I’ll live a normal life like any other girl,” Lydia declares.

Lydia has visited several health facilities, seeking solutions for her heavy, painful, and prolonged periods.Most medics reassured her it was normal and that she should be fine. But, one specialist advised her to seek further consultations to pinpoint the underlying cause.

According to Dr Sauda, there are numerous potential causes of menorrhagia that need investigation.

"Pregnancy, fibroids, hormonal imbalances, thyroid conditions, polyps, environmental changes and even family planning methods are just some factors issues that can predispose someone to this condition,” she explains.

Dr Sauda highlights the signs and symptoms associated with menorrhagia, which can include dizziness, headaches, palpitations, general weakness, and reduced productivity. “It may also present with increased bruising, pelvic pain, acne, and purpura. If left unchecked, chronic menorrhagia can lead to anemia,” she adds. “This condition can severely impact daily life, often causing women or girls to miss school or work.”

Menorrhagia is treatable depending on its cause, stresses Dr Sauda, emphasizing the importance of a thorough history and physical exam. “Lab tests and ultrasounds are also crucial. When blood loss is significant, anemia is a risk, especially if the condition is chronic. Menorrhagia is one of the most common gynecological conditions worldwide,” she notes.