22 Jun, 2025

They’re on their period! Support a menstruating person

Almost half of the world goes through periods every month. Yep, those few days that can flip a good mood upside down, make the comfiest jeans feel like sandpaper, and turn “I’m fine” into “Please don’t ask again.”

Periods are a part of life. But they can be annoying, tiring, and sometimes painful. What really helps is not magic or medicine. It’s people being kind, helpful, and not weird about it. That’s all.

No one needs to tiptoe around someone on their period. Just be decent. If they’re in pain, offer help. If they’re moody during menses, don’t tease. And for the love of basic manners, stop making it awkward to buy pads or talk about them.

Supporting women during periods is not about doing big things. It’s about doing small, thoughtful things that show you care. That’s what really counts.

Why Supporting Women During Periods Is Essential?

Periods don’t knock on the door before showing up. They just arrive and take over. One minute, everything is fine. Next, someone’s stomach is doing somersaults and their energy level has dropped faster than a phone battery by 1 percent.

Emotional Aspect

Mood swings, frustration, stress or even feeling low can happen without warning. It’s not being dramatic. It’s hormones doing their thing. A little patience and kindness go a long way here. Seriously, a warm blanket and a kind word can save the day.

Physical Aspect

Cramps can feel like someone’s twisting your insides. Some people also deal with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, which make periods a lot worse. Think of it like running a race with sore legs. Wouldn’t you offer a little support to someone in that state?

Social Side

In many places, people still act like periods are a secret mission. Some girls miss school because they don’t have pads. Others feel embarrassed just for being on their period. That’s just sad and wrong. No one should be made to feel weird for something so normal.

Ways to Support a Menstruating Person

When someone is on their period, your small actions can make a big difference. You don’t need to do anything over the top. Just be thoughtful in the right moments.

At Home

This is where most people want to feel safe and relaxed. If someone in the house is on their period, please don’t joke about it or call them moody. Validate their experience. They are not being lazy or dramatic. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes they are just low on energy. If they’re tired, maybe you can help out with a few chores. If they’re in pain, ask if they need something. Also, always keep pads or tampons around without making it feel awkward. No one should have to whisper about needing one.

At School or College

Teachers and classmates can make things better just by being aware. If someone is uncomfortable, don’t tease or ignore them. A little empathy goes a long way. Schools should also have clean washrooms and pads available easily. If there’s a need for period leave, support it. No one wants to sit through a long class while their stomach is hurting.

At Workplace

Managing periods and work life during periods is a real task. Hence, in the workplace, the support should continue. Everyone’s grown up here, right? So let’s act like it. Talk about period discomfort openly without making it weird. Some companies, like Zomato in India, now offer period leave. That’s a smart and kind move. If someone needs a break or wants to work from home on those days, give them the space to do it.

Public Spaces

Don’t stare if someone is buying pads. Don’t joke about stains or cramps. Just be a decent person. Period products should be available in public restrooms without people having to ask around.

What Not to Say or Do During Periods?

Let’s get straight to the point. Some things just should not be said when someone is on their period. Here’s something you should never say.

“Are you on your period?” as a way to dismiss emotions.

If someone is upset or quiet, saying “Are you on your period?” is not helpful. It sounds like you are brushing off their feelings. No one likes being told their emotions are not real.

Making Fun of Period Cravings or Mood Swings

If someone wants chocolate or chips, let them enjoy it. Laughing at someone because they stained their clothes or are having a rough day doesn’t make you look cool. It makes you look unkind. And calling someone dramatic when they are in pain just adds salt to the wound.

Encourage Healthy Conversations

You can normalize talking about periods. Anyone can talk about it. It should not be only for girls. Even boys can learn and be supportive. Kids should grow up knowing periods are not something to hide. The more we talk, the less awkward it becomes.

Small Acts

Don’t underestimate the power of small acts. Ask how you can help. Offer a snack or a hot water bag without making it a big deal. You don’t have to fix everything. Sometimes just being kind and listening is more than enough. As they say, a kind word is worth its weight in gold.

Final Takeaway

Talking about periods should not feel like whispering a secret. It should be as normal as talking about lunch or the weather. The more we speak up, the faster we can break the taboo that still surrounds periods in many homes and communities.

If you want to help, there’s so much you can do. You can support NGOs and campaigns that are working hard to end period poverty. Many girls still miss school because they don’t have access to pads. That’s something no one should have to go through. Even a small donation or spreading the word can make a big difference.

You can also push for menstrual hygiene education in schools. Every child deserves to learn about their body in a way that’s clear and respectful. Boys should learn too. When everyone understands, there’s less shame and more support.

The easiest place to start is at home. Talk about periods with your friends, cousins, parents or kids. At the end of the day, it’s not about doing big things. It’s about doing the right things. And once we do that, we’ll all be one step closer to a world where periods are treated like what they are: just normal.