I have been lucky that I never had any restriction during my menstruation. My bookshelf is full of books on menstruation. This article discusses how I moved from ignorance to facts – I started intake of periods delaying medicine, possibly during my teens. It was a fascination for me that medicine can induce hormonal changes. I became comfortable consuming it and never experienced any visible side-effects. To a young girl, the internal changes were unknown. As I grew, I continued its intake. Strangely, the reasons for the intake have never been private time with the partner, rather traditional mindset. I was growing with the thought process that it is perfectly safe to delay the natural menstrual cycle. After my mother passed away in 2015, to be a part of monthly meals to be served in her name, I continued the intake of the medicine.
In 2016, or maybe little prior, I started questioning the menstrual taboos in the Indian families.2016 was a year of menstrual writings for me- 1 poem and 2 research papers. At the same time, while I was working on my research papers, my best friend ( a male) discussed with me the potential risks associated with Norlut-N. That was my enlightenment. January 2016 was perhaps the last time I had it.
In 2018, I continue trying to realize the people around me that periods are not harmful. It has been more than 2 years without delaying my periods. I love my periods and I welcome them as a sign of health, not shame. This piece is an acceptance that I had done every possible activity during periods, generally prohibited or considered stigma. Periods for me are a blessing! Awaiting as always my next menstrual cycle.