… “Health Workers, Others Dismissed My Pain as Normal”
In the heart of Nigeria, a silent epidemic is unfolding. That is commonly called menstrual pain. And this gets countless women in severe pain, stripped of their fertility, and dismissed by a healthcare system that should protect them. It is a crisis rarely spoken about in public, for fear of being stigmatized.
But for women like Bukola, Ruth, and Musuurshima, menstrual disorders have shaped their lives in much devastating ways. Gom Mirian, in this report shares true life experiences of some women who spoke with her.
When Bukola (not real name), a 27-year-old trader, first experienced excruciating menstrual cramps at 16, her mother told her it was a sign of fertility. “The worse the pain, the more children you will have,” her mother reassured her. But years later, after multiple hospital visits and failed attempts to conceive, Bukola was diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis, a condition that had silently damaged her reproductive system beyond repair.
“I visited primary healthcare facilities, but I was always given painkillers,” she recalls. “For years, they told me it was just cramps. Now, they tell me it’s too late.”
Bukola’s story is not unique. Across Nigeria, thousands of women endure debilitating menstrual pain, dismissed as mere discomfort or a sign of fertility. But behind these painful cycles lies a growing health crisis—undiagnosed and untreated menstrual disorders like endometriosis and adenomyosis are robbing women of their fertility, their well-being, and, in some cases, their lives.
The Unseen Battle: Ruth’s Story
For 17-year-old Ruth, menstrual pain is more than just a monthly inconvenience—it is a relentless force that disrupts her education and dreams.
“Every month, I miss school,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “My teachers think I’m making excuses, but they don’t understand the pain I feel. It’s like a knife stabbing me over and over again.”
Ruth’s ordeal began long before she fainted during a school assembly—an incident that finally forced people to take her pain seriously. Until then, she had endured the agony in silence, her suffering dismissed as an inevitable part of womanhood.
Her story is a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and education. For many young girls, the silence around menstrual health is just as damaging as the pain itself.
A Hidden Crisis: The Prevalence of Menstrual Disorders
Dysmenorrhea, or severe menstrual pain, is one of the most common yet overlooked medical conditions affecting women. Studies show that up to 90% of female adolescents experience menstrual disorders, with 70% suffering from dysmenorrhea. Alarmingly, only 28% seek medical help.
A recent study in Nigeria found that 69.8% of women experience severe menstrual pain, 37.8% report that their pain affects their ability to work, 29.2% struggle with disrupted sleep and 33.8% withdraw socially during menstruation.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide—about 190 million women—suffer from endometriosis. In Nigeria, 48.1% of asymptomatic women undergoing pelvic examinations have been found to have endometriosis.
Yet, despite these alarming figures, menstrual disorders remain a neglected health issue, often misdiagnosed or ignored entirely.
Musuurshima’s Battle: ‘They Told Me to Take Panadol’
Musuurshima, a 40-year-old office assistant, never experienced menstrual pain until her 30s. “At first, I thought it was normal,” she recalls. “But soon, I could barely lift myself from bed.”
Despite her worsening symptoms, she faced scepticism from colleagues and doctors alike. “They told me to take Panadol,” she says, frustration evident in her voice. “It barely helped. But because I could still walk, they assumed I was fine.”
It wasn’t until she collapsed at work that doctors took her symptoms seriously. She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, a condition that had been developing for years. “I thank God I’m okay now,” she says, “but the pain I endured for years could have been treated earlier.”
Musuurshima’s story is not just about physical pain—it is about the systemic dismissal of women’s suffering.
The Cost of Ignoring Menstrual Disorders
Beyond the personal suffering, untreated menstrual disorders come at a high societal and economic cost.
Grace, a 35-year-old mother, regrets ignoring her pain for years. “I didn’t know my painful periods could cost me my fertility,” she says, wiping away tears. “I wish someone had told me earlier that my pain wasn’t normal.”
The economic consequences of untreated menstrual disorders are staggering.
Dr (Mrs) Arafat Ifemeje, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and head of the department of obstetrician and gynaecology at NAF Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.
“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” says Dr. (Mrs.) Arafat Ifemeje, a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist and head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at NAF Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. “When women are unable to work or attend school due to menstrual pain, the entire economy suffers.”
Dysmenorrhea is one of the leading causes of absenteeism in schools and workplaces. When women are sidelined by pain, industries lose productivity, households suffer, and entire communities bear the cost.
The Medical Perspective: Understanding Dysmenorrhea
Dr. Henry Osazuwa, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains the medical realities behind menstrual pain.
Dr. Henry Osazuwa, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, explains the medical realities behind menstrual pain.
“Dysmenorrhea can be primary or secondary,” he says. “Primary dysmenorrhea is often caused by excessive prostaglandin production, which could cause mild or moderate pains or cramping. Secondary dysmenorrhea is linked to underlying conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis.”
He stresses the importance of seeking medical attention for severe menstrual pain. “Many women suffer in silence, thinking their pain is normal,” he warns. “But untreated conditions can lead to infertility and other serious health issues.”
Dr. Ifemeje echoes this sentiment. “Home remedies may provide temporary relief, but they often delay necessary medical intervention. Women need to be educated about their bodies and the importance of seeking help.”
A Healthcare System Failing Women
Despite the overwhelming evidence of menstrual disorders’ impact, Nigeria’s healthcare policies largely ignore this crisis.
“There are no specific policies addressing menstrual health,” Dr. Osazuwa notes. “While menstrual disorders are included in maternal health policies, the focus is primarily on mortality rather than long-term reproductive health.”
Without targeted policies, countless women will continue to suffer, their pain dismissed until it is too late.
Breaking the Silence: A Call to Action
Bukola’s voice trembles as she speaks. “Hospitals and people dismissed my pain as ‘normal.’ But now I may never have kids.”
Her story is a warning to thousands of women enduring unbearable pain, unaware that their fertility is at risk. Until Nigeria takes menstrual health seriously, more women will suffer in silence—losing not just their ability to conceive, but their right to a pain-free life.
Dr. Ifemeje believes social media can be a powerful tool for change. “We need to empower young girls with knowledge about their bodies,” she says. “Social media can spread accurate information, but we must ensure that it is used responsibly.”
A Future of Hope: Changing the Narrative
As the conversation around menstrual health begins to shift, there is hope for a future where women like Ruth, Musuurshima, and Grace no longer suffer in silence.
“I want to raise awareness about menstrual health,” Ruth says, determined in her voice. “No girl should have to feel ashamed or alone because of her period.”
The journey toward better menstrual health in Nigeria is just beginning. But with increased awareness, education, and advocacy, real change is possible.
Dr. Ifemeje puts it simply: “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”
By prioritizing women’s health, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its population—and pave the way for a brighter future. The Time for Change is Now.
The stories of Bukola, Ruth, and Musuurshima are just a glimpse into the lives of millions of Nigerian women suffering from untreated menstrual disorders. It is time to break the silence.
By fostering open conversations, improving access to healthcare, and implementing targeted policies, we can ensure that no woman suffers in silence. The time for change is now.
