Girls, let’s get real for a second. Periods are normal. However, for the tweens out there, just the mere thought of it could send them crawling back into their shell of shy awkwardness. But how come something so natural seem so embarrassing?

But how come something so natural seem so embarrassing? Well, it is said that “Fears are stories we tell ourselves.” So here are some so-called “horror stories” and their corresponding hacks to put those minds at ease.

HORROR STORY #1: Nakita mo si crush. Nakakaconscious ‘di ba, pero nagpa-cute ka. Then you heard some giggling as you passed by a group of other girls. Too late to realize, may tagos ka pala! You just had to run fast to the comfort room and remove the stain on your skirt immediately.

WHAT TO DO: You can easily wash off the stain with water accompanied by regular hand soap. It is also practical to have sanitary pads in your bag. If you really want to be on the safe side, puwede ka rin magbaon ng extra underwear at skirt.

HORROR STORY #2: Your period is due in a few more days. Pag-gising mo isang umaga, may nadiskubre ka pagharap mo ng salamin…You are breaking out. A few pimples start to appear on your face!

WHAT TO DO: The hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle causes acne. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and sleeping for 8-10 hours a day. You can also stay fresh and clean by using a mild facial cleanser. 

HORROR STORY #3: It’s cheering competition day and suddenly you felt this pain in your lower belly area and/or lower back. You thought it might just be stomachache.

WHAT TO DO: It’s not because of what you ate, so that leaves us to one more conclusion --- period cramps! The muscle in your womb is contracting in order to expel the uterus lining (unfertilized egg cell). Best thing to do? Gentle exercises, like even a simple walk, could help the muscles in your womb to relax by promoting oxygen flow throughout your body. Stretching also has the similar effect. You may also take some pain reliever such as Ibuprofen, provided that the school doctor approves of it.

Girls, or tweens, must understand that the anxiety towards dealing with monthly period is normal. Even women of age still find themselves anxious of their surroundings when they have it. They tend to go to the ladies’ room more often, or ask their friends every once in a while if “may tagos ba sila”. Although it may take a while to reach a certain level of comfort about it, like all things in life, try to find the strength and courage to face the challenges head on.