For generations, many Filipino women have grown up hearing the phrase "tiis ganda." Whether it's wearing uncomfortable shoes, enduring beauty treatments, or simply pushing through exhaustion, the message has often been the same: discomfort is just part of being a woman.
Unfortunately, that mindset has also shaped how many view period pain. Instead of recognizing menstrual cramps as a legitimate health concern, many young women feel pressured to carry on with school, work, or daily responsibilities without asking for relief. But as conversations around women's health become more open, many are beginning to question whether enduring pain should really be considered a badge of resilience.
Why Period Pain Shouldn't Be Dismissed
Menstrual cramps, medically known as dysmenorrhea, affect millions of women every month. While some experience mild discomfort, others deal with symptoms that can make even routine tasks feel overwhelming.
Common symptoms may include:
- Intense abdominal cramps
- Lower back pain
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
For students, these symptoms can interfere with reviewing for exams, participating in class discussions, attending extracurricular activities, or simply staying focused throughout the day.
Despite how common these experiences are, many young women continue to suffer in silence.
The Hidden Pressure Behind "Tiis Ganda"
The idea of "tiis ganda" often celebrates toughness and perseverance. While resilience is an admirable quality, it can also create unrealistic expectations that women should quietly tolerate pain without complaint.
Research published by the National Library of Medicine suggests that menstrual pain has become so normalized that many women don't question whether they should seek relief. Social expectations also play a role. Some worry about being seen as overly sensitive or dramatic, while others feel guilty about slowing down because of their period.
Over time, this mindset can make physical discomfort feel like something to simply accept instead of manage.
The result is a culture where many continue attending classes, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling responsibilities while silently coping with pain that affects both their physical comfort and overall well-being.
Prioritizing Self-Care During Your Period
Experiencing menstrual cramps is common, but allowing them to regularly disrupt daily life shouldn't be considered inevitable.
Health experts continue to emphasize that menstrual discomfort deserves proper attention, especially when it interferes with school, work, or everyday activities. Taking care of your menstrual health isn't a sign of weakness. It's an important part of looking after your overall well-being.
Simple practices that may help ease period discomfort include:
- Staying well hydrated
- Applying a warm compress or heating pad
- Getting adequate rest
- Engaging in gentle stretching or light exercise
- Using appropriate pain relief when needed
Learning to listen to your body can make a meaningful difference, particularly during busy school months or demanding work schedules.
Finding Relief That Helps You Stay Active
For women who need additional relief from menstrual cramps, medications may also be part of an effective management plan.
Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan Venus) is indicated for the treatment of dysmenorrhea by helping address menstrual cramps at their source. It works in as fast as 15 minutes, provides relief that may last throughout the day, and may help reduce the intensity of future period pain when used as directed.
The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablets, up to three times daily, or as prescribed by a physician.
As with any medication, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms become severe, persistent, or significantly affect daily life.
Redefining Strength Beyond Silent Endurance
Perhaps the biggest shift happening today is not just about managing cramps. It's about changing the conversation.
Strength doesn't have to mean ignoring discomfort. Productivity shouldn't require pushing through unnecessary pain. And resilience shouldn't come at the expense of personal health.
As more women openly discuss menstrual health, the outdated belief that period pain is simply something to "tiis" continues to lose its hold.
Choosing to seek relief, prioritize self-care, and recognize your body's needs isn't giving up. It's making room for healthier habits that support both your well-being and your goals.
The era of "tiis ganda" around period pain doesn't have to define the next generation. Women can pursue their studies, careers, and passions while also giving themselves permission to care for their health because looking after yourself is never a sign of weakness.