Why more young women should refuse to normalize period pain

 

“Tiis ganda” has long been worn like a badge of honor—an everyday test of endurance where women are expected to look composed, stay productive, and push through discomfort as if it’s part of the job description. From long days at school or work to back-to-back responsibilities, it’s a quiet culture of kaya pa, even when the body is clearly asking for a pause.

But nowhere does this expectation feel more real than during menstruation. Period pain becomes another layer of “tiis”—the kind that can turn reviewing for an exam, finishing a presentation, or even simply getting out of bed into a full-on challenge.

Yet despite how common it is, menstrual pain is still often brushed off as something to simply endure. Somewhere along the way, women were made to believe that suffering in silence is just part of being capable and productive. But when did pain become part of the honor roll checklist?

The “Tiis Ganda” Culture Around Period Pain

“Tiis ganda” has long been woven into everyday womanhood—not just as a cultural phrase, but as an unspoken standard of strength and self-control. It often gets framed as resilience, yet it can also mean normalizing discomfort that goes unseen, unspoken, and unquestioned.

One of the most common—but least openly discussed—forms of this is period pain, or dysmenorrhea, the medical term for painful menstrual cramps that can seriously disrupt everyday life. For many, it could mean throbbing cramps, lower back pain, nausea, headaches, and energy levels so low that even getting through a one-hour lecture feels like a major achievement.

Still, many young women simply power through. Why? The study by the National Library of Medicine found that period pain has been normalized for so long that it barely gets questioned. Add to that the fear of being labeled “dramatic,” the pressure to stay productive, and the long-standing idea that pain is just part of womanhood—and silence becomes the default response.

The result? A culture of tiis ganda around period pain, where resilience sometimes looks like suffering in silence. But while pushing through may seem admirable, painful periods can quietly take a toll: losing focus during exams, zoning out in class, skipping org activities, feeling drained before the day even starts, or missing out on enriching experiences that are part of student life.

Managing period pain more effectively

The truth is, period pain is common—but it shouldn’t be normalized to the point of neglect.

Health experts emphasize that menstrual discomfort that disrupts daily life deserves attention, not dismissal. It is not something students or women in general should be expected to “just live with” as part of being productive or resilient. For many young women, managing menstrual cramps often means continuing through discomfort that may warrant greater attention and care.

There is growing recognition that enduring pain should not be treated as an expected part of being productive or resilient. Menstrual discomfort, particularly when it interferes with daily activities, should be managed proactively. Measures such as adequate rest, hydration, heat therapy, and light physical activity may help alleviate symptoms. More importantly, seeking appropriate relief and support should be considered a routine part of self-care, not an afterthought.

For women students navigating busy school months, Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol

(Buscopan Venus) helps treat dysmenorrhea at the source, works in as fast as 15 minutes for relief that can last throughout the day, and helps reduce the intensity of future period pain. It can be taken as 1–2 tablets, up to 3 times daily, or as prescribed by a physician.

Ultimately, managing student life should not mean ignoring physical discomfort. Menstrual pain is not a requirement for discipline, achievement, or strength. While resilience remains valuable, it should never come at the cost of unnecessary suffering.

The conversation is evolving—from silent endurance to active care. And in that shift, a clearer message emerges: women and students can pursue their goals fully, without having to “tiis” pain as part of the process. 

If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. 

The Pain Map: Navigating Upper vs. Lower Belly Trouble

 

Masakit ang tiyan? Sure ka bang tama ang gamot mo diyan?

Filipinos tend to treat “masakit ang tiyan” as one simple problem with one go-to solution. But is it really that simple? A stomachache can mean many things: kabag, pangangasim ng sikmura, constipation, or even cramps. Same stomach, different causes, so when it comes to getting over that belly pain, it’s never a one-size-fits-all answer.

Instead of guessing, it helps to understand what your body is actually telling you. Think of your

belly as a map. Each zone corresponds to different organs, so where it hurts can reveal just as

much as how it feels. Read both right, and you’re not just guessing— you’ll actually get to the

bottom of it.

The Upper Belly Pain: Is it Indigestion—or Something Worse?

Upper belly acting up? That familiar flaring up or hapdi, uncomfortable bloating, or a sharp, gnawing pain? That’s not just a random stomachache; that’s usually hyperacidity or pangangasim ng sikmura. These are often felt above the navel, up to the chest area, and tend

to show up after meals— especially after that extra spicy, oily, or that “promise, last na ‘to” moment.

This kind of discomfort is your digestive system reacting in real time. The usual suspects are indigestion, acid reflux, and kabag. Same upper belly zone, but different triggers. Manageable at first, but if the pain sticks around, worsens, or comes with red flags like vomiting, fever, or unexplained weight loss, that’s your cue to stop guessing and get it checked.

The Lower Belly Trouble: Just a Passing Cramp—or Something More Serious?
Creative Visualization

If the pain hits around or below the navel, it may be linked to Functional Abdominal Cramping Pain (FACP). Think hilab, ipit, tusok—the kind of pain na namimilipit sa sakit, and it often comes and goes.

FACP can appear on its own or with symptoms like pagtatae (diarrhea), constipation, or bloating. One minute you’re fine, the next you feel butterflies in your stomach—and not the kilig kind. It’s not always triggered by food either. Stress, pressure, and kaba can also directly affect your gut.

At its core, this type of pain is tied to how your digestive system functions—factors like gut sensitivity, intestinal muscle movement, or even an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria can all play a role. But if the pain becomes severe, one-sided, or comes with fever, nausea, or difficulty urinating, don’t brush it off. That’s your sign to get it checked.

What Can You Do For Upper and Lower Belly Pains

This is where it gets practical. If it’s upper belly pain caused by acid, antacids can help calm the burn. If it’s lower belly cramps, that’s where antispasmodics like Hyoscine N- Butylbromide (Buscopan) come in to ease the tension.

Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) is a naturally derived antispasmodic suitable for adults and children over 6 years old. It treats pain at the source, works in as fast as 15 minutes, and provides all-day relief—while helping reduce the intensity and frequency of lower belly pain episodes.

For milder cases, Hyoscine N-Butylbromide (Buscopan) is recommended for light to moderate abdominal cramps, while Hyoscine N-Butylbromide Paracetamol (Buscopan Plus) is designed for more severe cramping. The usual dose is 1–2 tablets, 3x a day for not more than 3 days, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Busco-Mono-ConPack

Busco-plus-ConPack

Your body’s not being dramatic—it’s being specific. Masakit ang tiyan isn’t just one thing, and where the pain hits is a clue, not a coincidence. Go back to the map: upper or lower, hapdi or hilab—each one points to a different cause, and a different solution.

Read it right, and you can stop guessing and choose the right care—whether it’s for pangangasim ng sikmura, kabag, constipation, or cramping pain like FACP (where antispasmodics like Buscopan can help).

Because at the end of the day, hindi lahat ng sakit ng tiyan pare-pareho—and your treatment shouldn’t be either. And when in doubt, it’s always best to consult your doctor.

IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR