“Completely Normal”: The Myth of Severe PMS and Period Pain

 

Oh, the joy of being a woman: glowing skin, endless energy, and the delightful monthly surprise known as the period. But let’s not forget the even more magical experience that comes right before it – PMS and the thrilling ride of period pain. Every month, without fail, we’re told that severe cramps, mood swings, and the urge to binge-watch every rom-com ever made are “completely normal.” And yes, I’m sure it’s “normal” to feel like your uterus has transformed into a rebellious rock star staging an impromptu mosh pit in your lower abdomen.

We’ve all heard it, right? That well-meaning but slightly patronizing phrase: “Oh, it’s completely normal, every woman experiences this!” They say it like we should be comforted by the fact that millions of other women are also struggling to make it through the day without crying over a slice of pizza (extra cheese, naturally). But, completely normal? Really?

Let’s take a moment to break this down. Is it normal to feel like your insides are attempting to perform a full-on Cirque du Soleil routine—complete with acrobatic cramps and fiery mood swings? Is it normal for your body to suddenly decide that the middle of your meeting is the perfect time to send you into a spiral of snack-related confusion? One minute, you’re eyeing a fresh salad like it’s a sacred artifact, and five minutes later, you’re devouring an entire pizza while wondering why you feel an inexplicable need to rewatch The Notebook... for the third time this week. It’s normal, right?

Here’s the thing: just because it’s common doesn’t mean it should be the accepted standard of how women should spend their days. I mean, I get it—PMS is universal, but why do we all act like this is some rite of passage? If anything, it should come with a certificate of survival. “Congratulations, you’ve survived another month of cramps, cravings, and the emotional rollercoaster that could rival an actual theme park ride.”

And then there’s the sheer unpredictability of it all. One moment you’re making plans for your day, and the next, bam, Aunt Flo crashes the party early. No warning, no RSVP. Just… here. And with her comes a whole array of wonderful surprises: bloating, nausea, back pain, mood swings—oh, and don’t forget the lovely little gift of exhaustion. It’s like your body throws a house party and forgets to tell you that the theme is "Surviving Chaos".

Now, I’m not saying we should be coddled, but maybe—just maybe—we deserve a little more empathy when we’re doubled over in pain or silently weeping in the cereal aisle because we can’t decide between Lucky Charms and Cocoa Puffs. Is that really so much to ask?

So, next time someone pats you on the back and says, “It’s completely normal,” feel free to give them your best eye roll, and reply with something like, “Oh, absolutely. Just like it’s completely normal for me to want to kill everyone around me, but in a super friendly way, right?”

And while we’re at it, let’s stop pretending that “normal” means manageable. We all know that period pain isn’t just a little discomfort—it's an ancient ritual of pain and suffering that could rival the worst hangovers of all time. Maybe, just maybe, it’s time for society to stop romanticizing the “normal” and start considering how to make it a bit less awful. More sympathy, more support, maybe even more chocolate. The world would be a better place if we treated PMS and period pain like the real-life supervillains they are.

Until that day comes, just remember: you’re not alone. Every month, we’re in this together, battling cramps, mood swings, and cravings like the champions we are. So, raise your mug of tea (or glass of wine, no judgment here), and toast to surviving another month of "completely normal" chaos.