Ushna Shah asks men to be normal about women’s “time of the month”

KARACHI: Actor Ushna Shah recently uploaded a picture of herself with a hot water bottle pressed against her belly, on Instagram. For most women, that is something they have been doing for a while – to relax the muscles of their stomach when they go through their period. The ritual is often followed by most women, every month. Shah not only posted a picture of herself going through “that time of the month”, but also tried to educate her followers on the biological phenomenon.

She wrote, “Dear men! Normalize being normal about women’s Time of The Month, please. You cannot begin to imagine how difficult this time is for us. The difficulty varies from woman to woman but for many of us, it is a week (or more) of pure hell.”

Shah went on to list down some symptoms of PMS or even PMDD including mood swings, depression, indigestion, nausea, hunger, acne, and insomnia.

“And then the day comes when it begins. It is uncomfortable, messy, PAINFUL (the cramps, oh God the cramps), the swelling (note my hands), bloating, water retention, many of the previous symptoms. The truth is, all women go through this and it is nothing to be ashamed of. If we take away the embarrassment and the shame and stop being awkward about it, you can help us deal with it and make our days easier,” she added.

She also added how the set where she is shooting for an upcoming project with Big Bang Entertainment, is comprised of entire men. “This picture is from right now. I walked on to a set filled with men, by a production house run entirely by men. Not a single woman on set aside from me.”

However, all those men have been extremely considerate towards her wellbeing, according to the actor. They have also ensured she remains healthy throughout the shooting period, for which she is grateful. “Thankfully, I could open up to my team and these men went out of their way to make sure I’d be as comfortable as possible. From a hot water bottle (and continuous refills) to soup to rest between takes, I am in good hands today (thank you Big Bang). Please make it so that the women in your home and workplace are also in good hands!”

She also added an important piece of advice in the end. “P.S: Chocolate helps! Even some kind words make a huge difference. Ask how we are, give us a day off if you have the authority, stock the loo with tissues and trash baskets (please), if we are having an emotional moment. Be understanding (but don’t blame PMS if we react to something bad you did, lol).”

Here is to hoping that men consider Ushna Shah’s advice and make periods a little easier for women!