How to Help Someone with Their Period

Offer supplies if they have run out or lacks any. If you have a spare pad or tampon, give them that if they suddenly get their period and finds they have no supplies, or they have a heavy period and run out of sanitary-ware.

• If you don't have any supplies, consider offering to go out and get some, such as by going to the nurse's station if at school or college, or popping to the store if at home or work.

Offer reassuring words if they feel down or fed up. Help them to feel better by commenting on positive things and even complimenting their work, outfit or something else appropriate at the time. This will take their mind off feeling less down in the dumps. Most of all, be understanding.

• Don't make jokes about "that time of the month", "rags" or "PMT", etc. Joking about such things is just way off and won't help them to feel reassured.
• Do commiserate if you actually know how it feels to have a period. If you don't, then don't make it up as you just don't know what it's like; be sympathetic but not invasive.
• If you happen to have light periods and they have heavy ones, don't gloat about your "luck". This really doesn't help!

Help then out if they feel unwell. You might offer to accompany them to the sick room or to see a doctor, or to give them a back rub. Be careful about offering medications; in some cases it isn't legal to do so, not even a painkiller and in other cases, it's just better that they make that decision for themselves.

• Ask them if they have had some water recently. If not, fetch them some quickly. Staying hydrated may help to ease their queasiness and some cramps.
• Offer to buy them some groceries or a ready-made meal. Or, make them a meal.
• Run errands for them for the day they feel bad. They'll be happy to do the same for you when you need it.
• Bring them a hot water bottle for those dreadful cramps. Or, if appropriate, offer to massage their lower back.

Be kind enough to discretely and kindly point out any stains. The curse of the period is that at least once in a female's lifetime, the period is going to create a stain. If you see a stain, gently take them aside and let them know what you've seen and offer to help. If you have a cleaning cloth, a spare pair of jeans or skirt, etc., you can offer those as well. After they're tidied up, you can give them the "all clear" if they ask you, otherwise just let it be.

• If you have any portable stain remover in your bag or desk drawer, give it to them to use.
• Don't make fun of stains and don't broadcast the fact that you've seen stains. It's impolite to make a big deal out of it and pointless too. Everyone has messy problems now and then.

Be understanding if they seem different emotionally. The hormones and sometimes pain can take a toll on the emotions and energy levels during a period. This can cause some people to feel blue or irritable or sad or even extremely anxious. Most of the time it is short-lived and blows over with a good rest, nutritious food and some tender loving care. Everyone has down days, so roll with it and be a nice and helpful person. Avoid criticizing them for how they are, as this will only make things worse for them.