For so long, “tiis ganda” has been treated like a mark of strength. It is the unspoken rule that women must stay poised, keep working, and push through discomfort as if it comes with the territory. Whether juggling school deadlines, work shifts, or endless daily tasks, the quiet expectation is always kaya pa—even when the body is begging to stop.
Nowhere does this weigh heavier than during menstruation. Period pain turns reviewing for exams, finishing presentations, or simply getting out of bed into a struggle. Yet even when it stops us in our tracks, we are often told to just bear it. Somehow we learned to believe that enduring pain in silence is what makes us capable. But when did suffering become a measure of how well we keep up?
The “Tiis Ganda” Mindset Around Period Pain
“Tiis ganda” is more than a saying. It has become a standard for what it means to be a strong woman. It is often praised as resilience, but it can also mean accepting unnecessary pain as normal.
One of the most common and least discussed examples is dysmenorrhea or period pain. For many, it brings throbbing cramps, backache, nausea, headaches, and exhaustion so deep that sitting through a single class feels like a victory.
Yet so many young women choose to keep going. A study from the National Library of Medicine notes that period pain has been normalized for generations, so few ever question it. We stay quiet because we fear being called dramatic, we do not want to fall behind, or we have simply accepted that pain is just part of being a woman.
This silence comes at a cost. It makes us lose focus during lessons, miss out on activities, or start every school day already worn out—all because we think we have no choice.
Moving Beyond Endurance to Care
Period pain is common, but it should never be normal.
Health experts agree that pain strong enough to disrupt your daily life needs attention, not dismissal. It is not something you should just “get used to” to prove you are productive or tough.
Simple steps can help ease discomfort. Rest, drinking enough water, warm compresses, and gentle movement may bring relief. Most importantly, asking for help and choosing relief is not weakness. It is basic self-care.
For students and young women managing busy schedules, Hyoscine N-butylbromide plus Paracetamol (Buscopan Venus) targets dysmenorrhea at its source. It works in as fast as 15 minutes for relief that lasts the whole day and helps reduce how severe future pain can be. Take one to two tablets up to three times a day, or follow your doctor’s advice.
Your drive to do your best does not require you to suffer. Pain is not proof of discipline, achievement, or strength. True resilience means listening to your body and giving it the care it deserves.
We are moving away from silent endurance and toward open care. You can chase your dreams, show up fully, and thrive—without ever having to “tiis” unnecessary pain.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
MAT-PH-2600884 / Ver 1.0 / DA 06-2026 / DM 06-2026
Opella Healthcare Philippines Inc.
ASC Ref. No. S0248P063026B
