Eighteen Years and Counting
Eighteen years. That’s how long I’ve been menstruating. Eighteen years of pads, cramps, and the occasional “what fresh hell is this?” moment. And then it hit me: if I’d had a baby the moment my body was ready, I’d now be raising an adult. My period isn’t just a cycle—it’s practically a life chapter.
The First Companion: Always
When I first started my period, I was about to turn 13, and my mum bought me Always. Interestingly, I’ve never really explored other brands—not out of laziness, but because it served its purpose perfectly. For 18 years, it’s been a quiet, reliable companion. The pad is always… predictable, dependable, and just… right.
Change, Even When Expected
Over the years, there had been changes—but they were always for the better. Slight tweaks in absorbency, shape, or texture made the pad feel even more comfortable and reliable. I barely noticed most of them, except to appreciate how thoughtful those improvements were.
This year, however, was different. The change wasn’t an upgrade—it was unexpected, unwelcome, and immediately noticeable. Suddenly, my long-time companion felt… wrong.
Denial and Hope
It was probably denial, but I kept using it, hoping it would get better with time—or at least that they would revert to the old design. Each day felt like a quiet negotiation between me and this new pad, a tug-of-war between loyalty and disappointment. I found myself measuring comfort in millimeters, obsessing over subtle differences, and silently wishing for the familiar ease I had taken for granted for nearly two decades.
Exploring New Options
Eventually, I started exploring other options. At first, it felt strange—like betraying a companion of 18 years—but necessity is a persuasive motivator. I wandered the aisles, reading labels, comparing sizes and absorbency, and even trying brands I had dismissed long ago. Each new pad came with its own quirks: some too bulky, some too flimsy, some just… not right.
Through it all, I realized that change, while uncomfortable, was also an opportunity to discover what really works for me—and to appreciate the little comforts I had once taken for granted.
Finding Molped and Celebrating the Year
After some trial and error, I finally found another pad that feels just right: Molped. And that’s what I’m celebrating as I wrap up this year—18 years of menstruating, the small victories, the unexpected frustrations, and the quiet ways I’ve learned to navigate my body’s rhythms.
Here’s to comfort, consistency, and the little things that make life a bit easier—even when they change on us.
