Naomi's Story

My periods started off irregular like everyone else’s but they somehow never settled down into a pattern. It wasn’t until I was in my early 20s that I got diagnosed with PCOS – which finally explained why I was so hairy. My periods are quite light and happen so infrequently that they don’t really bother me too much. The problem is that they can be very unpredictable. I’ve been caught short at work on multiple occasions, and because I work in a school I can’t just nip out to the loo or run to the shops for products. It’s very embarrassing to leak on your clothes with a whole class of pupils watching.

What can Naomi’s school do to support her?

When the school brought in free period products for pupils, they also stocked the staff bathrooms. This has been a lifeline for Naomi when she gets caught short. Free products have also started a conversation and periods are less taboo in the staffroom. Naomi now has an informal arrangement with the male teacher next door, who can watch her class while she nips off in an emergency.

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