The scenario

Jenna Smith approaches the pharmacy counter and then swiftly turns around to walk back towards the door. 

Pharmacy technician Vicky clocks the uncomfortable expression on her face and, after checking that no one else is within earshot, calls after her.

“Hi Jenna, good to see you,” she says. “Can I help with anything?”

“Actually, yes. Do you have anything strong for period pain? Nothing I’ve tried seems to touch it,” says Jenna, returning to the counter and seeming to relax a little. “I tried to talk to my mum about it a few weeks ago, but she got all funny and said that I was making it up just because I want to go on the pill. I’m not making it up – it’s agony for a few days each month and it’s making me miserable. I just don’t know what to do.”