Research on Menstrual Cycle

By : Tayba Khalid
           
Bs Student of Center Of excellence for Women's Studies
Karachi University





The terms "menstruation" and "menses" are derived from the Latin mensis (month), which in turn relates to the Greek mene (moon) and to the roots of the English words month and moon. When periods (menstruations) come regularly, this is called the menstrual cycle. Having regular menstrual cycles is a sign that important parts of your body are working normally. The menstrual cycle provides important body chemicals, called hormones, to keep you healthy. It also prepares your body for pregnancy each month. A cycle is counted from the first day of 1 period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens. The rise and fall of levels of hormones during the month control the menstrual cycle.

Women can have a range of problems with their periods, including pain, heavy bleeding, and skipped periods.

a.Amenorrhea (ay-men-uh-REE-uh) — the lack of a menstrual period. This term is used to describe the absence of a period in:

Ø  Young women who haven't started menstruating by age 15

Ø  Women and girls who haven't had a period for 90 days, even if they haven't been menstruating for long

Causes can include:

Ø  Pregnancy

Ø  Breastfeeding

Ø  Extreme weight loss

Ø  Eating disorders

Ø  Excessive exercising

Ø  Stress

Ø  Serious medical conditions in need of treatment

As above, when your menstrual cycles come regularly, this means that important parts of your body are working normally. In some cases, not having menstrual periods can mean that your ovaries have stopped producing normal amounts of estrogen. Missing these hormones can have important effects on your overall health. Hormonal problems, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or serious problems with thereproductive organs, may be involved. It’s important to talk to a doctor if you have this problem.

b.Dysmenorrhea (dis-men-uh-REE-uh) — painful periods, including severe cramps. Menstrual cramps in teens are caused by too much of a chemical called prostaglandin (pros-tuh-GLAN-duhn). Most teens with dysmenorrhea do not have a serious disease, even though the cramps can be severe. In older women, the pain is sometimes caused by a disease or condition such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis. For some women, using a heating pad or taking a warm bath helps ease their cramps. Some over-the-counter pain medicines can also help with these symptoms. They include:

Ø  Ibuprofen (eye-byu-PROH-fuhn) (for instance, Advil, Motrin, Midol Cramp)

Ø  Ketoprofen (key-toh-PROH-fuhn) (for instance, Orudis KT)

Ø  Naproxen (nuh-PROK-suhn) (for instance, Aleve)

If these medicines don’t relieve your pain or the pain interferes with work or school, you should see a doctor. Treatment depends on what’s causing the problem and how severe it is.

c.Abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginal bleeding that’s different from normal menstrual periods. It includes:

Ø  Bleeding between periods

Ø  Bleeding after sex

Ø  Spotting anytime in the menstrual cycle

Ø  Bleeding heavier or for more days than normal

Ø  Bleeding after menopause 

When should I see a doctor about my period?

See your doctor about your period if:

• You have not started menstruating by the age of 15.
• You have not started menstruating within 3 years after breast growth began, or if breasts haven't started to grow by age 13.
• Your period suddenly stops for more than 90 days.
• Your periods become very irregular after having had regular, monthly cycles.
• Your period occurs more often than every 21 days or less often than every 35 days.
• You are bleeding for more than 7 days.
• You are bleeding more heavily than usual or using more than 1 pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours.
• You bleed between periods.
• You have severe pain during your period.
• You suddenly get a fever and feel sick after using tampons.

The First Physical Signs of Puberty, There are certain physical signs that indicate the beginning of puberty in a young girl's body. It is important to note that every girl physically develops at her own pace, and there is nothing you or she can do to slow it down or speed it up. Instead, reassure her that there nothing abnormal or scary about becoming sexually mature or being the first or last in her group of friends to experience these changes.

Puberty between 8-11 years, Your daughter's hormone production begins, and ovaries are growing. There is no physical outward sign of this.

Puberty between 8-14 years, The first visible puberty sign for girls is usually the start of breast growth. Her body will be growing, often in spurts, and getting a curvier shape.  At the same time, pubic hair appears, but it will be fine and straight in this early stage of puberty  not dense and curly.

Puberty between 9-15 years, Her breasts continue to get bigger, and your daughter will gain more height and weight and her figure will become more 'womanly'. The hair in the pubic region slowly darkens and becomes coarser. Also at this stage, your daughter's vagina will be growing internally and may begin to produce a clear or white discharge, which is a part of its in-built cleaning process. Her period may begin at this stage of puberty.

Puberty between 10-16 years. Ovulation may begin in your daughter (thought not regularly at this stage, and her period usually begins. Pubic hair begins to grow into the more adult 'triangle' shape, and underarm hair usually appears. The skin on the face will produce more oil, which can result in acne. Sweat glands also become more active, meaning washing daily is a must and she will need to start wearing deodorant.

Puberty between 12-19 year, The final stage of puberty heralds your daughter as an adult. Breasts are usually as big as they will ever be, her height will be that of her adult life, and her pubic hair will be fully grown. Periods are regular, and ovulation occurs each month.

The emotional signs of puberty, Puberty isn't just about the physical changes. There are also a range of emotions your pubescent daughter has to deal with as her body changes.

• Interest in boys, and relationships, and romantic feelings (which can be a touch confusing at first).
• Stress over body changes. She may be the first or last in her group of her friends to hit puberty and that may make her anxious.
• Excitement that her body is changing and that she is on the cusp of womanhood.
• Concern about new independence, including growing apart from her parents and leaving her childhood behind.

Delayed and early puberty in girls

Puberty is considered early (known by specialists as 'precocious') when physical signs begin to appear at the age of seven or eight. Though this can be a variation of normal puberty in girls and is definitely influenced by genes amongst other factors - you may want to check with your doctor if it happens before this age, as there can be medical causes for early puberty.

Delayed puberty may be occurring in girls who have no breast tissue growth by 14 years of age, or haven't started their periods for over five years after their breasts begin to grow. Delayed puberty can be caused by medical reasons, but there are also other factors that can affect it such as low body weight or malnutrition.

Weight and puberty

Studies have linked obesity in young girls to early puberty. It can also be seen as an indicator of future health issues, so if you feel your daughter's weight is linked to the onset of her puberty, do consult your doctor. On the flip side, excessive exercise may slow puberty in females, as it burns energy the body needs to fuel the physical body changes of puberty.²⁴

Facts and Figures according to menstruation is amazing part of a woman's body function. Here are some facts and figures:

a.While it may seem like a lot of blood is lost, the average cycle only produces between 10-85ml, which is around three tablespoons. 

b.Day 1 of your menstrual cycle is the first day of bleeding. 

c.The average cycle is 28 days, but may be longer or shorter depending on the individual (anywhere from 21-35 days is considered normal). 

d.On average a girl will start menstruation at age 13 (called menarche) and will continue until she's around 51 (called menopause). 

e.In the mid-1800s the average age for a girl to start her period was 16 or 17. Better nutrition has contributed to the significant decline in the age for menarche. 

f.The colour of blood loss can vary from dark brown to bright red, depending on how old the blood is and how oxygen has affected it. 

g.In years gone by, girls were told they could not swim, have a bath or wash their hair while they had their period. This is most certainly a myth, it's important to have good hygiene at all times, especially when you have your period. You can swim, you will just need to use a tampon. 

h.While many woman suffer from period pain, not all will. If your period is heavier you are more likely to suffer monthly pain.

i.Some nicknames for your period include: Aunty Flo, the monthly, on the rags, 'the time of the month', crimson tide, under repairs, crimson tide, the curse and a whole host of weird and silly things. 

j.Some women who live together or spend a great deal of time together discover their cycles become in sync. 

k.The blood you lose while on the contraceptive pill is not considered to be a 'real' period. It is also possible not to have a monthly blood loss while you're on the pill. 

l.While a menstrual cycle may have hereditary factors, a daughter's cycle can be quite different to her mother's.

In the light of Islamic perspective, it is understandable why these types of feelings may develop, especially if one is not familiar with Islam’s position on menstruation. Islam does not consider menstruation to be a punishment towards women, and it would be a grave error to compare this great religion to other faiths who do view menstruation in this horrible, derogatory manner. Islam’s perspective is that menstruation is normal and it is natural.

Additionally, a menstruating woman is not dirty, but rather from a legal perspective, she is ritually impure for the duration that she is menstruating. This has legal consequences and not spiritual consequences. As such, she is instructed by Allah to stop certain forms of worship, and every second that she obeys these commands, it is worship if done for Allah’s sake.

Allah says in the Quran,

“And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” [al-Baqara: 186]

“it is a healthy blood. Indeed, menstruation has a natural, physical connection with a woman’s body to enable pregnancy. Allah is most exalted in His wisdom. He made menstruation a means for pregnancy….Verily, the uterus is preparing itself to welcome (the ability for) pregnancy with this blood and whenever pregnancy does not occur, this blood exits from the uterus to the vagina”  [Fathi Ahmad Safi; Ahkam al-Hayd wa al-Nifas]

The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said,

“We left with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) for the pilgrimage. When we were in Sarif (a place close to Makkah) I began to menstruate. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) approached me and I was crying. He said, ‘Did you get your period?’ I said, ‘Yes’ He said, ‘Verily this is a matter Allah has written upon the girls of Prophet Adam (Allah bless him). Do all the actions of the pilgrimage except the tawaf.” [Bukhari]

The Mother of the Believers Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said,

“The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would recline on my lap while I was menstruating and he would read the Quran.” [Bukhari]

She also said in another narration,

“I would drink while menstruating, then pass the vessel to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). He would place his mouth on the (same) place as my mouth and drink….” [Muslim]

Thus, menstruation is a prime time to establish good habits and demonstrate the strength of one’s faith to one’s Creator. The following are a few suggestions.

A menstruating woman can:

1) Listen to the Quran, ponder about its meanings, and cry.

2) Buy a supplication book and make constant dhikr.

3) Send blessings on our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

4) Spend time with her family and loved ones for the sake of Allah.

5) Attend religious lectures and classes.

6) Read about the righteous and pray to be of them.

7) Supplicate for whatever she wishes.

8 ) Beg for forgiveness and the pardon of her sins.

9) Get involved in her local community and help others.

10) Reflect about her life and thank Allah for all her blessings.

Conclusion

The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for every woman. Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age. The menstrual cycle occurs so that the uterine wall and the unfertilized egg can be disposed of.
Well basicly all it is, is the release of eggs menstrual cycle and menstruation might seem a bit mysterious. In reality it is actually pretty complex but very interesting. Menstruation is the outward proof that a girl is becoming a woman. Having a period means your body is functioning well and properly. Menstrual cycle is a proof of fertility. The symptoms of a period, such as cramps, bloating, irritability, etc. without the body actually following through with an actual menstrual cycle could indicate a few things. "Missing" periods have several different causes - age, homone levels, stress, malnutrition, menopause, eating disorders, medication, or it could be an early sign of pregnancy. Some diseases and illnesses can also cause irregular menstrual cycles, such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), ectopic pregnancy, etc. There have also been cases, rarely, of women born without a vaginal tract who experience the symptoms of their menstrual cycles but have no actual cycle as it has no tract in which to travel in. Most irregular menstrual cycles usually work themselves out, or are treated with the contraceptive pills.

The majority of women do not experience menstrual-related exacerbation of disease, although for some women there is an increased vulnerability. Obstetrician-gynecologists are in unique positions to screen for the presence of mental health issues in potentially at-risk patients. Mental health issues may be difficult to identify; however, certain factors are associated with an elevated risk. Identification of pregnant women with previous psychiatric illness early in pregnancy is essential to preventing postpartum hospitalizations for psychosis and bipolar disease. Throughout the reproductive lifespan, routine screening and assessment for the presence of common psychiatric disorders are critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Consultation with or referral to a mental health specialist may be necessary and should be assessed for each individual case. Treatment options for PMDD and perimenopausal depression include pharmacotherapy with antidepressant agents, and psychotherapy.If you do not have your menstrual cycle you might be pregnant, under a lot of stress, or not have enough body fat.

Recommendations

i.Take a bath or shower at least once a day.

ii.Use clean undergarments and change them regularly.

iii.Change pads or tampons regularly.

iv.Wash the genital area with plain water (no soap) after each use of toilet and even after urination.

v.Keep the area between the legs dry, otherwise you may experience chafing.

viIt is very important to remember that vagina has its own self cleaning mechanism and an external cleaning agent like deodorant or soap should not be used inside it.

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