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Understanding Menstruation: A Guide for Young Women By: Tahira Ali Visit us at http://www.mysisterskeeper.com
Will
I know it’s coming the first time and every month after that? How
long is a menstrual cycle? What
happens during the cycle?
Should
I be embarrassed about it? What
does Allah say about it in the Quran? What
happens to girls’ bodies before they get their period? What
personal items will I need when this change happens? What
is the difference between tampons and pads? What
is this PMS I keep hearing about? What
about cramps or discomfort? How
often do I have to “freshen up”? What
is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)? How
is TSS Treated and Prevented? Will
I ever bleed so much that it goes through my clothes? Will
I have my period for the rest of my life? What
if my period is late or irregular? What
does it mean if my period stops? Can
I swim when I have my period? Will
I be treated differently by males? Can
I pray during my menstrual cycle? Can
I read Quran or touch the Quran? Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. In this day and age, it is very important for our young women to learn about their bodies, understand their bodies, and use their bodies as they should be used. This short Question and Answer article is meant to inform our young people about one of the most natural acts that Allah has placed upon mankind and, in particular, females. Menstruation can cause a variety of reactions for our young women, from disgust and irritation, to sheer joy knowing that this may one day help them to bear beautiful Muslim children of their own. We, as the adults, should give them some indication of what they may encounter as their bodies grown and change. It’s all about knowledge and understanding. If we don’t teach, how will they learn and understand. I hope this article will shed some light on one area of our blessed lives. Allah is the Greatest and He knows what we can handle. Look for blessings in what Allah has given us. If I have made any mistakes, please kindly inform me. Anything good in this article is from Allah. Anything bad in this article is from me. I love all of you young ladies and teachers of these young ladies for the sake of Allah. Tahira Menstruation
is a woman's monthly bleeding. It is also called menses,
menstrual period, or period. When a woman has her period, she is
menstruating. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from
the inside of the uterus (womb). It flows from the uterus
through the small opening in the cervix, and passes out of the
body through the vagina. Most menstrual periods last from three
to five days. 1 Menstruation (or the menstrual cycle) is how a woman's body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy each month. 2
Most girls get their first period between the ages of 9 and 16. Most means the majority - not everyone will fall into this category. Anyway, it follows the development of breasts, hips, waist, pubic hair, and a growth spurt. Put those clues together and they usually add up to imminent period alert. In addition, a girl will often weigh at least 100 pounds before menstruation begins. Genetics also plays a role. If possible, find out when your mom got her first period to get an estimate of when yours may arrive. 3
Will
I know it’s coming the first time and every month after that? About
6 months or so before getting her first period, a girl might notice an
increased amount of clear vaginal discharge. This
discharge, which shouldn't have a strong odor or cause itchiness, is
common and shouldn't worry a teen. 4 To
keep track of when it will come each month use a calendar.
Tahira’s Tip - I’ve known people to use a “P” on the calendar for period, a dot (period), AF for Aunt Flow, or shading the calendar numbers very lightly with a pencil. You can think of your own way to disguise the fact that your period is coming from prying eyes or use one of the ways I mentioned.
Usually
a first period is very light. It will probably be a few spots of bright
red blood or a brown sticky stain that shows up on your underpants. 3
Everyone is different. It can last between two and seven days. Most girls have it for about five days. 3
How
long is a menstrual cycle? A
cycle's length is determined by counting from the first day of one
period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle
is 28 days long. However, a cycle can range anywhere from 23 days to 35
days. 2 What
happens during the cycle?
During the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from the ovaries. While the
egg is traveling down the fallopian tubes and towards the uterus, the
uterus is building up a lining that consists of extra blood and tissue.
The lining of the uterus will thicken and, if pregnancy occurs, blood
vessels in the lining will enlarge to nourish the growing fetus. If the
egg becomes fertilized by a sperm cell, the egg will attach itself to
the uterine wall and a fetus will begin to develop. If the egg goes
unfertilized, the thick lining that builds up during the menstrual cycle
is not needed and is shed during your period. The unfertilized egg
either dissolves or is absorbed into the body. After the period ends, a
new menstrual cycle begins. 2
Should
I be embarrassed about it? Getting your period may seem embarrassing to you if you get it at an early age. You may think that you are developing faster than everyone else and you stick out. Believe me, you notice more than anyone else, if they even notice at all. If you get it in public, it may be a bit embarrassing for you, but don’t panic. If you are at school, ask if you can see the nurse, speak to a female teacher or ask your friend if you can use one of their feminine products. Many women, and you are women now, have been caught or will be caught somewhere without a feminine hygiene product (tampon or pad). I’m sure whoever you speak to will understand. Tahira’s
Tip – You may want to carry a spare tampon or pad for just such an
occasion. If you don’t use
it, your friend might. That’s
what friends are for.
When you have a period, it causes a smell. For this reason, it is important that you bathe regularly by bath or shower and keep your private area clean. I know as Muslims that we do this anyway, but during your period, it is EXTREMELY important.
Only Allah (SWT) knows why we have been given this. He is All Knowing, All-Wise.
What
does Allah say about it in the Quran? “They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they have purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allâh has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers, etc.).” Quran 2:222 There
are also other verses in the Quran that deal with menstruation, divorce,
the death of your husband and the waiting period.
What
happens to girls’ bodies before they get their period? The hormones in their bodies stimulate new physical development - their hips become curvier, they grow several inches in height, and their breasts grow larger. About 1 1/2 to 2 years after a girl's breasts begin to develop, she will get her first menstrual period (known as menarche, pronounced: meh-nar-kee). Menarche doesn't happen until all the parts of a girl's reproductive system have matured and are working together. 4
What personal items will I need when this change happens? There are a variety of tampons (the tube looking things) and pads (the flat ones) in stores. Thick ones, thin ones, pads with wings, gentle glide tampons for various blood flows, etc. Choose the kind that you are most comfortable with. Since this is your first menstrual cycle (period), you may want to start with pads. FYI – They do carry thin pads so it doesn’t feel like you have a diaper on and everyone can see it. Look around. Feminine protection has come a long way. - Tahira
What
is the difference between tampons and pads? Sanitary pads or tampons, which are made of cotton or another absorbent material, are worn to absorb the blood flow. Sanitary pads are placed inside the panties; tampons are inserted into the vagina. 1
What
is this PMS I keep hearing about? Mood
swings, tender breasts, a swollen abdomen, food cravings, fatigue,
irritability and depression. If you experience some or all of these
symptoms in the days before your monthly period, you may have
premenstrual syndrome (PMS). As many as 75 percent of menstruating women have some sort of premenstrual symptoms. These symptoms are most common in your 20s and 30s and tend to develop a predictable pattern. Yet the physical and emotional changes you experience may be more or less intense each menstrual cycle. 6
The most common physical and emotional symptoms associated with PMS include:
Although the list of potential symptoms is long, most women with PMS will experience only a few of these problems. 7
What
about cramps or discomfort? Lots of girls have abdominal cramps during the first few days of their period. Cramps are most likely caused by prostaglandins (pronounced: pross-tuh-glan-dinz), chemicals your body produces that make the muscles of your uterus contract. The good news is that cramps usually get less severe as you get older. But if you just can't stand that icky feeling now, medicine like ibuprofen may help. Believe it or not, exercise will also make you feel better, possibly because it releases endorphins, chemicals in your body that literally make you feel good. Soaking in a warm bath or putting a warm compress on your stomach won't make your cramps disappear but may help you and your muscles relax a little. And, if you have severe cramps that keep you home from school or from doing stuff with your friends, visit your doctor for advice. 8
How
often do I have to “freshen up”? Sanitary
napkins (pads) should be changed as often as necessary, before the pad
is soaked with menstrual flow. Each woman decides for herself what is
comfortable. Tampons should be changed every 4 hours. Make sure that you
use the lowest absorbency of tampon available. For example, do not use
super absorbency on the lightest day of your period. This can put you at
risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but potentially
deadly disease. The risk of TSS can be lessened or avoided by not using
tampons, or by alternating between tampons and pads during your period.
If you experience any of the following symptoms while you are
menstruating and using tampons, you should contact your doctor
immediately:
What
is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)? TSS
is a rare bacteria-caused illness occurring mostly in menstruating women
who use high absorbency tampons. The main cause of TSS is a
certain strain of staph, the bacterium Staphylococcus Aureus.
Hyperabsorbent tampons may facilitate the infection because their
prolonged intra-vaginal use enhances the bacterial growth. Symptoms of TSS occur suddenly: a high fever (102°F, 38.8°C or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, red eyes, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle aches and drops in blood pressure, which may cause fainting. The infection can cause shock, kidney and liver failure. These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. 9
How is TSS Treated and Prevented? If TSS is suspected, hospitalization is recommended. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics will be administered. At the first sign of a fever or rash, remove tampon immediately - as this may help prevent your symptoms from worsening. Seek medical care immediately. 9
Will I ever bleed so much that it goes through my clothes? It is possible to bleed through your clothing. It happens to the best of us. If this happens, tie a sweater or something around your waist and go to the nurse. If that is not possible, have your friends walk behind you and go to the nurse or the office. You can have someone bring you a change of clothes. If you think that your period may be coming soon or it’s already there, try keeping an extra set of clothing and feminine products at school just in case. It never hurts to be prepared. Tahira
Will I have my period for the rest of my life? Women usually continue having periods until menopause. Menopause occurs around the age of 51, on average. Menopause means that a woman is no longer ovulating (producing eggs) and therefore can no longer become pregnant. Like menstruation, menopause can vary from woman to woman and may take several years to occur. Some women have early menopause because of surgery or other treatment, illness, or other reasons. 1
What
if my period is late or irregular? There
are several reasons why you might skip a period one month:
If you miss more than a period or two (if you have been having regular periods previously), contact your health care provider. 5
What
does it mean if my period stops? The
absence of a menstrual period is called Amenorrhea. This condition
describes women who have not had a period in their teenage years or
women who used to have a regular period that has stopped. There are
several causes for Amenorrhea:
If your period has not started by the age of 16, or if you have stopped having your period, while you are still young, contact your doctor. 5
Can
I swim when I have my period? Yes, but don't wear a pad. It will swell up like an inflatable raft. If you want to swim, you should wear a tampon. But first, talk it over with your parent or other responsible adult before trying this (the tampon, not the swimming). 3
Will
I be treated differently by males? Before you reach puberty and begin your menstrual cycles, you are free to mix and mingle with non-mahrams, meaning those you are able to marry, in a halaal way. When you achieve puberty, you should then cover properly (however it is better to start covering before you must so that the transition is easier) and avoid mixing with non-mahrams by doing the following:
Keep
the following ahadith and ayaat in mind: "And
tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden
things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts,
etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is
apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to
see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.),
and draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces,
necks and bosoms, etc.)…" ( “Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin: Asma, daughter of AbuBakr, entered upon the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) wearing thin clothes. The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) turned his attention from her. He said: O Asma', when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this, and he pointed to her face and hands.” Abu Dawud May Allah have mercy on the early immigrant women. When the verse ‘That they should draw their veils over their bosoms’ was revealed, they tore their thick outer garments and made veils from them.” Abu Dawud It is confirmed that Aisha (RA) said, "By Allah, the hand of the Messenger of
Allah (SAW) never touched another woman (other than his wives). He used
to take their pledges verbally only." The Prophet (SAW) said, when the women were giving the pledge of
allegiance to him, "I do not shake the hands of women." (Sahih Malik, Ahmad, Al-Nasai, Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah) The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "A man cannot be alone with a woman unless
with her is one of her male relatives (Mahram)." (Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) also said, "A man is never alone with a woman except
that Satan is the third." (Sahih Ahmad and Al-Tirmidhi)
“Zainab, the wife of Abdullah (b. 'Umar), reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to us: When any one of you comes to the mosque, she should not apply perfume.” Sahih Muslim The Prophet (SAW) said, "Beware of entering upon women. The women who are non-Mahram." They said, "O Messenger of Allah (SAW), what do you say about the in-laws?" He said, "The in-laws are death." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) “Narrated AbuMusa: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: If a woman uses perfume and passes the people so that they may get its odour, she is so-and-so, meaning severe remarks.” Sunann Abu Dawud
Allah (SWT) has said, "…Then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc.) would be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner." (Al-Ahzab 33:32) There is no harm in casual speech due to some need if it is free from any sort of evil. However, such speech must be restricted to only what is necessary. - Shaikh ibn Jibreen
Can
I pray during my menstrual cycle? No.
It says in the hadith narrated by Aisha (RAA): “'A'isha reported: Fatimah b. Abu Hubaish came to the Apostle (may peace be upon him) and said: I am a woman whose blood keeps flowing (even after the menstruation period). I am never purified; should I, therefore, abandon prayer? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Not at all, for that is only a vein, and is not a menstruation, so when menstruation comes, abandon prayer, and when it ends wash the blood from yourself and then pray.” Sahih Muslim
Also… “Narrated
Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu'minin: And Ibn
al-Mundhir said: "The scholars are unanimous in the menstruating
woman being free from the injunction of prayer during the time of such
menstruation, and that the prayers which she has missed are not to be
made up later, this being based on the statement of the Prophet to
No. Muadha reported: "I asked Aisha: what is the case of the fasting woman, she makes up for the missed fast and not for the missed prayer?... She said: "When we had our periods at the time of the Messenger of Allah, we were ordered to make up the missed fasts, and we were not ordered to make up the missed prayers." (Bukhari and Muslim). This clearly shows that in order to make up a fast, you had to have missed it for one reason or another. In this case it is your period. We know that we cannot pray during our menstrual cycle either and those days do not have to be made up. If you have your menstrual cycle during an obligatory fast (Ramadan), you therefore, cannot fast and have been ordered to make those fast days up. Tahira
Can
I read Quran or touch the Quran? This
answer is taken from Islam-QA.com and is given by Sheikh
Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid. 10 Question :
Is
it permissible to read Quran while a woman is having menses (periods)?
Praise
be to Allaah. This
is one of the issues on which the scholars, may Allaah have mercy on
them, differed. The
majority of fuqahaa’ say that it is haraam for a woman to recite
Qur’aan during her period, until she is taahir (pure) again. The only
exceptions they make is in the case of dhikr (remembrance of Allaah) and
phrases that are not intended as tilaawah (recitation), such as saying
“Bismillaahi’r-Rahmaani’r-Raheem” or “Innaa Lillaahi
wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon”, or other phrases from the Qur’aan
which are repeated as general du’aa’s. They
base their evidence for forbidding menstruating women to recite
Qur’aan on several things, including the following:
Some
scholars say that it is permitted for a menstruating woman to recite
Qur’aan. This is the opinion of Maalik, and one opinion narrated from
Ahmad, which Ibn Taymiyah preferred and which al-Shawkaani believed to
be correct. The scholars based the following points on this opinion:
From
the above, it is clear that the evidence of those who allow a
menstruating woman to recite Qur’aan is stronger. If a woman wants to
err on the side of caution, she can limit her recitation to the passages
which she is afraid of forgetting. It
is very important to note that what we have been discussing here is
restricted to what a menstruating woman recites from memory. When it
comes to reading from the Mus-haf (the Arabic text itself), a different
rule applies. The correct view of the scholars is that it is forbidden
to touch the mus-haf when one is in any kind of state of impurity,
because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “… which
none can touch except the purified.” [al-Waaqi’ah 56:79]. In
a letter to ‘Amr ibn Hazm, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) told the people of (Haashiyat
Ibn ‘Aabideen, 1/159; al-Majmoo’, 1/356; Kashshaaf al-Qinaa’,
1/147; al-Mughni, 3/461; Nayl al-Awtaar, 1/226; Majmoo’
al-Fataawaa, 21/460; al-Sharh al-Mumti’ li’l-Shaykh Ibn
‘Uthaymeen, 1/291) And Allaah knows best.
Yes,
it is allowed – in fact recommended- for the menstruating woman to
often supplicate, ask for Allah’s forgiveness, make remembrance of
Allah and humble herself to Allah, especially during the noble times.
Shaikh ibn Jibreen 11 Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “There is no clear, saheeh text to indicate that a menstruating woman is forbidden to recite Qur’aan… It is known that women used to menstruate at the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he did not forbid them to recite Qur’aan, or to remember Allaah (dhikr) and offer du’aa’.” 10
1
Islamic Fatawa
Regarding Women. Translated by Jamaal Al-Din Zarabozo 2.
Islamic Rules On Menstruation and Post-Natal
Bleeding. Dr.
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips 3.
Sahih Bukhari 4.
Sahih Muslim 5. Fiqh us-Sunnah
1.
http://www.4woman.org/faq/menstru.htm 2.
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/menstruation/a/menstfaqfrteens.htm 3.
http://www.kotex.com/info/education/girlthing/qa.asp 4.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstruation.html 5.
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/menstruation/a/menstfaqfrteens_2.htm
6.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00134
7.
MayoClinic.com
- Medical and health information for a healthier life from Mayo Clinic 8.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstrual_problems_p2.html 9.
http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/womenhlt/tox-shoc.html 10.
http://63.175.194.25/index.php?ln=eng&ds=qa&lv=browse&QR=2564&dgn=4 11. Islamic Fatawa Regarding Women. Translated by Jamaal Al-Din Zarabozo
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