Questions on menstruation

Questions on menstruation

BOGOR, West Java (JP): Here are a few frequently-asked
questions about menstruation:

1. "How much blood is there?"

Sofi, my ten-year-old granddaughter, used to fear that she'd
faint from the loss of blood. Tell your daughter that menstrual
flow is heaviest in the first few days. The total discharge
actually amounts to about half a cup, or about four to six
tablespoons. Explain that the rest is made up mostly of extra
uterine lining, which explains why the discharge is often
brownish in color.

2. "Will I feel sick?"

Tell her that most women feel perfectly fine throughout their
period. Tell her also that she may experience some abdominal
cramps, but light exercise or a heating pad usually relieves the
discomfort.

3. "Can I still go to class and exercise?"

Tell her that menstruation is a normal part of every woman's
life and that there's no reason why she should change her daily
schedule. She can shower, wash her hair, run, dance, exercise,
and play without fear.

4. "Will I have a period for the rest of my life?"

I remember my eldest daughter asked me this question, and my
not-so-sympathetic mother told her bluntly, "Oh, it'll stop when
you're as old as I am". My daughter looked at her wrinkled
grandmother in horror and wailed, "But that's too long!"

If your daughter ask you this question, tell her that women do
not menstruate during pregnancy, but otherwise they generally
have periods every month until they are about 50.

Tell her that factors such as stress, extreme dieting or
exercise can interrupt the normal menstrual cycle. Encourage her
to let you know if she ever skips a period so that you can help
her find out why. (Surtiningsih W.T.)