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.)