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Yours,
Health and Science Editor
Name
a
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
assalam o alaikum, i hope you are doing good..im very grateful for bringing up this topic in live dialogue as many women today are facing this problem...
i have suffered from menstrual abnormality all through my teenage life,i am 22 years old now and its been 6 months that my periods are normal and i dont have to take any medication....my doc gave me glucophage after treating me with diane-35,primoult-n for 4-5 years...i used to have spotting all through the month and sometimes heavy bleeding throughout the month...but now im not taking any medications and i get my regular period only a week late every month...doc said i have PCOS..
i want to know y my periods were abnormal like this and how glucophage treated it...i am taking care of my diet now but still i want to know what things i shoud take care of to have a healthy normal menstural cycle...and all the things that can make it abnormal...
also y is this abnrmality increasing so much amongst women...
i am not married but i want to know if PCOS can effect my ability to get pregnant...i got ultrasound 4 years back and doc said its all fine...should i get an ultrasound again...
please i will be grateful for ur answer..
Answer
Assalamu Alaikum Sister,
Jazaki Allaho khayrun and may Allah give you shifa (healing).
I completely understand your concern because I once suffered the same way as did all the women in my family.
It is an interesting question that you pose "is this abnormality increasing so much amongst women?" In my private practice and in my research I find that hormonal imbalances are ever increasing. There are many reasons for this - diet being a major one.
To answer your question on PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), it is believed it to be caused by a hormonal imbalance. I have one client who suffers from it and her estrogen levels were off the chart. Insulin (a hormone as well) may also play a part.
Plastics, especially when heated and soy containing foods all add to this because they are estrogenic.
Glucophage is a diabetic drug that helps your body use insulin. Remember that the entire endocrine system is connected. Insulin, estrogen, thyroid hormone, adrenalin and all the other hormones work together. When one of them is off-they all are. White rice, white flour and sugar are things you do not want in your diet (Please refer to my article on IOL on diet called Best Weight Loss Plan for You).
Women with PCOS do have a harder time getting pregnant, but this does not mean it is impossible - everything is in the hand of Allah subhanahu wa taalah in the end.
Coconut oil is one of the best, safest and easiest ways to restore hormonal balance. Use 4-5 tablespoons a day in your cooking. Make sure it is organic or you will be doing more harm than good. It is available everywhere. It is sold here in the UAE and available worldwide on line.
Name
sadia
-
Profession
Question
I have two and half months old baby. i only breastfed her for few weeks. my periods have not come back yet. doctor said if periods dont come back within six weeks of stopping breast feeding, it means there is something wrong.
and i am trying to loose weight but unable too.
what should i do about it, i am so concerned.
thanks
Answer
Assalamu Alaikum Sister,
It is true that two months is too long, but this does not mean that you should stop breast feeding.
You could be:
1. Not drinking enough water
2. Be producing too much estrogen and not enough progesterone
Most people do not drink enough water. Breast feeding requires a lot of water and so does your period. If you drink tea or soda you are drinking beverages that cause you to lose water.
When a woman is pregnant she produces a lot of estrogen, but she also produces a lot of progesterone that helps offset the effects of estrogen. After the baby is delivered, the body can produce the same levels of estrogen, but the production of progesterone decreases to pre-pregnancy levels. A healthy balance of the two helps us have healthy and normal periods. By the way, estrogen is found in plastics as well as foods containing soy.
You mentioned that you are also unable to lose weight, which is also a side effect of excess estrogen. Think of how some women's bodies react to birth control pills - they gain weight.
It is very common for a woman to become estrogen dominant after a pregnancy. Many times doctors do not notice this. Ask your doctor to check your estrogen levels.
There are bio-identical progesterone creams, supplements that will help remove excess estrogen from the body, eliminating plastic and soy, eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains (fiber helps pull out estrogen) are all ways to bring estrogen in check. Also, coconut oil pulls excess estrogen from the body and helps you lose weight. Use 3-4 tablespoons of coconut oil in your cooking each day.
You may also want to rule out cysts or tumors in the ovaries or uterus.
May Allah help you find a natural and healthy solution that is both good for you and your baby.
Name
G. wadoud
-
Profession
Question
Salams Sister Anisa,
I’m a 22 years old, my problem comprehend in the sever depression that affects me before the menstrual period. Four or three days before it, I became nervous and depressed, but once it comes I return to my normal mood. So I’d like to know if what happens to me is normal or shall I consult a doctor on this regard?
Answer
Assalam Alaikum Sister,
May Allah give you shifa (healing) and guide you to a halal means of healing.
You are correct; this is not a normal situation. This has to do with brain chemistry as well as your hormones.
Menstruation is a stress on the body. It is during times of stress that we are able to identify "weak" systems in our body. Lack of thyroid hormone which can mean not producing enough of it or it not reaching the cells, is known to cause depression. During menstruation the thyroid gland actually expands to meet the demand.
Adrenal glands can also play a part in this because of the "stress" situation.
Depression is a very illusive thing to try to understand because it can be caused by so many different things.
Ask yourself if you have any food cravings at this time like for salty or sweet foods? Do the symptoms become worse if you are under additional stress? Is it worse in winter when there is not that much sun light? This may mean low serotonin.
It would be best to find a holistic practitioner who will help you correct the imbalance as opposed to prescribe drugs to mask symptoms. This could mean a doctor or an herbalist, you just want to find someone using a holistic approach.
Name
Question
-
Profession
Question
Before marriage, I used to have very painful periods. But after I had my first child, I felt the pain decreased to great extent. why this happens?
Answer
Assalam Alaikum Sister,
It was a commonly held medical wisdom that the "cure" for irregular periods was getting married and having a child.
It was believed that any hormonal imbalance was corrected by having a baby. We now know that sometimes it works and other times it does not.
It could be that there was a slight hormonal imbalance and it corrected itself.
Name
Huda
-
Profession
Question
Do you recommend drugs that decrease the amount of blood during menstruation?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum,
I have found that drugs that work by masking a symptom, do not fix the problem.
It is more important to ask why there is excessive blood.
I recall when I began to take fish oil, I had excessive bleeding during my period- fish oil acts as a blood thinner this is why it is good for heart disease- but the dose I was taking was too much for me. I lowered it and went back to normal.
It is important to ask as many questions as possible. Did I change my diet? How much am I exercising, is it too much? Am I taking Advil or ibuprofen (blood thinners)? Am I taking new supplements?
Drugs are great when they are needed, but they are overused. Medicine is a science whose application approaches art. When I work with someone I am a detective and if my findings lead to using a drug then that is what we do, but it is not my starting point.
Name
Salwa
-
Profession
Question
I want to ask if there is a safe way to decrease the duration and the amount of the monthly period. Thank you
Answer
Assalamu Alaikum Sister,
I would need some more information, but typically women I have worked with experience these issues:
If the period is long because there are days at the beginning where there is brown blood and days at the end where there is brown blood, there may not be enough progesterone.
If the period starts and stops, it could be too much estrogen and not enough progesterone.
If there are clots and heavy bleeding, again- not enough progesterone.
IUDs (Intra uterine devices) also cause these problems.
Birth control pills and shots can cause this in some women.
Correcting these problems can, inshallah, result in a period of 3- 5 days with one heavy day and the rest light with no cramps or mood disturbances. I know, it sounds unbelievable, but I see this happen and experienced it myself. In the end-all healing comes from Allah.
Name
Rahit
-
Profession
Question
My name is Rahit & I am 29 years old. I have been suffering from pelvic problems for over 4 years now. My periods have become really heavy & extremely painful. When I don't have my periods I still suffer from chronic pelvic pain - It's like labour pains!
In 2004 during an exploratory laparoscopy (after suffering from constant chronic pain) I was diagnosed with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. The surgeon found that the veins inside my pelvic area are very badly swollen, in addition to this he also found my pelvic area was covered in adhesions which is strange as prior to this I had never had any surgery/operation to this area.
The doctors so far have been unable to get to the bottom of my problems - I have been off work sick for almost 3 years!
I have to take a whole load of medication to keep my pain at bay. I am currently using MST (morphine tablets) twice a day, Oramorph (liquid morphine) 4 times a day, Amitryptiline at night, Dicloflenac 3 times a day & Mebeverine 3 times a day.
I am really fed up with it all & want to be able to lead a pain free & medicine free life as with all the drugs I am constantly drowsy & unable to lead a normal life. It's so difficult as I also have 3 small boys aged 7, 3 & 2!
I have recently had a Mirena (hormone based) coil fitted to try to control the pain & heaviness of my periods - with the hope they may stop altogether however since having it fitted my I have been bleeding constantly - sometimes light, sometimes heavy - it's bizarre!
Are you able to suggest something that may help?
I look forward to hearing from you - Unfortunately I will not be able to join the live session as my gran passed away on Monday so it's a hectic time for the family with lots of things needing done) therefore would appreciate if you could respond by email.
Kind regards
Rahit
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
May Allah give you shifa.
Do you know if there is pelvic inflammation in the reproductive area?
When I was very ill and not able to walk because of pain, I had 4 little ones only 5 1/2 years apart- so I know how draining, frustrating and joy-killing it is. May Allah give you shifa and help you find the answers to your questions.
Sister, your case is very complex (as was mine) and I could not begin to address it properly here. Just know that it is not impossible. I once though I could never feel well, but alhamdulillah I do. For every disease there is a cure that is halal and does not make more problems than the disease.
I can "hear" your frustration and I invite you to e mail me to help you find some answers to your questions. This is very important. My healing journey began when I too shared my story with a healer and she helped me understand what was happening in my body. My email is: anisa@womenshealingcircle.org
Name
Rayhana
-
Profession
Question
I'm putting a contaceptive coil and I encounter many problems due to it.
I have heavy periods with a big amount of blood and sometimes blood clots. What do you advise me to do?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Coils tend to cause these complications.
It comes down to a personal choice of what type of contraception you want to use. The sponge can offer the same type of freedom as a coil without the side effects and it is removable. Then there are Kimono brand condoms that allow for the most sensation and protection.
Name
Mayssa
-
Profession
Question
My tummy gets very big about one and a half weeks before my menstruation and only goes back to normal when it is finished. I tried to take diuretics to see if it is water retention but it still stayed big, what do you think?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
This could be pelvic inflammation. It could also be poor digestion. You might want to check with a holistic nutritionist to find out which one or if something else is causing the problem.
Name
Anonymous
-
Profession
Question
As salaam u alaykum
1) I experience severe sharp anal pain during my period for about 10 seconds a few times a day. It is more frequent in the first two days of my period. Is this normal?
2) I am on birth control, and even though I stop taking the active pill on a friday, I usually only get my period by the next wednesday/thursday. Is this a call for concern?
3) I was put onto androcur by a specialist about 2 yrs ago because my period was irregular and i had acne problems. I however failed to go back to the specialist and am still taking 25gs of the tablet for 10 days a month. My skin is now clear and my period is regular due to being on birth control as well. I am scared to stop taking the androcur as i have heard that i will start to experience severe facial hair growth if I do. What are the side effects of androcur? Can I just stop taking it or do I need to gradually reduce my dosage? Could you advice me on how to go about doing this.
Answer
Salaam Alike Sister,
1. You are correct in thinking that having pain during menstruation is not "normal." In my experience, an ovarian cyst can cause such pain, endometriosis, a magnesium deficiency and PMS. I used to have such horrible menstrual cramps that when I had my 1st child I did not know I was in labor until I was 7 cm dilated because the pain had not gone beyond that of my menstrual cramps. So I understand. Alhamdulillah I do not have them anymore.
2. You might want to check with your doctor to find out: 1) Where is your estrogen level at? 2) Is there a lower dosage pill you could take? 3) Where is your progesterone level at? This ties in with your 3rd question. Irregular periods tend to happen because of hormonal imbalances. You may still have one.
3. As I am sure you know, Androcur, is a drug that works on the endocrine system. It can cause imbalances and exacerbate existing ones. The side effects are liver damage, suppression of the adrenal function and may suppress the production of estrogen. You are right, you can not just stop taking it-you could cause your adrenal gland to stop functioning. You need to work with your doctor to gradually decrease your dosage. DO NOT STOP TAKING IT.
May Allah guide you in finding answers to your questions.
Name
Sister
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikom,
Is it normal for a period to last for 9 days? I am 22 years old and I used to have my period for 6 days ,but recently I noticed that the actual bleeding stops at 6 or 7 days and then a bloody discharge comes out in very small amounts for 2 more days or so until I finally see a clear discharge ?Is this considered a part of the period or does the period end when the bleeding stops?Thank you
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Our periods are a direct marker as to what is going on in our bodies. Any change means that there is something not right with the body.
What you are describing usually happens after a woman has a baby and is restarting her period. This is because there is a hormonal imbalance of too much estrogen, usually and not enough progesterone.
According to a hadith narrated by Aisha (rah) the period is over when there is no blood-red or brown.
Sometimes coconut oil is enough to correct this, if this is the only thing. It may take 2-4 months. Cook with 3-4 tables spoons a day of organic coconut oil. It pulls out extra estrogen from the body.
Name
a
- Pakistan
Profession
student
Question
aoa again,i just wrote to u abt treating my irregular periods with glucophage after 5 years of irregular periods,now that my periods are regular my acne is not going away...i have talked to my dermatoligist and he says it will take 3 months...but i wonder y do pimples keep popping out now that my periods are regular,also i have very think hair on my chin and jawline and i have to get them waxed every week once...there are some thick hair on my cheeks too but they are few and im afraid they might increase....also i have very thick breast hair...which sometime seems to grow back slower(i shave them off) but im afraid they might increase in number and spread all over...currently i have a lot of them and im very much worried wat to do..
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
This may be an issue of too much testosterone. Men tend to have more acne than women and more body hair. I worked with a woman once that had a beard. She had a thyroid problem, which is part of the endocrine system.
The skin is also linked to the liver (they are both ways for the body to remove waste) and many times when the liver is over burdened, we see skin eruptions. If the liver is unable to remove excess hormones, they recirculation in the body and cause the body to work harder.
There could also be an allergy to something, I would not rule that out either. Consulting with a holistic practitioner who will look at everything going on in your body is something you might want to consider.
Name
m- UK
-
Profession
Question
assalaamoalaykum
Can hirsutism be treated without medication. I have tested for polycystic ovaries, but this was negative, so I was adviced to take medication to reduce my hait growth. Is there any change in my diet which could perhaps lesson my hair growth?
thank you sister
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Hirsutism is more of a symptom of increased level of androgens (hormones, particularly male) or a hormone imbalance.
You would need to consult with some one who could make personalized recommendations, preferably a holistic practitioner. There are many good practitioners in the UK, so it will not be difficult to find one to help you get your hormones back into balance, inshallah.
Name
Muslima-Canada
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikom,
Usually at the start of my period, I experience very painful menstrual cramps?I would like to know what is the reason behind this and if there is a good remedy for it? Could the lack of movement and a bad diet be a reason for this?Thank you.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Lack of movement could be a reason, but a bad diet is more likely.
Sugar, white rice, white bread and rancid oil (canola and corn the most common) add to pelvic inflammation that can cause such sever cramps.
Excessive estrogen can also cause this pain. Not only does our body produce estrogen, but plastic, especially when heated, produces estrogen and soy foods. It is easy to become estrogen dominate in the world we live in.
Please refer to my articles on diet here at IOL for ideas for diet change.
Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer and 300 mg taken 1-3 times a day at the onset of pain can help take the edge off of the cramps or stop them.
Name
D
-
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaykum.
My menstrual time is 13 day,sometime 12.
The 1st -5 day red. 6-7 day brown. 8 - 13 day is yellow almost white. And my nonmenstrual time is 17 sometime 18. But if I'm think that the yellow time as nonmenstrual time, my nonmenstrual time will be 23 or 24(normal).
Is the yellow not mens?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Some women produce a white/yellow thick mucus and may not be part of the period.
According to the book edited by Abdul Rahman Abdullah, Menstruation and Post Partum Conditions, if you are familiar with the time of your cycle and the yellow discharge appears outside of the time, then it is not part of the menses.
This is my opinion and you will want to consult a scholar to be sure.
Name
Sara
-
Profession
Question
Is there any natural or herbal remedy that can help with the menstrual pain?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
If there are cramps, it may mean a magnesium deficiency. If crave chocolate (rich in magnesium) during your period, or have muscle twitching, like under the eyes or if your leg or arm jumps involuntary this is a magnesium deficiency. You can start at 300mg, you may need to take up to three. You will know that you took too much if you have a lose bowel movement(magnesium is a muscle relaxer).
A caster oil packs (http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/castor_oil.html)
are also used.
You want to look into if you have any pelvic inflammation that also causes pain as well as ovarian cysts. Excess estrogen can be very inflammatory and cause pain as well.
