Honouring Diversity: Embracing your Menstrual Cycle During Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. This is one of the most sacred times for Muslims, who place their faith in the first verses of the Quran. This is a unique celebration for Muslims where they dedicate time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and communal solidarity.
Although this tradition has been present for centuries, it is not often spoken that many Muslim women face different challenges during their menstrual cycles and how this has an impact on their lives and spirituality.
Menstruation is a normal physiologic process regulated by hormonal action and interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries. It is really important to address that the menstrual cycle is an important indicator of women's reproductive health.
It is often believed that the female body is the only factor involved in the regulation of the cycle. Nonetheless, there are external factors that contribute to the variability of menstruation. These include dietary patterns and sleep.
Influence of Ramadan on Menstruation
Ramadan is a tough mission for the body. During Ramadan, millions of Muslims worldwide fast from dawn until sunset, resulting in an altered meal pattern. Also, sleep patterns will be affected. These changes on occasions contribute to an imbalance in hormone secretion, altering metabolic and neuro-endocrinal responses, thus sometimes resulting in a decrease of blood volume, late menstrual period or even the absence of it.
For many years, women in their periods were shamed for breaking the fast, sometimes they had to hide to eat or drink. Perhaps knowing that female bodies experience some physiologic and psychological challenges might be scary and for this reason, it is important to keep in mind that fasting is meant to be a spiritual challenge, not a threat to health.
Each individual experiences the challenges of Ramadan in a unique way
Understandably, some women hide from eating in front of others, out of respect. However, women need to embrace and empower their bodies and their changes, as well, it is important to celebrate cultures and traditions, but never shame or be ashamed for experiencing something completely natural.
This celebration has to be used to break down taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. As a society, there is a lot to do, to make women feel comfortable. A good start might involve discussing their experiences plainly and seeking support without fear of judgement.
Remember, that women are not defined just by biological functions, but by a combination of ideologies, spirituality, emotions, etc. Whether you are fasting or not, your spiritual journey is valid and valuable.
Celebrate the diversity of experiences and honour the strength and power of all Muslim women.
Ramadan Mubarak
Sources
Muhammad Ikhsan, Muhammad Fidel Ganis Siregar, R. Muharam, The relationship between Ramadan fasting with menstrual cycle pattern changes in teenagers, Middle East Fertility Society Journal, Volume 22, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 43-47, ISSN 1110-5690,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mefs.2016.08.004. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110569016300267)
Brandeis University: Spiritual Life, Ramadan, https://www.brandeis.edu/spiritual-life/resources/guide-to-observances/ramadan.html
BBC, What is Ramadan and How Long does it Last and why do Muslims Fast?, https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-56695447