Menstrual Cycle Basics: A Guide to Understanding Your Body

What is the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a biological process that prepares your body for the possibility of pregnancy each month. It’s a series of hormonal and physical changes, starting on the first day of your period and ending right before the next one begins. 

Did you know? In Islamic tradition, menstruation is treated with respect and dignity. During this time, women are excused from certain acts of worship like prayer and fasting. This is a sign from Allah’s (ﷻ) mercy. You can learn more about the Islamic view on menstruation (ḥayḍ) here. For now, it suffices to say that menstruation is not a “break” from faith. Rather, it’s a time to reconnect with Allah via other forms of worship and focus on spiritual well-being through reflection and remembrance. This is all while appreciating the mercy Allah has shown women exclusively.

When does the menstrual cycle start?

Your menstrual cycle begins around puberty, typically between ages 9 and 16. Signs that your period may soon begin include the development of underarm and pubic hair, breast growth (which typically begins two years earlier), and a noticeable growth spurt in height. Other signs of puberty include the appearance of acne, changes in body shape (such as wider hips), increased body odour, and vaginal discharge, which often starts several months before menstruation as the body prepares for the menstrual cycle.

The onset of your first period is called menarche. This marks the beginning of reproductive years. On average, menarche occurs around age 12, though this can vary.

Once you start menstruating, unless you become pregnant or experience a health condition that affects your periods, you’ll continue having cycles until menopause. 

What if menstruation has not started yet?

There are several possible reasons why a period may be delayed, including being underweight, engaging in high levels of physical activity (such as dance, gymnastics, or athletics), experiencing stress, or having a hormonal imbalance. These factors can all affect the body’s ability to regulate the menstrual cycle.

If your periods haven’t started by the age of 15 – or by 13 if there are no other signs of puberty – it’s important to consult a GP. They may recommend a blood test to check hormone levels and identify any underlying causes.

In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a gynecologist (a doctor specialising in women’s health). The specialist can help pinpoint the reason for delayed periods and discuss appropriate treatments or next steps to support your health and well-being.

How long is a menstrual cycle?

On average, a menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days. But this can vary from person to person, ranging anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Though, in the first few years of menarche and as you approach perimenopause, they may be between 21 to 45 days. A shorter or longer cycle doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem – though, it’s still helpful to track and understand your own rhythm.

Everyone’s menstrual cycle is unique, with variations in pain, cycle length, symptoms, and the heaviness of bleeding being entirely normal. However, if your cycle consistently falls outside the typical range of 21 to 35 days, it may signal an underlying issue that should be addressed.

How much blood is lost?

While it might feel like a lot, the total amount of blood lost during a period is typically around 20 to 90ml (approximately 1 to 5 tablespoons). It doesn’t come out in a sudden gush but gradually throughout the day. You might notice a reddish-brown stain on your underwear or your sheets, especially in the morning.

During the heaviest days of your period, menstrual blood is typically bright red. As the flow lightens, the colour may change to shades of pink, brown, or even black, reflecting the natural progression of your cycle. These variations in colour are normal and part of the body’s cleansing process.

The four phases of your menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle can be broken down into four phases:

Menstrual phase (Day 1-5)

This is when you get your period. During this phase, your body sheds the thickened lining of the uterus (endometrium), which causes bleeding. You may experience cramping because the uterus contracts to help expel the lining. Bleeding typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It is most heaviest during the first couple of days – its duration can vary from cycle to cycle due to factors like stress, diet, or hormonal changes.

Note that not all bleeding is considered menstruation from an Islamic perspective. According to fiqh, there are specific criteria that define a valid period. Any bleeding outside these parameters may be classified as for example, istiḥāḍah (irregular bleeding). You can familiarise yourself with these guidelines here.

Follicular phase (Day 1 – 13)

This phase overlaps with menstruation and continues after your period ends. The brain releases a hormone called FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). This prompts your ovaries to prepare an egg for ovulation. Eventually, one dominant follicle (containing an egg) emerges. Oestrogen levels rise during this time, giving you more energy and sometimes improving your mood.

Ovulation (around Day 14)

Ovulation is when  a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube. This is your most fertile time, so if you’re planning a pregnancy, monitoring this phase is key. Note that you may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge that looks clear and stretchy like egg whites.

Luteal phase (Day 15 – 28)

After ovulation, the empty follicle becomes the corpus luteum. This produces progesterone to prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy by thickening the endometrium/lining. If fertilisation doesn’t happen, the corpus luteum breaks down. Hormone levels drop and your body begins the cycle again. Many women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during this time, including symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and tender breasts. 

Tracking your menstrual cycle

Tracking your menstrual cycle can be a game-changer in understanding your body and taking care of yourself. Whether it’s recognising when your body needs extra rest or spotting when you feel your best, tracking gives you a head start.

What should you track?

To get started, here are some key things to track:

• Physical symptoms: Note any cramps, bloating, headaches, or other sensations.
• Body changes: Record fluctuations in energy, appetite, and even skin conditions like breakouts.
• Quality of sleep: Use simple markers like “good,” “okay,” or “poor” to see how your cycle impacts rest.
• Mood fluctuations: Track shifts in your emotions, interest in social activities, or stress levels.
• Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Recording your daily temperature can offer insights into ovulation or hormonal shifts.
• Cervical fluid changes: Pay attention to the consistency and amount, as these changes can be linked to fertility.
• Exercise performance: If you’re active, note how your workouts or recovery times vary throughout your cycle.

Irregular cycles

If your period is irregular — whether in timing, length, or intensity — tracking becomes even more essential. Irregular cycles can be caused by factors like stress, weight changes, travel, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

For women with irregular cycles, consistently recording symptoms like spotting, mood changes, or physical discomfort is key. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns that might help you predict your cycle or highlight issues to discuss with a healthcare professional. This data can provide valuable insights into why irregularities occur and what steps can be taken to manage them.

Benefits of tracking

Period tracking isn’t just about knowing when to expect your next cycle — it’s about providing yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health. Here’s how it can help:

• Predict your period: Have a better idea of when to prepare for your next cycle.
• Understand mood swings: Notice trends in how your emotions shift across the month.
• Identify ovulation: Helpful for both conceiving and avoiding pregnancy.
• Manage symptoms: Pinpoint triggers for cramps, fatigue, or other discomforts and take steps to ease them.
• Improve exercise routines: Time your workouts around high-energy and low-energy phases.
• Monitor changes: Keep tabs on how factors like stress or diet affect your body over time.
• Enhance your spiritual routine: Sync your ibadah (acts of worship) with confidence, knowing when to pause and resume.

By tracking your cycle, you’re taking an active role in caring for your health and well-being — something Allah ﷻ has entrusted us to do. It’s a way to honour the natural rhythms of your body while gaining clarity and control over your menstrual journey.

The more details you track, the easier it becomes to see patterns and understand your cycle. Stay tuned for the Taahirah App — a quick and easy companion to access on the move. You can log thoughts, feelings, and changes to your mood on top of logging physical changes like vaginal discharge and cramps.

Celebrate your cycle

Don’t just track your cycle — celebrate it. Your body’s monthly rhythm is a sign of the incredible way Allah has designed you. With that understanding comes the power to nurture both your physical and spiritual well-being. Remember, now that you’ve read this, it’s super important for you to learn more about the specific Islamic Law rulings.

Reviewed by Dr Mahnur Khan